Fire Investigation – Electrical & Energy Systems
Independent fire investigation of electrical and energy systems requires engineering-led analysis rather than pattern-based fire examination. At AusEng, fire investigation is directed at determining origin, cause, and contributing mechanisms within electrical installations, energy storage systems, solar PV systems, electromechanical equipment, and associated control infrastructure, using evidence-based engineering and scientific methods.
Scope of Fire Investigation
This page addresses the independent investigation of fires involving electrical and energy systems, where determination of origin, cause, and contributing mechanisms requires engineering and scientific analysis. The scope includes fixed and mobile electrical installations, electrical distribution equipment, energy storage systems, solar photovoltaic systems, power electronics, electromechanical equipment, and associated control, protection, and monitoring infrastructure.
The focus of this work is on electrical and energy-related initiation mechanisms, failure modes, and system interactions that may lead to fire or thermal events. This includes, where relevant, assessment of installation practices, component condition, operating history, environmental factors, and compliance with applicable standards.
This page does not address purely structural or non-electrical fires unless an electrical or energy system is implicated or reasonably suspected. Investigations outside this scope may require different methodologies or specialist disciplines.
Investigation Methodology
Fire investigations undertaken by AusEng are conducted using a systematic, evidence-based methodology grounded in engineering and scientific principles. The process typically includes site examination and evidence preservation, identification and examination of relevant components and systems, review of operational and event data, and analysis against applicable engineering standards and known failure mechanisms.
Where appropriate, investigations incorporate electrical measurements, modelling, fault analysis, materials examination, and laboratory testing, supported by specialist analytical techniques obtained through accredited laboratories and research institutions. Conclusions are formed through correlation of physical evidence, data, and engineering analysis, rather than reliance on pattern recognition alone.
Findings are documented in clear, defensible reports suitable for regulatory, coronial, insurance, dispute, and expert-evidence contexts.
The following pages address specific applications of electrical and energy-system fire investigation. Each should be read in conjunction with the overarching scope and methodology defined on this page.
• Electrical Fire Investigation
• Solar Inverter Fire Investigationt
About Dr Peter J. Seebacher
Dr Peter J. Seebacher is an Australian electrical engineer, physicist, and forensic investigator with over 40 years of experience in electrical engineering analysis, fire investigation, and failure mechanism evaluation. He is the Principal of AusEng Pty Ltd, an independent Australian engineering and scientific firm specialising in complex electrical and energy system incidents.
Dr Seebacher provides independent investigation and expert reporting for matters involving electrical-origin fires, switchboards, wiring, industrial equipment, solar PV systems, inverters, batteries, and energy storage systems (EESS/BESS). His work supports insurers, legal teams, police, fire authorities, regulators, and coronial processes requiring defensible engineering reasoning.
Qualifications and Recognition
PhD (University of Sydney)
MEngSc (Research) (University of Sydney)
BAppSc (Honours) (NSWIT / UTS)
Fellow — Engineers Australia
Fellow — Australian Institute of Physics
Life Member — IEEE
Australian representative — EL-062 SyCSmartEnergy, IEC TC120 (Electrical Energy Storage Systems)
Forensic Expertise
Electrical fire origin and cause investigation
Switchboard and distribution failures
Solar inverter and PV system incidents
Battery and energy storage fires (EESS/BESS)
Arc fault, insulation breakdown, and thermal escalation mechanisms
Expert reporting for insurance, litigation, and regulatory matters
Technology and Advanced Systems
Dr Seebacher is also known for advanced technology development, including optical-fibre Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) systems for thermal monitoring of critical infrastructure.
Engagement
AusEng provides independent engineering and forensic services across Australia for high-consequence technical matters.
Electrical Fire Investigation
Electrical fire investigation focuses on fires where electrical installations, equipment, or energy systems are implicated in the initiation or development of an incident. This includes fixed wiring, switchboards, protective devices, appliances, industrial equipment, and power distribution systems.
Investigations address electrical failure modes such as insulation breakdown, overheating, arcing, tracking, component failure, and interactions between electrical systems and their operating environment. Analysis is conducted using engineering principles, electrical measurements, standards interpretation, and correlation of physical evidence and operational data.
Solar Inverter Fire Investigation
Solar inverter fire investigation addresses fire incidents involving photovoltaic inverters and associated DC and AC infrastructure within solar energy systems. This includes grid-connected, commercial, industrial, and utility-scale photovoltaic installations.
Investigations consider inverter topology, power electronics, DC isolators, cabling, protection systems, operating history, fault records, and environmental conditions. Fire origin and cause analysis is informed by engineering assessment of electrical stresses, failure mechanisms, system configuration, and compliance with applicable standards.