Case 2245 ยท Public preview
The Same Corrosion Process Can Make a Resistor Appear Shorted or Open
Field units were reported as shorted, but dry bench measurements found both resistors open or nearly open at approximately 290 to greater than 300 megohms.
Resistance measurementOptical microscopySEMEDSMicrosectioningExternal-to-internal corrosion tracing
What the evidence preview establishes
Chlorine- and sulfur-driven corrosion produced two electrical effects: metallic migration across the resistor exterior created moisture-dependent shorts, while corrosion of the steel end-cap connections created internal open circuits after the assembly dried.
Why this case matters
A reported short and a measured open need not conflict. Preserve the environmental state and trace corrosion on both the exterior and internal terminations before deciding that separate failure mechanisms are required.
Full evidence reserved for MEMBER and STOREThe complete case includes the evidence sequence, four interpreted figures, alternative explanations, limitations, and practical application guidance.