Overhead distribution lines are prone to single-phase grounding faults due to external environmental interference. On site operating experience has shown that most single-phase grounding faults in distribution networks are usually accompanied by arcs. If not dealt with in a timely manner, they pose a significant threat to power equipment and the surrounding environment. Therefore, this article uses PSCAD and MATLAB software to model and simulate arc grounding faults in distribution networks. The arc characteristics of single-phase grounding faults under different neutral grounding modes are analyzed, and the stability and instability of the arc are considered. Zero rest time, waveform distortion rate of fault phase voltage, and proportion of high-frequency components of zero sequence current are used as comprehensive criteria to quickly detect arc faults and improve the reliability of protection actions and power supply safety.