Posted by Ted Pagels on 02/23/2010 at 21:05:03:

Hello,

Several questions first: What is the condition of all the wiring associated with the aquarium? Was a power strip or other extension cord used? How were other potential electrical appliances (lights, pump, etc.)with the aquarium ruled out as the cause? What does the manufacturers literature state about the heater device operating without water?

Comments on your posting: I am not an electrical engineer. I would like to think the failure scenario/theory(s)you present would have caused a breaker to trip before any water evaporated away from the unit.

My experience with fires originating around aquariums is a usually a high resistance failure of an electrical connection normally a power strip, extension cord or power cord plugs that has had water dropped on it eventually causing corrosion of the outlets and precipitating a high resistance situation. Be sure you have checked all this before going after the heater manufacturer.

Just some thoughts to share.

Ted Pagels
FIREPROSe, LLC
Green Bay, WI