Effects of Bad Buried Electrical Lines on My Home

Thank you so much!

I don't think you can get a definitive answer on the potential damage as there are too many other variables that matter.

I guess the answer really boils down to whatever an attorney can sell the other party as that is what it ultimately shakes down to be.

You have a weak case....It's not likely that any damage can be proven or in fact that any occurred.....otherwise we would not be having this conversation....the motors all have overload protection....Unless you were monitoring and recording the incoming voltage, you have no proof of lack of reliable service....Even if you had that you would have to have documentation from the contractor that did the repair proving that it was caused by the building contractor....and then you would need proof from an appliance repair tech that the appliances have been damaged....none of these would be easy to obtain....Without the proper proof of damages, you only have hysterical accusations...

I had the site supervisor here with the energy company who dug up my yard and handed him the pieces of electric line there had the shovel marks in it. There was a discussion between the company and the builder about who gets the bill and the builder accepted responsibility. Wouldn't that be enough proof to at least have a discussion?

Not without proof of damage to your appliance....I mean you can give it a try, you've got nothing to lose....but you can't really press the issue...If you get anything from the builder, remember it's useless without documentation.....e-mail, text message, or written documentation, but something you can hold in your hand....

Not what you are asking but:

1) Is everything safe now? You don't want a life of equipment issue to turn into a life of people (or pets) issue.

2) Are you still using bad power in your house? I would suggest turning off the main breaker until everything is correct and safe.

Yes. Everything is safe now. First thing I did in the morning was turn off the breakers cuz the power company told me to. I called them first thinking there was a power outage or partial. The breakers remained off until the power company fixed the problem. Thank you for thinking safety first. :)

The low-voltage operation time period was short; it's quite possible, even likely, that you suffered no degradation or shortened life at all. I think that should be your first assumption until you learn otherwise.

Your first goal should be to insure your that AC line is fully up to snuff, I suggest you purchase a multimeter so you can take voltage measurements, e.g., 120V, at the wall outlets, etc., and monitor the situation. Keep in mind that you have two sets of 120V circuits in your house. The circuits alternate between every other breaker on each side of your breaker panel (that's so a double breaker can grab 240V for a hot water heater, etc.). Anyway, you'll want to identify a few on each side and check both circuits.

You may or may not have a problem, but it's hard to look in to the future. Your first step is to approach the builder and see what his response is. If he denies responsibility then unfortunately you're going to need the services of a local professional engineer to assess the damage and its possible long term effects, and then a lawyer if the builder is still unresponsive. You might also check with your homeowners insurance carrier, you may have coverage and they'll chase the builder on your behalf. Keep good records of every conversation.

Most new homes have some type of warranty. Look at that before any thing else. There maybe something in it that will rectify any issues you have. The HVAC would be covered under the warranty if sold with the house.

sorry for the bad lucklow voltage is hard on motors...assuming they were in service. an idle motor is no problem. I'd be moat worried about AC and fridge compressors, most everything else should be fine. an electrician and a megger check would confirm degraded insulation on motors

Typical of Americas claim culture. How much can I get for damage that hasn't been proved.

Dear Anonymous,

Not sure who you are addressing. I didn't ask for any money, nor have I mentioned filing a lawsuit. I had a home built and I have paid for a certain type of product. There is nothing wrong with expecting it to be 100% for the 1st year. That accountability has nothing to do with Americas claim culture. I'm grateful that this site has posters who pointed me, a mother of two with NO electrical background, into a positive direction to take care of my property.

To ask for an extended warranty constitutes asking for money.

Is the equipment working correctly now the supply has been restored?
Is there any sign of poor performance? If there is and it can be proved as been due to the supply fault then you're entitled to some recompense.

The claim has to be proved, it can't be based on supposition.

At best you could claim for inconvenience.

Where's Baba ji when you need him?. S.M.

This sounds like perfect case for Judge Judy.