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What to Know About Power Disturbances
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Lightning, broken tree limbs, vehicles striking utility poles, equipment failure, and even small animals climbing on utility equipment can cause power outages. Split-second decreases or increases in voltage to our system cause power disturbances. A dip in voltage may cause lights to flicker, TV pictures to shrink, digital clocks to flash, and personal computers to lose data. Increases in voltage (called spikes for momentary increases and surges for longer ones) may affect sensitive programmable equipment such as VCRs, microwave ovens and computers.
Protecting against momentary interruptions
Here are some tips to help minimize the consequences of momentary power interruptions.
When purchasing a programmable appliance, make sure it has a battery-operated backup system that prevents power disruption.
When working with a home computer, store information into permanent memory periodically throughout the day.
Protecting against power surges
Small plug-in surge protectors can be bought at most electrical equipment suppliers and will provide protection from voltage spikes.
Plug sensitive equipment into outlets as far away as possible from main breaker panels or fuse boxes. Such equipment should not be plugged into the same circuit as major appliances such as air conditioners, pumps, refrigerators or washing machines.
Unplug sensitive equipment such as video recorders, satellite dishes and computers whenever there is the threat of a severe electrical storm. Also, unplug phone lines to sensitive equipment or purchase phone line surge protectors.
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