Dwelling sustained minor damage caused by wattage overload

Location: Castlegar

Regulated industry sector: Electrical - Low voltage electrical system (30V to 750V)

Incident overview

Two high wattage heating appliances created a high temperature condition at each 120 V supply receptacle due to the high current flowing through the receptacle contact elements and the conductor terminations at each receptacle. The current flow reached the maximum ratings of the equipment, and over time the high temperature resulted in the breakdown and melting of the receptacle structure and insulating plastics. Damage was isolated to the wall surfaces.