Energized Wire Melted Copper Gas Line
Incident Investigation
Energized Wire Melted Copper Gas Line
October 30, 2023
Gas
Reference Number:
II-1659120-2024 (#43277)
Location: Langford
Regulated industry sector: Gas – Natural gas system
Incident overview
During a fireplace service in a row house, an energized 120V wire contacted a copper gas line, creating an arc and melting the gas line. The damaged gas line caused uncontrolled release of gas and ignition until the technician extinguished it. Further investigation saw a damaged factory crimp in the wiring with the uninsulated conductor exposed. The open conductor may have been due to manufacturer defect or field damage.