Almost a Fire

Over the years I have investigated numerous fires and explosions. Last week we came so very close to having our own fire. J.E.I. has been in “remodel” status for over two years. The lab is our current project. If you have or are contemplating remodeling, be careful, it can happen to you.

At the beginning of our remodel project, it was decided we needed A LOT of additional electrical power and a new large electrical panel was added. Our first “dry wall” guy installed the dry wall, patched it all up and went on his way.

Last week, it was decided to add insulation to the wall containing a new, large fuse box. When Ernie, our new carpenter/dry wall guy, removed a screw to take down the drywall, a sudden arc/arc flash occurred (scared him to death!). How the grounding occurred, I don’t know.

Evidently, when the drywall was installed by the first “dry wall” guy, he carefully drove the screw into a bundle of electrical wires. The tip of the dry wall screw penetrated the electrical wire insulation, but evidently there was no electrical contact and/or there was no “path to ground” and the screw merely kept the drywall in place but was in contact with (and/or in very close contact with) the copper wire conductor.

It is well established in the literature that this type of situation can remain latent for years. However, movement of the building/wall/foundation, or nearby remodeling can “cause things to move”, electrical contact and/or arcing occurs and the result is often a fire.

In our case we are very thankful that no fire occurred and we are especially thankful that Ernie was not shocked/electrocuted (we kinda like Ernie).

Hint: If you are doing remodeling, caution your “dry wall” guy (or girl) to be especially careful when driving screws and/or nails around electrical wires.