MEPF Failure Investigation

Plumbing systems may be affected by clogged and overflowed sewer and drain lines, installation defects, material defects, overflowed appliances, and toilets due to equipment malfunction, as well as failed piping and leaks due to corrosion or excessive pressure. YAES engineers evaluate all types of plumbing systems and issues. Our engineers are experienced in designing, diagnosing, operating, and maintaining these systems. Commonly investigated systems include plumbing fixtures, domestic water heaters, hot and cold domestic water piping, sanitary sewer and vent piping, and storm drains. We also have experience evaluating plumbing appliances such as clothes washers and dishwashers.

YA engineers have decades of experience evaluating various building types’ fire protection and life safety systems. Our engineers are experienced in all aspects of these systems, including design, diagnosis, operation, and maintenance. Our experience with fire sprinkler systems includes wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, deluge systems, and fire protection systems for range hoods in commercial kitchens. We also have a background in evaluating smoke control systems and the response of building mechanical systems to fire alarms and power outages. Our knowledge of these systems allows YA to guide building owners, restoration contractors, and insurance carriers regarding whether systems and equipment can remain in service or require repair or replacement.

While we enjoy the modern conveniences that electricity provides in our daily lives, there lies a hidden danger and risk from improperly installed and maintained electrical systems, components, appliances, and equipment that can cause property damages, injury, or death in the form of an arc flash, electrocution or electric shock incident. YA engineers have the knowledge, training, and experience to evaluate all electrical system failures that cause arc flash, electrocution, or electric shock incidents. Our experience in electrical failure analysis, our extensive knowledge of electrical safety codes (NFPA 70 and 70E), and our ability to identify critical physical evidence allow us to determine the cause of arc flash, electrocution, and electric shock incidents. Commonly investigated electrical systems include distribution systems (split-phase residential, three-phase commercial, and industrial), overhead power lines, switchgear, busways, isolation switches, appliances, industrial equipment, HVAC equipment, medical equipment, marina systems, and boats.

YA engineers have the knowledge, training, and experience to evaluate all types of electrical systems, boilers, and electro-mechanical equipment failures to determine the cause of equipment breakdowns. We combine our experience in electrical and mechanical failure analysis with our ability to identify critical physical evidence in determining the cause of equipment breakdowns. Commonly investigated equipment and systems include electrical distribution systems (three-phase commercial and industrial), commercial kitchen equipment, large industrial equipment, HVAC equipment, air compressors, boilers, and elevators.

Electrical, mechanical, and fuel gas systems and equipment can fail in catastrophes and have been known to cause fires in various structures, vehicles, and marinas. YA engineers evaluate all types of failures known to cause fires. We have experience analyzing electrical and mechanical failures and know how to identify critical physical evidence to determine the origin and cause of fires. Our engineers follow the principles outlined in NFPA 921, the industry guide for fire investigations, and have Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) certification by the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI). Commonly investigated electrical and mechanical systems include electrical distribution systems (commercial, residential, and industrial), appliances, equipment, motors, generators, engines, heaters, HVAC, furnaces, boilers, refrigeration equipment, lithium-ion batteries, solar equipment, vehicles, marinas, and boats.

Electrical systems, components, appliances, equipment, etc., can be affected adversely by lightning and/or electrical power surges. YA engineers have the knowledge, training, and experience to evaluate all types of electrical system failures resulting from lightning or power surges and the ability to distinguish between the two events. We combine our experience in electrical failure analysis with our ability to evaluate credible historical weather data and identify critical physical evidence in determining the cause of lightning and power surge events. Commonly investigated electrical systems include electrical distribution systems (split-phase residential, three-phase commercial, and industrial), appliances, smart home/home automation systems, industrial equipment, radio antennae towers, exterior lighting, HVAC equipment, elevators, generators, video surveillance systems, PBX telephony systems, digital signage and scoreboards, solar equipment, lightning protection systems, marinas, and boats.