Sanderson, Jack L. Wire Examinations. Fire Findings, Vol. 3, Issue No. 3, Summer 1995, p. 7.

Abstract: This article examines different conditions wires may be found in at a fire scene. In most situations, visual examination cannot determine whether the wire caused the fire. This article explains several wire conditions and how they were caused. Broken wires, connectors, and beads are discussed with illustrations included. A beveled edge indicates that a wire was cut and not broken. A broken wire will usually have stands at different lengths. Conductors can be found in many states indicating whether the connection was hand-made or not. Beads are also explained and their presence can have many meanings. Beads can form as a result of heating or electrical arcing and they appear virtually the same. It is the opinion of Fire Findings that that visual examination of wires alone cannot conclude that the wires were the cause of the fire. A point of origin must first be established.

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