Utility power restoration

[fzuniga]

We are just recovering from hurricane Frances, and one on my customer called me in becaues she was experinceing some unusal voltage fuctuations.
What I found was the overhead service neutral was not connected to the incoming line to the residence.
I determined that this was causeing a floating neutral situation in the residence.
Question? What type of permanate equipment failure will occur?

 

[charlie]

Re: Utility power restoration

Tell her not to use anything and keep the power turned off. This will burn up motors, light bulbs, electronic equipment, and anything that is to operate on 120 volts. Additionally, a shock/electrocution hazard will exist until the open neutral is repaired, even on straight 240 volt equipment like water heaters and electric heat.

Bottom line, anytime there is an open neutral, you have a dangerous situation and it can destroy equipment.