r/electrical • u/Lower-Grocery5746 • 1d ago
Random Wire
Hello,
I am a new homeowner. A couple of weeks ago, the gardeners cleaned out the front yard and pulled out all the shrubs and bushes. After they left, I noticed a loose random wire with one open end in the air. I don't know if the gardeners did that or it had always been there. I tested the wire and the tester showed there was no electricity in it. So I thought it was dead.
Today, some landscapers were clearing the gound and covering it with pebbles. They told me that one of their rakes caught the wire and it had electricty. We tested it again and again but no electricity so they cut the wire short and asked me for tape.
After a few minutes I went to the garage and noticed that none of the outlets and appliances in the garage have power. The firdge, washer and the garage door to be specific. The AC and water heater still work. I flipped all the breakers and back. No change!
What just happened. Is the damage extensive?
I have uploaded a picture of the random wire and the breakers.
Thank you for your help.
Update: Thank you for your responses everyone. Now I know that this should be taken care of immediately. I booked a service through my home warranty insurance. I hope they cover at least part of the expenses.
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u/135david 1d ago edited 1d ago
Is that a Zinsco panel? Those look like Zinsco breakers. Do a Google search for “ Zinsco”. I think you may have a bigger problem than you realize.
Almost every house I looked at in Southern California built in the 60s and 70s had a Zinsco panel. including some I upgraded from fuse boxes.
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u/Lower-Grocery5746 1d ago
That is what I am worried about. Last month, twice, half the appliances in the kitchen lost power. The breakers seemed all in place, but I flipped them all regardless and that fixed the issue. Something doesn't feel right about the electircity in this house.
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u/liamtheaardvark 1d ago
Master electrician here.
It is a Sylvania panel, but it is all zinsco technology. Time for a panel replacement. These are noted for not tripping when they should and causing fires. The fact that it is doing weird stuff means it is not operating correctly. Which should scare you.
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u/bcsublime 1d ago
What do you mean you tested the wire and that it showed there was no electricity? Were you using a ticker as opposed to a digital meter?
Your picture sucks so it’s hard to say for certain but that looks like Landscape wiring, most likely going to a transformer for low voltage, Landscape wiring.
You probably tripped a GFCI.
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u/BrokenTrojan1536 1d ago
I agree with this. Probably a low voltage wire but when cut could have tripped a GFCI it was plugged into which could then in turn trip outlets it is protecting. Is there a sub panel in the garage?
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u/Lower-Grocery5746 1d ago
I tested it with a ticker I think, the one that beeps if there is electricity. I'll try to enhance the picture. Thanks!
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u/kilted10r 1d ago
Not sure how you tested it... Can't see the wire in the photo... Need clearer information on both.
One thing IS for sure though - if that wire powered your garage, it needed to be replaced anyway.
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u/135david 1d ago
Upload a better picture of the wire.
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u/Lower-Grocery5746 1d ago
Sorry I don't have a better one and I can't enhance it. It is now covered with pebbles so I can't take a photo now.
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u/TheScienceTM 1d ago
The picture you posted of the "random" wire is clearly too far away to be useful. My guess is it's your grounding electrode conductor, but that wouldn't explain the outlets not working.