An investigation of arc zone pressures duringCEVAR(consumable-electrode vacuum-arc remelting) experiments has shown that pressure differences and gradients within furnaces are functions of pressure itself, electrode composition, and the degree of arc-zone confinement. There is evidence also that some previously puzzling contrasts in arc-furnace behavior may be explainable on the basis that two pressure dependent forms of electrical discharge operate with distinct potentials. The lower voltage form tends to become unstable at pressures1 Torr. The higher voltage form seems to be most stable at pressures<0.1 Torr. For continuous operation and maximum versatility, aCEVARfurnace should be able to accommodate both discharge forms by providing for variability of vacuum conditions.