A research paper from several YA Group experts titled, “Experimental Determination of Temperatures Achieved by Hot Particles Produced from Electrical Arcing” has been named a 2025 Editor’s Choice article by the Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention — one of the field’s most respected peer-reviewed publications.
“The metallurgical state and temperatures of hot particles produced from electrical arcing have been woefully mischaracterized and misunderstood by the fire investigation community — this research advances that understanding in a measurable, reproducible way,” said co-author Jonathan Contreras.
Electrical arcing — the discharge of electricity through air or across conductors — is a well-known ignition hazard and a frequent subject of post-incident investigations. Despite its prevalence, the precise temperatures reached by the molten and incandescent particles ejected during arcing events have historically been difficult to measure experimentally. This paper provides a novel testing methodology to determine the initial temperatures of ejected, arc-produced particles.
The findings carry practical significance for forensic engineers, fire investigators, and electrical safety professionals who must assess whether arc-produced particles could have ignited susceptible fuels. Accurate particle-temperature data allows for more reliable causation determinations — particularly in cases where arcing is suspected but contested.
The Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention serves engineers, scientists, and technical specialists working to understand why materials, components, and systems fail. Its Editor’s Choice designation is determined solely at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief, reflecting scientific rigor, originality, and relevance to the broader field.
The original paper, “Experimental Determination of Temperatures Achieved by Hot Particles Produced from Electrical Arcing,” co-authored by Kevin Lewis, Jonathan Contreras, Ethan Ensminger, Jonathan Hodges, Tommy Halim, Benjamin Baumann & Jeffery Marsh, is available here.