A contact start plasma torch has a shuttle element disposed between a cathodic component and an anodic component. The shuttle element is movable between a first position and a second position and is maintained in the first position during an idle mode and a cutting mode. When the shuttle element is in the first position, a separation is maintained between the cathodic component and the anodic component of the plasma torch. The shuttle element momentarily bridgingly connects the cathodic component and the anodic component when it is located in the second position and initiates a plasma arc therebetween as it returns to the first position.