Copper metallurgy as a diagnostic tool for analysis of the origin of building fires

Copper debris originating from electrical wiring, fixtures, or electrical machinery, is frequently found in building fire residues. Changes in macro- and microstructure of this copper can be explicitly related to exposure temperature, time, ambient oxygen or foreign materials, mechanical stress, and the initial condition of the metal. The circumstances under which such changes can or cannot be regarded as proof of the cause and origin of the fire are outlined.