RV Lost to Fire Caused by Modified Extension Cord and Aftermarket Receptacle

Location: Whistler

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

Incident overview

An electrical fire in a recreational vehicle (RV) was completely damaged when a portable heater was plugged into a modified extension cord, where the original receptacle end was cut off and replaced with an aftermarket receptacle. The line voltage conductor of the extension cord was likely not terminated correctly, resulting in repeated arcing. As the circuit breaker did not have arc-fault protection, the arcing ignited flammable material nearby and the fire spread throughout the RV, causing fire, heat, and smoke damage.

No injuries were reported as the RV was vacant at the time of incident.