JOHN D. GASKELL, P.E.
Specialty: ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FOR BUILDINGS
(Forensic consulting electrical engineer specializing in disputes relating to electrical design and construction of buildings. Electrical failures/explosions; electrocutions; fires of electrical origin; errors and omissions; standard of care; National Electrical Code compliance; illumination evaluations; power quality; grounding; lightning protection; and electrical accidents. Member: National Academy of Forensic Engineers.)
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
University of Rhode Island, 1966
Associates in Electrical Engineering Technology
Wentworth Institute, Boston, MA, 1962
Professional Registration:
Registered Professional Engineer in Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Professional Practice:
John D. Gaskell, P.E. is President and Chief Engineer of Gaskell Associates Consulting Electrical Engineers. This engineering practice, established by him in 1971, specializes in electrical systems for buildings. Gaskell Associates recently became a division of Thielsch Engineering, a 250 person, diverse engineering firm.
For over 30 years Gaskell Associates has provided electrical design services to architects and building owners, including: Power Distribution Systems; Emergency Power Systems; High Voltage Power Distribution Systems; Lighting Design; Fire Alarm systems; Lightning Protection Systems; Security Alarm Systems; Communications Systems; MATV & CCTV Systems; Computer Power and Network Systems; UPS & Power Conditioning Systems; Magnetic Field Measurements and Mitigation; Power Quality Studies, Measurements and Monitoring; Feasibility Studies and Forensic Investigations & Legal Testimony.
Service to clients has been the key to their success.
Professional Affiliations:
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
President of the Rhode Island Society of Professional Engineers 1980-1981
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA)
Founding President of the Rhode Island Chapter 1975-1976
National Academy of Forensic Engineers
R.I. State Building Code Standards Committee
Electrical Sub-committee Chairman
Electrical League of Rhode Island
Providence Engineering Society
National Electromagnetic Field Testing Association
Honors and Awards:
FREEMAN AWARD from the Providence Engineering Society
This award was established for the purpose of recognizing major achievement in engineering. It is held to be unique in that it recognizes accomplishment, inventiveness, development of theory, or the application of scientific knowledge in such a way as to provide advancement in the art and practice of engineering.
ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
From the Rhode Island Society of Professional Engineers
LIGHTING DESIGN AWARDS
Hall Library, Cranston, Rhode Island
From the New England Section of IESNA
Lincoln School Gym, Providence, Rhode Island
From the Rhode Island Chapter of IESNA
ESD FIRST PLACE NATIONAL DESIGN AWARD
"Uninterruptible Power Supply" (UPS) system for Fleet National Bank's Computer Operations Center in Providence, RI, with initial capacity of 600 KVA and expandable to 1 Megawatt.
From Electrical Systems Design Magazine
WEISMAN MEMORIAL AWARD
In recognition of sustained and meritorious service
From the Rhode Island Chapter of IESNA
Publications:
‘Anatomy of a Power Outage” Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) Magazine, October, 2001
“Consulting Engineer: Watch Out for Decline in Power Quality” APC UPTIME, April, 2001
"Avoiding EMF's - Designing Buildings Limiting Occupants Exposure to EMF's. "Power Quality Assurance, September/October, 1996.
"Electrical Design with EMF in Mind." Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC & M) Magazine, February, 1995.
"Expandable UPS Serves Bank Operations Center." Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC & M) Magazine, March 1988.
"Effects of Voltage Reduction." Electrical Consultant, February 1974
Lectures:
"How Fire Alarm System Requirements Effect Building Owners". Lecture presented to the Building Owners and Managers Association of Rhode Island, May 2005.
"What Realtors Need to Know About The New Fire Alarm Systems Requirements". Lecture presented to the Rhode Island Association of Realtors, February, 2005.
"Fire Alarm Systems for Building Owners". Seminar presented, by Gaskell Associates Consulting Engineers, to over 400 attendees, regarding the changes to the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code precipitated by the Station Nite Club Fire, November 2004.
