Cooking Cable in the Kitchen

[Wilko]

Hi - working on a new kitchen today and while stripping out some cable I noticed a damaged section, pic below. I had a good look about and no external heat sources nearby, so I can’t blame the central heating pipes. The conductors’ insulation doesn’t seem to be heat damaged, maybe it’s tougher than the sheathing? Anyone seen this before?

Anyway, the original 32A RFC fed a toaster, kettle, microwave, 2 fridges, the boiler, dishwasher, washer, dryer and a plug in 3kW wall heater - which may’ve been a step too far. I’ll be splitting those loads up so hopefully no more cable cooking.

 

[ipf]

Looking at the conductors, no way has that heat damage come from them....it's external damage.
No sign of blackened copper, I'd wager,

 

[Andy78]

I'd say external damage too. I've never seen sheath damage from internal heat where the insulation has been in that condition. Usually fully disintegrated.
Any copper pipes nearby that have been soldered in situ at any point ?

 

[Wilko]

Good morning and Thanks for your replies.

I’m early to the job today and yes, there are copper water pipes nearby. The rising main and various to the sink etc. As they were cold feeds I had discounted them.

But as you say - with no internal scorching and with the close alignment of the external damage to both cables it’s not likely the result of an electrical problem.

I think Mr Plumber was practising his cooking skills .