I have been messing about with one of the so called Plasma electric lighters. Interesting device. This one has 4 posts arranged in a 1/4" square. When lit and viewed from above, an arc is formed between the opposite diagonals forming an X.

The arc generates very little heat. I can put my finger about 1/2" above it and feel very slight heat if I hold it there long enough. Afterwards I can detect that it did burn my finger, but so very slightly and it was a funny burn. Like only the very top layer was damaged.

This means that the fuel (solid fuel) must come in contact with the arc to light the fuel. Of course gasses like propane ignite when the gas intercepts the arc.

A very unscientific study of various burnable things make me believe that the arc is very intense. Every burnable item I tried ignited immediately.

However it was just about impossible to light the contents of a pipe unless the arc was in contact with the fuel. It would not fit in the smallest of pipes, making it useless as a direct ignition source. Of course one could ignite something else and use it as a secondary ignition source.

It charges with a micro USB. Have only charged it a few times and never have fully discharged it. Seems to run for a long time.

I don't remember where I purchased it so no link. But Amazon has many to choose from.

I don't carry it EDC because my primary use of a lighter is for melting cordage or heating heat shrink tubing. This lighter will do neither very well.

But it works. Every time I push the button it lights. I wet it, dry it off and it works. This model has a waterproof case and can be fully submerged when locked closed.

I don't think it really generates a plasma arc.... or does it? Anybody else mess with one of these?