text: Humans may have been lighting fires since we lived in caves and dined on woolly mammoth, but now there’s 21st century way to create a flame. A new lighter uses electricity to ignite, and it’s claimed to be the first flameless gadget of its kind. The device, called the Illume ArcLighter, creates a ‘super high-intensity’ electrical arc and contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery so users will never run out of fuel at a tricky moment again. A bright idea: A new lighter (pictured) uses electricity to ignite candles and paper for example, and it’s claimed to be the first flameless gadget of its kind . Its inventors, based in Edmonton, Canada, are raising money to put the lighter into production on Kickstarter and have almost doubled their goal. Instead of using a spark and fuel mechanism like traditional lighters, the Illume ArcLighter creates a ‘super high-intensity’ electrical arc between two ceramic electrodes. Flameless: Instead of using a spark and fuel mechanism like traditional lighters, the Illume ArcLighter creates a ‘super high-intensity’ electrical arc between two ceramic electrodes. Its inventors say it lights in any direction and is rechargeable, among other qualities shown above . Safer? Instead of using a spark and fuel mechanism like traditional lighters, the Illume ArcLighter creates a ‘super high-intensity’ electrical arc between two ceramic electrodes. This means there is no flare ups (pictured) like with matches or conventional lighters that can easily burn fingers . Illume ArcLighter replaces a traditional flame with a high intensity electric arc that focuses its energy at the tip. It doesn’t need to be refilled with fuel but is instead powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery. 'Simply place the Illume ArcLighter on its dedicated USB powered charging dock and it will be ready for the next moment you need it,’ the company says. ‘When electricity jumps between the two conducting electrodes at the tip of the lighter, it produces what is known as an electric arc. ‘The air between these electrodes becomes ionised, creating the brilliant visual arc which produces the high heat.' ‘When electricity jumps between the two conducting electrodes at the tip of the lighter, it produces what is known as an electric arc,' the company explains. ‘The air between these electrodes becomes ionised, creating the brilliant visual arc which produces the high heat.’ While the arc may be smaller than an open flame, it is much hotter, so it lights wicks more quickly and can be used from any angle. The company says: ‘Unlike a regular lighter, there is no flame that can flare-up when positioned upside down. ‘You can freely use the Illume ArcLighter in any direction. Even completely vertically.' The lighter has flame-proof ceramic tips with a zinc alloy cover and a plastic body. It focuses its heat at the tip so it won’t leave sooty marks behind. Convenient: The device (pictured) has a built-in lithium ion battery and comes with a USB-powered dock (also shown) so it can be easily recharged. The lighter has flame-proof ceramic tips with a zinc alloy cover and a plastic body . The device has a built-in lithium ion battery and comes with a USB-powered dock so it can be easily recharged. The start-up shows the lighter being used to ignite candles, incense, gas stove tops and paper as long as the material fits between the electrodes. The device costs CAD$40 (£21 or US$32) via Kickstarter including the charger and cable. It's expected to ship in November. Durable: The device (pictured), called the Illume ArcLighter, contains a lithium-ion battery and can be recharged, meaning that users will never run out of fuel at a tricky moment again .
target: Illume ArcLighter creates a ‘super high-intensity’ electrical arc .
  It uses electricity stored in a lithium ion battery instead of standard fuel .
  Arc is smaller than an open flame, but is much hotter and doesn't flare up .
  Device is available to pre-order via Kickstarter for CAD$40 (£21 or US$32)