Hidden Fire Hazard: How We Prevented a Potential Electrical Fire in Wheat Ridge, CO

This past fall, we were called to diagnose a mysterious power loss in a rental home in Wheat Ridge, CO. The homeowner had no idea what was lurking behind the walls—an electrical hazard that could have easily turned into a devastating fire.

Armed with advanced diagnostic tools, including scopes and circuit tracers, we methodically searched for the root cause. After a series of exploratory openings, we zeroed in on a trouble spot above a three-gang switch box. At first, we expected to find a burned-out connection, but what we discovered was far more alarming.

A blue plastic, code-approved, non-flammable electrical box was actively overheating—pressed tightly against a wooden stud behind the drywall. Upon closer inspection, we saw the telltale black scorch marks forming on the wood, a clear sign of ongoing heat damage. This was a disaster waiting to happen. With just a small draft from the attic, these embers could have ignited into a full-blown fire.

The culprit? A hazardous aluminum-to-copper connection—a common but dangerous issue in older homes built during Vietnam era (1965-1975). Thankfully, we were able to permanently repair the faulty connection using the permanent COPALUM crimp method, restoring both power and safety to the home.

This case is a stark reminder of why electrical inspections and upgrades are crucial, especially in rental properties where hidden dangers can go unnoticed. If you’re experiencing unexplained power issues, don’t

wait—have a licensed professional inspect your wiring before it turns into an emergency.

Need an electrical safety inspection? Contact us today!

Found a "buried' actively burning junction box containing AL-CU connections behind a wall.

The approved electrical non-flammable blue box was actively burning, laying against a wood stud behind the wall.

It's hard to see but the black charring is visible on the wood stud, where the burning blue electrical box was laying.