Author(s):
1. Vojkan Zorić, Megatrend univerzitet, Serbia
2. Radovan Radovanović, University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Serbia
3. Vesna Petrović, VISOKA TEHNIČKA ŠKOLA STRUKOVNIH STUDIJA U NOVOM SADU, Serbia

Abstract:
Frequent scientific controversies regarding short circuits as a cause of fires in copper installations in buildings are increasingly attracting the attention of the professional and scientific public. The authors conducted experiments under various conditions using samples of copper conductors of different properties from several real fire events in order to examine the cause of fires. The methods applied are the x-ray diffraction (xRD) method, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS) method, and the light polarization microscopy method. During the laboratory test, the authors followed the techniques of Russian scientists, which are used in the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES). The results obtained were statistically processed and indicate that in most cases of fires, the cause was precisely faulty electrical installation of copper conductors (due to mechanical damage, unprofessional installation, irregular inspections).

Key words:
Short circuit, forensics, X-ray diffraction, electron microcopy, polarization, experiment.

Date of abstract submission:
17.06.2025.

Conference:
Contemporary Materials 2025 - Savremeni Materijali