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In our increasingly electrified world, where the electricity courses through circuits and cables, fires occasionally erupt. These fires that are at times fueled, caused, or allowed to occur by electrical malfunctions, demand meticulous investigation. Our engineering experts specialize in analyzing the electrical aspects of fire investigations. CED utilizes its expertise to understand and explain the origin and cause in these events which many times includes an electrical evaluation.
Lithium-ion batteries dominate the energy storage landscape due to their high energy density and rechargeability. Investigating battery fires requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining electrical engineering, materials science, and forensic analysis. In addition to battery powered failures, other types of electrical failures can cause fires. Common causes of electrical failure include faulty appliances such as aging devices or damaged components such as a frayed power supply cord. Additionally, distribution system failures such as overloaded circuits and loose connections are hazardous. An example would be the electrical loads of digital infrastructures, including server rooms and data centers which can become a fire risk due to the generation of immense heat.
Essential safety precautions to avoid electrical fires include checking your appliances and wiring on a routine basis. Always plug major appliances directly into a wall outlet and avoid using extension cords. Additionally, remember to unplug small appliances when not in use and keep flammable materials away from light bulbs and heat sources. Inspect devices and their power supply cords for damage. Practicing safe electrical habits can significantly reduce the risk of fires and keep everyone safe.
If an electrical fire does occur, our engineers will present clear, concise, findings and opinions for the investigation. If an electrical component or aspect would need evaluated, CED has engineering experts with the correct education, experience and training. Our electrical fire expertise specifically includes electrical “shorts” (arcs), electrical “overloading”, electrical shocks, installation, distribution equipment, maintenance and electronic/electrical component failures. Electronic component failures can include devices that use electricity as the probable cause of the accident, consumer products, marine devices, motorized or mechanical devices, and more.
Ideally, the earlier a CED fire investigator can have access to the scene to begin their investigation the greater the amount of data can be collected from the scene and its surroundings. CED engineers specialize in investigating cases where electrical components or electronics are suspected to be the primary cause of loss or injury. At CED, we have engineers who collaborate to provide a comprehensive opinion where electrical components or electronics were the cause of the loss or injury. See our full list of experts here.