"Electrical Systems for Buildings". Lecture presented at the advanced lighting course for the Rhode Island Chapter of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, January 2000.
“Power Quality Audits and Monitoring.” Lecture presented at the Rhode Island Plant Engineering Maintenance Show and Conference”, October 1999.
"Forensic Engineering - How to prepare a case." Lecture presented to the Electrical League of Rhode Island, September 1998
"Power Quality studies and Monitoring." Lecture presented to the Southern New England Network Users Group, July 1998.
"Power Quality in New Buildings." Lecture presented at the Building Systems Course, Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI, April 1998.
"Electrical Systems for Buildings." Lecture presented at the advanced lighting course for the Rhode Island Chapter of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, January 1998.
"Power Quality - Why be concerned." Lecture presented to AIA Rhode Island, a chapter of the American Institute of Architects, November 1997.
"Forensic Engineering." Lecture presented to the Rhode Island Chapter of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, November 1997.
"Power Quality Audits." Lecture presented to the New England Healthcare Engineers Society at their Fall Seminar in New London Connecticut, November 1996.
"The Industrial Design Building @ 161 South Main Street." Lecture at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), October, 1996.
"Power Quality Studies & Solutions." Lecture presented to the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Association of Plant Engineers, October 1996.
"Avoiding EMF's." Lecture presented at the National Conference on Harmonics and Power Quality in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 1995.
"The Architect's Roll in Electrical Design." Lecture presented at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), October 1994 and December 1995.
"Lighting Design in Commercial Buildings." Lecture presented at Roger Williams University College of Architecture, September 1992.
"I.E.S. Lighting Design Awards." Lecture presented to the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Institute of Architects at their Fall Conference, October 1990.
"Uninterruptable Power Supply Systems." Lecture presented to the Rhode Island Hospital Engineers Association, February 1987.
"Energy Efficiency in Electrical Systems." Lecture presented for the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Association of Plant Engineers, March 1986.
"Electrical Systems for Buildings." Course presented at Roger Williams University College of Engineering, fall 1982, 1983, and 1984.
"IES Introduction to Light and Lighting." Course for the Rhode Island Chapter of IES, Spring, 1978.
Forensic Activities:
FIRE INVESTIGATION / FIRE ALARM SYSTEM FAILURE, East Greenwich, RI
Date Hired: July, 2005 GA #PED 60050068
Case Name: Vermont Mutual Insurance Company vs. D & J Alarm Company.
Retained by: Law Office of John T. Madden
(for the defendant)
Synopsis: A fire occurred after a lightning strike, causing a fire and extensive damage to a residence.
Our assignment was to review fire marshal's report; statements made by various parties; photographs of the scene and fire alarm equipment; and determine why the monitored fire alarm system did not communicate an alarm to the fire department.
WATER HEATER FIRE INVESTIGATION, Johnston, RI
Date Hired: June, 2005 GA #PED 60050042
Case Name: Sunbeam Water Cooler Fire Investigation
Client: Manufacturer
Synopsis: A water dispenser, that provides both hot and cold water, caught fire in a retailer's employee break room. The retailer also had several returns of defective water dispensers from customers.
Our assignment was to examine the dispenser involved in the fire to determine if any electrical circuitry or controls were inherently defective. During our investigation, we determined that the operating instructions were confusing and could cause someone to leave in-place a component that prevents water from entering the tank, causing overheating and fire. Further observation showed that component melted in-place on the involved unit.
FATAL VEHICULAR ACCIDENT AT CONSTRUCTION SITE, Providence, RI
Date Hired: April, 2005 GA #050056
Case Name: Robert Anderson vs. Cardi Corporation
Retained by: Kelly, Kelleher, Reilly & Simpson, Providence, RI
(for defendant)
Synopsis: An automobile was driving on a road adjacent to a highway construction project, at night. The vehicle drove into a ditch on the construction site and one occupant was killed.
