Unprotected High-Voltage Cable Ignites Fire After Neon-to-LED Sign Conversion

Location: Langford

Regulated industry sector: Electrical

Incident overview

An electrical fire started inside the wall above a restaurant entrance after a neon sign was replaced with an LED sign, leaving energized high-voltage conductors unprotected. The fire was contained to the sign area and surrounding ceiling and wall, requiring firefighters to cut exterior wall sections and remove ceiling tiles during suppression. Moisture ingress, failure to properly decommission conductors, and uncertified installers performing electrical work without permits contributed to the incident.