The San Francisco Fire Department hosts Electrical Aspects of Fire Investigation
February 25-27, 2025
San Francisco Fire Department
2310 Folsom St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
Class begins at 8am
This course addresses the critical skills essential to the effective investigation and evaluation of fires involving potential electrical fire causes. This course utilizes state of the art techniques, practices, protocols and standards to assist investigators to properly and effectively evaluate electrical systems and associated components to ascertain their role in a fire. Students will be provided with a basic knowledge of electricity, electrical circuits and distribution systems, proper evaluation and recognition of common electrical faults and failures of electrical components and circuits, as well as a working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and how it applies to fire investigations. The use of “Arc Mapping” will also be discussed and ho it can be effectively used to assist in fire origin determination. Participants will also be able to demonstrate a general knowledge of electricity, electrical circuits, systems and arc mapping principles through a series of instructor-led “hands-on” practical exercises.
Topics to be covered: Scene Safety; Definitions / Terms; Atomic Theory and Electricity; Ohm’s Law / Joules’ Law; Magnetism; AC vs. DC; Transformers; Three Phase Power; Branch Circuits; Service Entrance; Meter Usage; Circuit Breakers; Wiring; Measuring Voltage & Current; Electrical Failure; Evidence Collection; Scene Processing; Electrical Heating; Arcing Through Char & Melting; Examination Hints; Myth Avoidance; Arc Mapping; Open Neutral Failure; Intrusion Alarm and Surveillance Systems; Electrical Examinations; and Case Studies.
You will need to bring a laptop/tablet, power tap and extension cord, regular and Philips screwdriver, wire cutters, and needle nose pliers.
CFITrainer.Net® Module Prerequisites:
Arc Mapping Basic
Basic Electricity
Electrical Safety
Residential Electrical Systems
Introduction to Evidence
Prerequisites are required as supporting knowledge for the class and the examination. Materials within the class and examination will reference all Prerequisites.
Fees:
IAAI-Member $380.00
Non-Member $560.00
Debit/Credit Card payments only. If you must use a check or other means please contact IAAI-Training@firearson.com
Cancellation Structure:
31 days prior to start of class, monies refunded.
30 days prior to start of class, no refund.
Questions? IAAI-Training@firearson.com
All IAAI offerings are subject to cancellation or changes.