A Scientifically Substantiated Methodology for Differentiating Damage in Aluminum Wires and Cables After Fires

This study addresses one of the key challenges in the field of fire-technical examination: the development of a scientifically grounded classification of damage in aluminum conductors. The main objective of the work is to create an accurate methodology for clearly distinguishing defects caused by emergency operating conditions of electrical equipment, such as short circuit, current overload, and poor contact, from damage resulting from external fire exposure. To achieve this objective, experiments were conducted. Various fault and thermal exposures were simulated on prepared samples. Analysis of the resulting damage was performed using modern instrumental methods: scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence analysis, and metallography. During the study, a set of diagnostic criteria for different types of exposure was developed, and a step-by-step expert methodology was created. This methodology defines a strict sequence of investigations—from initial visual inspection to detailed microstructural analysis. The practical significance of this approach lies in its ability to significantly enhance the accuracy, objectivity, and evidentiary weight of expert conclusions when determining the electrical causes of ignition.