The Controlled Opening Switch with Arc (or Controlled Opener With Arc) component models a two-terminal, single-pole, electrical switch whose contacts arc when opened, which occurs when the control input voltage increases above a defined level.
Depending on the connected circuit, the arc voltage reduces the current through the switch. When the current reaches zero the arc is quenched and the switch goes to the off-state. When the Boolean input signals to close the switch again, the switch is closed immediately.
In an AC circuit, the arc quenches when the next natural zero-crossing of the current occurs. In a DC circuit, the arc will not quench if the arc voltage is not sufficient to force the current to zero.