I agree MexicoWanderer. I posted this same topic on another board, and we've now determined that the cause of my "melt-down" was likely one or more loose and/or corroded connections on the neutral buss of the power center. They were a slow ticking time bomb, that quickly accelerated when I began running a ceramic heater this winter. This combo eventually caused the whole buss to overheat and wires to melt.
Even though, when I first discovered the fried wires, they all seemed tightly secured into the buss, what I've now learned is that corrosion (or the residue from the arcing) could make loose connections appear tight and fine, when in fact, they were not.
So, a very important reminder to everyone to safe-check their electrical connections regularly....and ESPECIALLY if you plan to use a high-draw continuous appliance such as an electric heater!
Lynne
