Arc Fault interrupters are supposed to prevent this by detecting the electr=
ical noise from the failing connection.=20

If you were in the US, I'd suggest the Consumer Products Safety Commission.=
  They have big pointy teeth and aren't afraid to use them.

Glad you're ok though, and it certainly could have been much worse.

As to the double wire thing, they might have been intending to detect a sho=
rt between the silver and copper wires?  Just guessing.

--=20
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