What hazard is associated with the oil canning of junction box sides?

Oil canning refers to the phenomenon where a flat sheet metal surface, such as the sides of a junction box, distorts or buckles but does not fail structurally. This distortion can create gaps or openings in the junction box, compromising its integrity and the electrical connections within.

The shorting hazard arises from these gaps, as they can allow wires or conductive materials to come into contact with one another unintentionally. If a live wire touches another wire or conductive surface through these openings, it may cause an electrical short circuit. A short circuit can lead to overheating, sparks, or even ignite surrounding materials, posing a significant risk of fire and damage.

Thus, the key concern with oil canning is related to its potential to create these unsafe conditions, leading directly to a shorting hazard, making it critical for junction boxes to maintain their structural integrity without oil canning to ensure safe and reliable operation of the electrical system.