Findings library
Improperly seated conductor in a rectifier circuit
A conductor not fully seated in a breaker lug inside a rectifier circuit, identified through visual inspection after a small thermal rise prompted a closer look.
What was found
This finding demonstrates why electrical inspections should never rely only on temperature. The thermal pattern showed only a small temperature rise because the redundant circuits were carrying most of the load. Visual inspection revealed the conductor was not fully seated in the breaker lug.
Why it mattered
The rectifier supplied backup battery systems supporting telecommunications equipment.
Potential consequences
Because redundant circuits were carrying most of the load, this issue could have remained hidden until load conditions changed and the connection was called on to carry more current.
Recommendation
Inspect, disassemble, clean and reassemble to proper component torque.
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