FORENSIC ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE

                     Randy D. Down, PE, CFEI, CVFI

Samples: Electrical Investigations Marine electrocution involving improper wiring Electrocution involving improper design of light fixtures Non-code compliant wiring and enclosures at commercial store Fire resulting from failed stator winding in fan motor Engine compartment fire resulting from worn insulation on starter conductor Limousine fire caused by undersized fuse protection of after market wiring Well pump motor failures due to lightning strikes Headlamps on or off at time of vehicle collision Electrocution due to improper design, test procedures and safety interlocks on an industrial microwave system HVAC system compressor failures due to lightning strikes Arc fault mapping to aide in determining origin of fire Level instrument failure resulting in tank overflow condition Motorcycle fire caused by arcing at electrical connector Residential fire caused by arcing at defective extension cord Copier machine over-current condition at thermal sensor Arcing at contacts and welded contacts at defective relays and switches Defective electrical bid specifications Inadequate lighting levels Improperly placed lighted exit signs Sample Mechanical Investigations Boiler System Failure Analysis Piping Stress Failure Analysis Tank Level Control Failure Failed Power Tool Locking Mechanism Failed PVC Piping Failed Metallic Piping and Fittings Fractured Plastic Water Filters Ruptured Vent Piping Failed Turbochargers Brake System Failures Brake Fires Due to Friction Failed Flexible Water Hoses Failed Compression Fittings Corrosion Failure Motor Imbalance (vibration) Pump Cavitation Compressor Failure Due to Mechanical Fatigue Commercial Product Manufacturer Defects HVAC System Analysis (psychrometrics) Static Pressurization Ventilation System Analysis

Categories: Electrical Systems Electrical Inspections for NEC Compliance Wire Tracing (powered and un-powered circuits) Insulation Testing Grounding Methods Fault Detection Design Reviews Vehicle Fire Causation Structural Fire Causation Electrocution Lightning Protection Intrinsic Safety Area Classifications Mechanical Systems Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems Industrial Ventilation Refrigeration Systems Fluid Pumps and Hydraulics Bulk Storage Tanks Pneumatic Conveying Systems Material Handling Systems Vehicle Brake Systems Fire Suppression Systems Product Defects Vibration Analysis Compressors and Vacuum Systems Failed Flexible Water Hoses Failed Compression Fittings Corrosion Failure Motor Imbalance (vibration) Pump Cavitation Compressor Failure Due to Mechanical Fatique Commercial Product Manufaturers Defect HVAC System Analysis Static Pressurization Ventilation System Analysis FIRE & EXPLOSION INVESTIGATIONS Residential Structure Fires Involving Portable Electric & Kerosene Heaters Central Heating Systems Faulty Electrical Wiring Improperly Installed Wiring Extension Cords Stored Combustible Materials Spontaneous Combustion Arson Commercial Structure Fires Retail Stores Office Buildings Apartment Buildings Day Care Centers Public Schools Vehicle Fires Automobiles Light Duty Trucks Diesel Trucks Tractor-Trailers Motorcycles Commercial Product Fires Refrigerators Toasters Dryers Microwave Ovens Water Heaters Exhaust Fans Power Tools Circuit Breaker Panels Fuse Panels Industrial Explosions Metal, Chemical and Wood Dust Flammable Vapor Pressure Vessels Heavy Equipment Fires Front End Loaders Track Hoes Bulldozers Tree Feller Bunchers Diesel Tractors