That's a great "Reader's Digest" explanation.

The only thing I would add, is that while this strip was definitely a "cheap" (probably under $10 US) strip, I have found much more expensive devices with similar failures. It was probably more prone to a fault, but, the fundamental principal in my earlier response would also apply to the fixed outlet that this strip was plugged into... I have seen those with similar damage because the $50+ circuit breaker on the branch circuit did not detect the arc fault.

Misuse and abuse. It really ticks me off that people can't follow directions. [Linked Image]