What characterizes a sever arc in fire investigations?

A sever arc in fire investigations is characterized by an arc site where conductors were severed by arcing events. This distinction is crucial for investigators as it indicates that the electrical energy present caused sufficient heat and energy to not only create the arc but to physically damage or sever the conductors involved. Such arcs are often indicative of a malfunction, overload, or another electrical failure that led to a fire incident.

Understanding this characteristic helps investigators identify the origin and cause of the fire, as well as assess the electrical system’s condition prior to the event. Investigators can also draw conclusions about the potential for future incidents or safety issues within similar electrical systems. In contrast, a site where all circuit conductors remained intact would suggest that arcing events were non-destructive or related to other issues that do not point to a critical failure, which is not the case with a sever arc. The other options focus on aspects that do not directly define a sever arc, like the state of conductors or fire damage, rather than the specific consequence of the arcing itself.