We’re Forensic Engineers & Expert Witnesses

An electrical utility received a trouble report that involved a smoking electric meter.  While troubleshooting, the utility company worker opened the metering compartment in the service entrance switch gear and was subjected to an electrical arc blast.  The questions raised included applicable codes and standards of care.

A grove worker was electrocuted when his metal ladder contacted the hot conductor of an overhead electric power line.  The ladder the worker was using was made of conductive metal.  The length of the ladder was greater than the clearance to the overhead power lines.  The questions raised involved standards of care, OSHA, National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), Electrical Safety in the Workplace (NFPA 70E), and others.

A fire destroyed a moth balled plant previously used to manufacture automobile batteries.  The fire was believed to be of electrical origin and destroyed not only the building but also the manufacturing equipment stored in the building and waiting shipment to other facilities.  Tasks included supporting a Fire Origin and Cause investigation but also determining the value of the damaged and destroyed manufacturing equipment.

A fire occurred which destroyed thousands of acres of woodlands, fields, farms, and homes with multiple fatalities.  Tasks included support of the Fire Origin and Cause investigation including analysis of the electrical system as well as determining alternate means and methods of constructing the overhead utility line where the fire originated.  Applicable codes included the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC). We have investigated and reported on the largest wildland fires in US history including those occurring in five states.

A railroad worker was riding on top of a rail car in a terminal area.  While passing under an overhead power line, the worker made contact and was injured.  The questions raised involved standards of care, National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), railroad occupational safety and health standards and others.

A child was killed when he touched the underwater light in the family swimming pool.  Investigation included recent upgrades to the electrical service entrance, upgrades to the pool equipment, installation of a whole house generator, repairs to lighting on the boat dock (over salt water) adjacent to the pool deck.  Extensive measurements were made of the ground resistance and electrical gradient in the pool water.  The pool lighting system was reconstructed in a temporary water tank to further test the equipment involved.