Our assignment was to meet with the attorney and the defendant's Safety Director; review various documents in connection with the investigation; and determine a protocol for measuring lighting in the area of the incident.
HOUSE FIRE AT CELL CHARGER AND FAN, Westerly, RI
Date Hired: February, 2005 GA #050029
Case Name: Quincy Mutual Insurance Company vs. Phihong USA Corp.
Retained by: The Law Offices of Pamela Storm (for defendant)
Synopsis: A house fire occurred, in the vicinity of a fan and cell phone, shortly after the cell phone charger was plugged in.
Our assignment was to witness destructive testing of a fan; approve testing protocol; inspect articles found in the burn area; review charger design; and make verbal recommendations to the attorney.
ELECTRIC SHOCK-WHEN FLAG POLE TOUCHED H.V. LINE, Providence, RI
Date Hired: September, 2003 GA #203109
Case Name: Jonathan Arce vs. Narragansett Electric Company
Retained by: Holland & Knight
(for defendant)
Synopsis: A youth received an electric shock when a flag pole held by another youth touched a high voltage line and a metal railing.
Our assignment was to review the National Electrical Safety Code and the site conditions to determine if the high voltage line had proper clearances from the building. A verbal report was provided.
MOTOR CONTROL CENTER EXPLOSION, Newark, NJ
Date Hired: May, 2003 GA #203029
Case Name: McFeeley and Knych vs. Square D, et al
Retained by: Goldberg, Seligsohn & Shimrod Law Offices
(for plaintiff)
Synopsis: A motor control center exploded, as two electricians re-energized a circuit, causing injuries to both electricians.
Our assignment was to determine if the motor control center contained inherent design defects, that resulted in an unsafe condition. Our task involved review of extensive design and testing records, and also analysis of the incident. A written report of our findings was provided.
FIRE INVESTIGATION, Waltham, MA
Date Hired: February, 2003 GA #203014
52 Maple Street, Waltham, MA
Retained by: AXYZ, Inc., Sudbury, MA.
(For Taylor & Murphy)
Synopsis: A fire occurred within hours after the steam boiler was serviced.
Our assignment was to review the building wiring and the wiring associated with the boiler, burner and controls for defects and to provide a written report.
BUSDUCT EXPLOSION & FIRE, Hartford, CT
Date Hired: January, 2003 GA #203008
960 Main LLC vs Armani Restorations, Inc.
Retaining Attorney: Mathis & Associates, Hartford, CT (for defendant)
Synopsis: During major reconstruction of a former department store, for use by a community college, a new electrical busduct exploded resulting in damage to the busduct and a fire.
Our assignment was to review correspondence, approve testing protocol and observe dismantling and testing of busduct.
INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED DESIGN ERRORS & OMISSIONS, Galilee, RI
Date Hired: October, 2002 GA #202111
State of RI vs SJV Electric, Inc. vs Power Engineering
C.A. No. 01 – 1932
Venue: Superior Court, County of Providence, State of RI
Retaining Attorney: Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C., Hartford, CT
(for 3rd party defendant, Powers Engineering)
Synopsis: The State took action against an electrical contractor who allegedly did poor and incomplete electrical wiring at fishing piers. The electrical contractor then took third party action against the projects electrical engineer, claiming faulty design.
Our assignment was to review the plans, specifications, shop drawings and correspondence and express an opinion regarding the "standard of care" of the engineer.
INVESTIGATION OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AT POLICE DISPATCH CAENTER, Halifax, MA
Date Hired: June, 2002 GA #202076
Lorie Greenwood vs Browning Ferris and Massachusetts Electric Co.
Venue: Superior Court, Plymouth County, State of MA
C.A. NO 01-1554A
Retaining Attorney: Sally & Fitch, Boston, MA
(for defendant Massachusetts Electric Co.)
