An arc flash can generate temperatures of __________, which is hotter than the surface on the sun.

• A. 10,000°F
• B. 25,000°F
• C. 35,000°F
• D. 50,000°F

Answer: (C)

Arc flash temperatures can reach tens of thousands of degrees in a fault, producing extreme heat that drives burns and damage. The figure most often cited for the maximum arc flash temperature is about 35,000°F, which is roughly 19,400°C. That level is hotter than the surface of the sun, which sits around 9,932°F (5,500°C). So 35,000°F is the best answer because it matches the widely used reference for arc flash heat. The lower numbers underestimate the peak heat, and while 50,000°F is even hotter, it isn’t the standard figure used in this context.