Forensic Engineering Analysis of a Residential Fire Caused by An Open Neutral

Yoandi Interian; Steve Pietropaolo

doi:10.51501/jotnafe.v41i2.917

Authors

Yoandi Interian LGI Forensic Engineering, P.C. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2734-2741
Steve Pietropaolo LGI Forensic Engineering, P.C. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4090-9911

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51501/jotnafe.v41i2.917

Keywords:

Open Neutral, Floating Neutral, Fire, Electrical Fire, Utility Pole, Forensic Engineering, Neutral Service Splice, Relocatable Power Strip, RPT, Power Strip

Abstract

An open neutral or floating neutral is a condition that occurs when the electrical current passing through the neutral conductor in a multiwire circuit is not balanced. This condition can occur when there is a break in the neutral wire, resulting in a loss of continuity in the neutral. As a result, an imbalance in electrical voltage is created in the electrical system. This paper will discuss the forensic engineering analysis of a residential fire caused by an open neutral. It will discuss in detail how a large tree fell on power lines near the house, fractured a nearby residential utility pole, caused a failure of the neutral service splice, and resulted in the separation of the neutral portion of the service line. It will further discuss how the open neutral resulted in a power strip overheating and caused the fire.

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