Which type of short-circuit condition is always associated with higher fault current due to additional resistance from the arc?

The arcing condition is associated with higher fault currents due to the presence of an arc, which increases the total resistance in the circuit.

In short-circuit scenarios, an arcing condition occurs when electricity jumps between conductors or from a conductor to the ground, creating a plasma conduit. This arc generates significant resistance compared to a bolted or solid short-circuit condition, where conductors are directly connected with little impedance. As the resistance increases in an arcing condition, the fault current can become very high when the arc factorizes and allows a substantial current to flow momentarily, potentially leading to severe equipment damage or hazards.

In contrast, the bolted condition typically has lower resistance and higher current since it represents a direct electrical connection. The normal condition reflects operational circuitry where no faults are present, and ground condition refers to a specific type of fault where current is diverted to the ground, which could have varying resistance based on the grounding system's impedance.