Progressive Connector-Site Damage May Preserve the Path but Not the Initiator

What the evidence preview establishes

The physical evidence established surface arcing and severe current damage around the power-connector joints, accompanied by shorted protection devices. It did not conclusively distinguish a connector-initiated short from an internal circuit short that subsequently overloaded the connector.

Why this case matters

In heavily burned electronics, distinguish the proven damage path from the unproven initiating event. Compare failures at different stages, preserve adjacent components, and examine undamaged assemblies before selecting corrective action.