Activation or enhanced arc durations due to the presence of minute quantities of organic contaminants in low‐current arcing atmospheres is becoming a problem in the reliability of the new generation of miniature relays sealed in plastic or metal containers. This article describes arc duration reduction by the addition of the electronegative gases, SF6and C2Cl3F3to the arcing atmosphere when part‐per‐million hydrocarbon impurities were present. The effects of hydrogen on the arc durations is also examined.