The numerical model of the non-linear evolution of edge-localized modes (ELMs) in tokamaks being used in this paper assumes that thermoelectric currents flow in short connection length flux tubes, initially established by error fields or other non-axisymmetric magnetic perturbations. The additional magnetic perturbation of the current filaments changes the magnetic topology. In a self-amplification process, more flux tubes are created which eventually allow more thermoelectric current to flow through the plasma edge. The process of flux tube formation is highly sensitive to the position of the secondary X-point in typical single null discharges in DIII-D. A new scenario for cases with large distances Δs between the secondary X-point and the primary separatrix is presented. In the numerical simulations, as Δs is increased the current evolution through short connection length flux tubes changes significantly. Ultimately, a final state with large stripe structures is found that results in footprints on the vessel wall which are similar to those found when Δs is small (Wingen et al 2010 Phys. Rev. Lett.104 175001).