I don't think anything went to ground, rather it is due to too much load on the connection, "normal" load, and any resistance at the connection would be translated into heat. The heat distorting connection, increasing resistance at connection that then increases heat, and so on.

I think Mark explained it before, simple case of an undersized connector. Makes one wonder about any other connectors having same issues. I haven't pulled all of my plugs off the back of the panel, but I know I have a flakey one that connects to the right rear turn signal.

I like the new style fuse panel, but I don't find pulling the connectors much fun.

alistair

On 2011-11-03, at 5:57 PM, Phil Zimmerman wrote:

> Conventional and simple resistive DC circuits theory says so� E=IR
> I have no argument here David.
> 
> However, Ohm's law does not, with any satisfaction, explain the burnt contacts Alistair et al, have experienced.
> Some sort of magic must have occurred that sent those D15 contacts directly to ground!
> This would burn the crap out of those contacts, as Alistair's photos depict.
> How did this happen?
> 
> Show me and I'll join your parade...
> 
> Pz
> 
> On 2011-11-03, at 3:28 PM, David Beierl wrote:
> 
>> At 10:27 PM 11/2/2011, Phil Zimmerman wrote:
>>> When observing burnt positive connections on anything Vanagon related;
>>> I wonder what ground(s) were adding to the impedance that caused the heating?
>> 
>> Any such ground problems, while decreasing circuit function as a whole, would lessen, not aggravate, contact burning at a different location.
>> 
>> Yours,
>> David