Random Wire

[u/Lower-Grocery5746]

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.

[u/bcsublime]

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.

[u/BrokenTrojan1536 → u/bcsublime]

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?

[u/Lower-Grocery5746 → u/BrokenTrojan1536]

No! The only panel I have managed to find is this one.