Transforming Forensic and Fire Investigations with Digital X-ray & CT

When it comes to investigations of accidents or fires, particularly when safety and lives are affected, getting to the root cause is imperative. For forensics and fire science, the ability to see inside damaged components without altering the evidence is a game-changer. Technologies like industrial Computed Tomography (CT) scanning and x-ray imaging are revolutionizing failure analysis—providing forensic professionals with the insight they need to draw accurate conclusions quickly and nondestructively, layer by layer.

North Star Imaging (NSI) and Safety Engineering Laboratories (SEL) recently partnered on a forensic investigation that demonstrates just how vital digital x-ray systems and 3D x-ray technologies have become in this arena.

The Scenario: A Close Call with a Household Light Switch

An individual noticed a burning odor and a light switch that was hot to the touch and would not turn off. They quickly shut off the power—possibly preventing a fire. But what caused the malfunction?

With the help of x-ray scanning, the team at SEL was able to examine the failed switch without opening or damaging it. They compared the damaged part to an undamaged exemplar, a standard technique in fire investigation. This non-invasive comparison is made possible by high-resolution industrial CT 3D x-ray imaging, which reveal internal features like arc tracking and fused components—critical clues in reconstructing the sequence of failure.

How the Investigation Process Works

1. Initial interviews and background research, including wiring schematics, product recalls, and manufacturer blueprints.
2. 2D digital X-ray imaging for quick views of the internal layout.
3. 3D CT scans to isolate defects, trace wires, and explore hidden damage with digital slicing.
4. Comparison with exemplars, which strengthens hypotheses and removes guesswork.

As SEL’s Tom Hoffmann explains, “The nice thing about CT is you can follow melting or arcing into a wire and trace that through the sample—without changing the specimen. That gives you more information to get to the proper hypothesis.”

The team hypothesized that cleaning fluid sprayed on a switch left in the “on” position created a high-resistance fault. This led to overheating, melting, and fused contacts. Using x-ray scanning and industrial CT, they were able to document this in a comprehensive report without disturbing the evidence, which is vital for legal and insurance purposes.

Tools like digital radiography and computed tomography X-ray scanning allow forensic investigators to extract the truth from even the most fragile or burnt specimens.

The result?

Faster answers, preserved evidence integrity, and stronger support in court.

Learn More

Whether you’re investigating battery failures, electronics malfunctions, or post-blast debris, industrial CT scan technology from North Star Imaging helps deliver clarity when it matters most.

To explore how North Star Imaging supports forensics and litigation, visit:
The technical write up on this case study

NSI’s forensics and product liability information
Safety Engineering Laboratories CT Services