Abstract: Accurate identification of the ignition cause in electrical fires is crucial for promptly resolving disputes, effectively preventing recurrence, and minimizing losses. Achieving this objective relies on evidence collection and identification techniques. Addressing the practical needs of electrical fire investigation, this paper reviews research advances in electrical fire evidence collection and identification techniques in China, including evidence localization techniques based on BMS, cloud, and smart meter data analysis; key breakthroughs in intelligent molten mark recognition; recrystallization mechanisms of short-circuit molten marks; destructive testing methods for aluminum/brass evidence and Micro-CT/X-ray non-destructive testing technologies. Future developments trends in evidence classification systems, integrated analysis technologies, and ignition propensity characterization are also presented.

Key words: electrical fire evidence, molten mark, physical evidence identification, fire investigation