Electrical Fire Analysis

This training module will provide the fire/arson investigator with practical understanding of applicable electrical codes and standards technical skills necessary to investigate, properly identify, and determine electrical failures mechanism, as it relates to examining a fire scene. This training module will provide both classroom and hands-on training with practical exercises on how to use electrical testing equipment. How to conduct a systematic examination of the entire electrical system incoming service, equipment branch circuits, appliances, devices, and the premises wiring. Attendees will be provided the basic overview of electricity, how it can cause a fire due to some act or omission within the system. The attendees will have a better understanding of electrical theory and terminology when testifying in court proceedings or writing a report.

Upon Successful Completion Attendees will have been provided skills and knowledge to:

• Better Understand the Introduction to Electricity
• Demonstrate a better Understanding of Electrical Function and terminology used in the code to better identify a device or wiring system when writing a report.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of different power systems used in Commercial and Residential applications and different nominal voltage systems.
• Have a better understanding of how arc mapping can assist the examiner in determining if the fire resulted from electrical energy.
• Understand product suitability listing and labeling according to UL standards for the application.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of personal safety on a fire scene recognizing the health hazards involved
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of the National Fire Protections National Electrical Code NFPA 70 and Fire and Explosion Investigation 921 guidelines along with NFPA 1033 Standards for Professional Qualification for fire Investigators.
• Demonstrate knowledge of resistance heating examine electrical devices of potential failure in this area.
• Demonstrate knowledge with exhibits how fire effects conductor materials differently (copper vs: Aluminum) energized verses de-energized demarcation lines.
• Identify electrical devices prone to resistance heating
• Demonstrate Examining a breaker panel terminations that can develop resistance heating.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the chemical composition of electrical equipment in relation to combustion.
• Demonstrate Knowledge behind Arc-Fault circuit breakers.
• Demonstrate knowledge why systems are grounded
• Spoliation of Evidence