Synopsis: A police dispatcher reported receiving an electric shock while sitting at the police/fire dispatch console.
Our assignment was to review the case file, visit the site and to provide a report detailing our findings.
HOUSE FIRE @ ELECTRIC METER, Westerly, RI
Date Hired: May, 2002 GA #202065
The Standard Fire Insurance Co. vs Narragansett Electric Co.,
C.A. #02-075 ML
Retaining Attorney: Holland & Knight LLP, Providence, RI
(for defendant)
Synopsis: A house fire occurred in the vicinity of the electric meter socket.
Our assignment was to review the case file and photographs and attend a viewing of the evidence.
TRANSMISSION LINE FAILURE INVESTIGATION, Bridgewater, MA.
Date Hired: February, 2002 GA #202026
Richard & Virginia Murphy vs National Grid Company
Retaining Attorney: Sally & Fitch, Boston, MA
(for defendant)
Synopsis: A fault on a high voltage transmission line caused current to flow through the earth and do damage to a residence.
Our assignment was to review the case and supervise an insulation resistance test of all the branch circuit wiring at the property.
STAPLES DISTRIBUTION CENTER FIRE INVESTIGATION, Killingly, CT
Date Hired: November, 2001 GA #201120
Retained by: Investors Underwriting Managers, Hartford, CT
(for Kingway Systems)
Synopsis: A new “Inventory Picking System” was in the process of being installed. A fire occurred shortly after workmen had left for the day.
Our assignment was to investigate possible electrical causes for the fire. It included site observations of fire damage; condition of building wiring; and state of picking system and associated wiring. Written reports of progress were provided.
TRACTOR TRAILER PULLS DOWN SERVICE DROP, Hopkinton, RI
Date Hired: August, 2001 GA #201093
Ruth Reed VS Narragansett Electric Co., C.A. #99-0391
Venue: Washington County Superior Court, State of Rhode Island
Retaining Attorney: Holland & Knight, Providence, RI (for defendant):
Synopsis: A tractor trailer truck, making a “U” turn, pulled down a service drop across a road. Plaintiff, in a car on the road, claims to have received an electric shock.
Our assignment was to determine the "sag" that existed, in electric service drop, at the time of the incident.
FATAL APARTMENT HOUSE FIRE, Coventry, RI
Date Hired: April, 2001 GA #201043
Retaining Attorney: Holland & Knight, Providence, RI
(For Narragansett Electric Co.)
Synopsis: Fire occurred in the vicinity of the main electrical service equipment adjacent to a basement apartment.
Our assignment was to investigate the evidence; review the RI Fire Marshall’s report; and express an opinion regarding the likely origin of the fire.
FIRE INVESTIGATION, Cumberland, RI
Date Hired: March, 2001 GA #201035
Robert Frezza vs. Ernest A. Fregeau C.A. #98-6441
Venue: Superior Court, County of Providence, State of Rhode Island
Retaining Attorney: Terence Livingston, Esq., Cranston, RI (for plaintiff)
Synopsis: Fire severely damaged a four unit residence. Origin of fire was in vicinity of power strip and was suspected to be of electrical origin.
Our assignment was to investigate the records of the incident, including: interrogatories; statements; affidavits; requests for production of documents; and depositions and to provide verbal report of findings.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK – WHEN LADDER TOUCHED H.V. LINE, Providence, RI
Date Hired: January, 2000 GA #200002
James & Joni Facer VS Narragansett Electric Co. C.A. #97-0736
Venue: Superior Court, County of Kent, State of Rhode Island
Retaining Attorney: McGovern, Noel & Benik (now Holland & Knight), Providence, RI
Testimony: Deposition (for Defendant)
Synopsis: A Roofing Contractor received an electric shock when an extension Ladder he was hoisting came in contact with a 7200 volt primary overhead power line.
Our assignment was to investigate the incident and comment on the National Electrical Safety Code requirements and New England Electric System Standards regarding spacing of high voltage lines from the building.
