Incorrect Wiring Causes Electrical Fire in Supermarket

Location: McBride

Regulated industry sector: Electrical - Low voltage electrical system (30V to 1000V)

Incident overview

A refrigeration company was hired to install four new refrigeration units for remodeled walk-in coolers in a supermarket. The workers from the refrigeration company, who were not qualified to complete electrical work, rewired the new refrigeration equipment and reconnected the walk-in coolers’ front door strip heaters to an in-ceiling electrical junction box. The incorrect wiring caused an electrical fire, damaging wiring as well as the surrounding ceiling and wooden trusses. The refrigeration company hired to do the work did not have an electrical installation permit, was not a licensed electrical contractor, and did not have B-R Refrigeration FSR certification.