Sanderson, Jack L. and Finneran, Jim. "Special Report: Floating Neutrals - How to Check Continuity of Ground and a Checklist for Determining the Problems." Fire Findings, Vol. 3, Issue No. 1, Winter 1995, p 7.

Abstract: This article explains floating neutral problems and how electrical power is distributed to a house. A floating neutral occurs when the path from the utility pole to the fuse box or breaker panel is broken. This break can cause higher voltage to enter the house. As a result, household appliances designed to operate on 120 volts can sometimes experience as much as 240 volts. The article explains, in detail, how this process happens.

When an investigator determines that an appliance has started a fire, the electrical service supplying the appliance should also be examined. Some appliances are unable to operate with a higher voltage. The fire may have started in the appliance, but a floating neutral situation and higher voltage to the appliance could have been the cause.

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