FATAL INDUSTRIAL ELECTROCUTION, Pawtucket, RI
Date Hired: December, 1999 GA #19992
Robert R. Andreozzi
Retaining Attorney: Olenn & Penza, Warwick, RI
Synopsis: An industrial employee plugged a portable conveyor into an outlet and was electrocuted. Apparently, a cord cap had been recently replaced and was allegedly improperly grounded.
Our assignment was to review available information and consult with the attorney.
HOUSE FIRE / LIGHT SWITCH INVESTIGATION, Portsmouth, RI
Date Hired: December, 1999 GA #19991
June, 2001 GA #19991.01
Frank Souza vs Leviton Manufacturing
Retaining Attorney: Olenn & Penza, Warwick, RI
Client: Colonial Penn Insurance Co.
Synopsis A fire occurred in a garage that was attached to a single family residence. The origin of the fire was in the vicinity of a light switch.
Our assignment was to review the incident; examine the associated wiring and remaining parts of the switch; compare to exemplar; and express an opinion regarding the cause of the fire.
GUY WIRE / POLE ANCHOR INVESTIGATION, Hopkinton, RI
Date Hired: February, 1999 GA #99013
Anthony J. Bolognese vs Narragansett Electric Co. #98-135 ML
Venue: United States District Court, District of Rhode Island
Retaining Attorney: McGovern, Noel & Benik (now Holland & Knight), Providence, RI (for defendant)
Synopsis: Motorcyclist collided with a car, crossed road and injured hand on guy wire or pole anchor supporting a street light pole.
My assignment was to review the incident and comment on National Electrical Safety Code requirements and New England Electric system standards regarding guying and anchoring of poles.
ELECTRICAL CONVEYOR ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION, Newport, R I
Date Hired: November, 1998 GA #98069
Jason Andrews vs. BMCO Industries, Inc. and Larry Hynson & son, Inc. #51-5767
Venue: Superior Court, County of Newport, State of RI
Retaining Attorney: John T. Madden Law Offices, Cranston, RI
Testimony: Trial (for Defendant)
Synopsis: A workman caught his hand at a nip point between an electric conveyor and a stationary conveyor, inside a large freezer, resulting in severe injury to the hand.
My assignment was to investigate the incident; requirements of the National Electrical Code regarding wiring of the conveyor motor; requirement of ASME "Safety Standards for Conveyors and Related Equipment" regarding safety shut-offs."
HIGH VOLTAGE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION, Providence, RI
Date Hired: February, 1998 GA #98010
Christopher Gomes, et al v. Consolidated Roofing Company,
et al v. Narragansett Electric Company. C.A. No.: 95-4562
AND
Cousin's Restaurant v. Consolidated Roofing v.
Narragansett Electric C.A. No.; 96-1894
Venue: Superior Court, County of Providence, State of RI.
Retaining Attorney: McGovern, Noel & Benik (now Holland & Knight), Providence, RI (for Defendant)
Synopsis: A metal edge strip came in contact with a 25,000 volt overhead electric line, while a new roof was being installed. This energized the aluminum siding and burned out most of the wiring and appliances in the building.
My assignment was to investigate the incident and comment on the National Electrical Safety Code requirements and New England Electric System Standards regarding spacing of high voltage lines from the building. Other issues involved Contractor's responsibility to notify power company when working near their lines and power companies responsibility regarding examination of lines, prior to re-energizing.
GUY WIRE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION, East Providence, RI
Date Hired: January, 1998 GA #98008
Melissa Moseley vs. Narragansett Electric Company
Venue: Superior Court, County of Providence, State of RI
Retaining Attorney: McGovern, Noel & Benik (now Holland & Knight), Providence, RI (for Defendant)
Synopsis: 15 year old pedestrian was injured when she hit her head on guy wire from street light pole.
