wiring in Air Handler caught on fire

[mcgmari]

Got a new Air Handler in October...Amana ARUF3642 CA16. This week I accidentally switched on the heat mode to "emergency heat"....and it did not come on. Figured it was the thermostat so replaced that with an identical one from the lower level of the home. Still did not come on. Took panel off new Air Handler and discovered the blue wire that connects to the major black wire had burnt through and was just hanging there. I disconnected the furnace til a repairman arrives. My question - would turning on an emergency heat switch do this to the wiring?? The thermostat is a Honeywell Chromotherm III....about 14 years old. Thanks for any insight.

[juster]

In answer to your question, no.

When the mechanic comes out question as to why this happened. Maybe who ever installed your new air handler did something that caused the wire to burn. Burning wires are not normal. It could be that the heater shorted causing the wire to burn, but a fuse or breaker should have tripped before a wire burns.