My assignment was to review incident and comment on National Electrical Safety Code requirements and New England Electric system standards regarding guying of poles and protection of guy wires.
LIGHTING INVESTIGATION, Westerly, RI
Date Hired: August, 1997 GA #97051
Wennmaker vs Godbout
Venue: Superior Court, County of Kent, State of RI
Retaining Attorney: McGovern, Noel & Benik (now Holland & Knight) Providence, RI
Testimony: Trial (for Plaintiff)
Synopsis: Plaintiff fell, leaving a three family residence at night, severely injuring a leg.
My assignment was to observe conditions and measure lighting at night, in the vacinity of the outside stairs. In addition, I reviewed applicable codes and standards and testified at trial.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK INVESTIGATION, Springfield, MA
Date Hired: November 1996 GA #96071
Daniel Bridgman vs. Westvaco
Retained By: Marc H. Richman, Inc., Providence, RI (for plaintiff)
Synopsis: Outside electrician received significant electrical burns while installing feeders at a factory facility.
My assignment was to comment on electricians responsibility regarding lock-out and de-energization of circuits, that he is working on. We also commented on outside electricians reliance on plant electrician's assurance that power is off.
DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Date Hired: July, 1996 GA #96039
City an County of Denver (Plaintiff) VS Fentress J.H. Bradburn & Associates, P.C. (Defendant).
Case Number: 94-CV-845
Venue: District Court of Denver County, State of Colorado
Retaining Attorney: Popham Haik, Denver, Colorado
Testimony: Deposition and Trial (for Plaintiff)
Synopsis: The City of Denver, Co. sued the Architect for the terminal complex @ the Denver International Airport (DIA) for breach of contract, negligence and negligent misrepresentation. The DIA was the largest public works project in the United States between 1990 and 1995. The total cost exceeded $3 billion dollars. The terminal complex cost $405 million, of which $53 million was electrical.
My assignment was to review and investigate 143 alleged electrical errors and omissions. My tasks included site observations, review of the Electrical Design Plans and Technical Specifications, review of Change Order Files, review of Contracts, interview of witnesses, write a rebuttal of the electrical experts report, give testimony at Deposition, prepare trial exhibits, provide testimony at trial.
FIRE INVESTIGATION, West Warwick, RI
Date Hired: January, 1996
Retaining Attorney: Famiglietti & Carlin, Ltd., Providence, RI (for Defendant)
Synopsis: House fire with multiple fatalities. I did field investigation of electrical wiring.
LIGHTING INVESTIGATION, Brown University, Providence, RI
Date Hired: November, 1990 GA #90081 & #97091
Marshall Contractors, Inc. (Plaintiff) VS Brown University (Defendant)
Venue: Superior Court, County of Providence, State of RI
Retaining Attorney: Christopher H. Little & Associates, P.C., Providence, RI
Testimony: Trial (for defendant)
Synopsis: Under a "design-build" contract, Marshall Contractors, Inc. provided lighting for four tennis courts on the roof of Pizzatola Athletic Facility. Brown University alleged that the lighting was not suitable and refused to pay the Contractor.
My assignment was to investigate and measure the lighting levels, review electrical drawings and specifications, review of correspondence, analysis of guidelines and standards, prepare a report and testify at trial.
LIGHTNING INJURY INVESTIGATION, Warwick, RI
Date Hired: March, 1982
Linda Talley (Plaintiff) VS Leesona Corporation (Defendant)
Retaining Attorney: Higgins, Cavanaugh & Cooney, Providence, RI
Testimony: Workman's Compensation Hearing (for Plaintiff)
Synopsis: The plaintiff was hit by lightning in the parking lot at work.
My assignment was to investigate the site and testify at the hearing concerning the nature of lightning, site conditions and the associated dangers.
| Permission to use or disclose my name in negotiations, or otherwise, or in any formal or informal way indicate that I am a consultant or expert witness in any matter, is not granted until I have been retained in that matter. |
