Wiktor Wise
Momentary power interruptions, often described as a brief flickering or blinking of lights, can last from less than a second to just a few seconds. These interruptions can be caused by various factors, including lightning, severe weather conditions, equipment failure, grid overload, or even a tree branch coming into contact with power lines. To address these issues, electrical systems require good design and maintenance, including routine maintenance programs such as tree trimming along distribution lines and the use of protective devices like breakers and reclosers. Additionally, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and voltage dip compensators can provide backup power and stabilize voltage fluctuations. Understanding and mitigating these split-second interruptions in electricity are crucial for maintaining reliable power supply in homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Duration | Less than a second to a few seconds |
| Description | Lights "flickering" or "blinking" very briefly |
| Causes | Lightning, severe weather conditions (storms, hurricanes, blizzards), earthquakes, equipment failure, grid overload, planned maintenance, short circuits, flashovers, cascading failures, fuse or circuit breaker operation, animal and bird interferences, tree branches making contact with power lines |
| Effects | Can affect some electronic devices and appliances in homes and businesses, reduced production efficiency in factories |
| Prevention and Mitigation | Good design and maintenance of electrical systems, routine maintenance programs (e.g. tree trimming along power lines), animal safeguard devices, surge protectors, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for sensitive/critical equipment |
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What You'll Learn
Lightning strikes
To mitigate the impact of lightning strikes on electrical systems, several measures can be implemented. One approach is to use surge protectors, which can help prevent potential damage to appliances and equipment by absorbing or redirecting the excess voltage caused by lightning strikes. Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) can also be utilised to provide a stable supply of electricity to sensitive equipment, such as computer systems, during momentary power interruptions.
Additionally, regular maintenance and inspections of electrical systems are crucial. This includes tasks such as tree trimming along distribution lines to reduce the risk of fallen branches interfering with power lines. After a lightning storm, it is important to inspect electrical appliances for any damage caused by power surges or lightning strikes. If any issues are identified, a licensed electrician should be contacted to assess and repair the damage.
Preparing for potential power outages caused by lightning strikes is also essential. This includes stocking emergency supplies, such as battery-powered flashlights, candles, matches, bottled drinking water, and non-perishable food items. Having a standby generator can be particularly useful for those in areas prone to frequent lightning strikes. Staying informed about local weather forecasts can help individuals stay prepared and minimise the impact of power outages caused by lightning.
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Animal interference
Animals can cause split-second interruptions in electricity through interference with power lines and substations. Small animals, such as squirrels, raccoons, snakes, and birds, are often the culprits. These animals may climb power lines, seeking shelter or food, and come into contact with electrical components, causing a short circuit or a power surge.
Squirrels, for example, have been known to gnaw through insulation and burrow into substations, leading to power outages. Their spatial memory allows them to remember locations where they received an electric shock, and they can avoid similar sensations in the future. Raccoons have also been known to enter substations and disrupt the electricity supply, as seen in Seattle and Colorado Springs.
Snakes are another common cause of animal-induced power interruptions. They may climb power lines during rainy seasons and curl around transformers, potentially seeking a bird's nest. This can result in harm to both the snake and the power infrastructure, causing temporary power disruptions.
Birds themselves can also be a source of the problem. Large avians, such as raptors and pelicans, often use power lines and utility poles as perches to look for food. Unfortunately, this can lead to their electrocution and subsequent power outages.
Other notable examples include a vervet monkey in Kenya that knocked out power across the entire country by falling on a transformer and a chicken that caused a power outage at an airport in Maui. These incidents highlight the diverse range of animals that can interfere with electricity infrastructure and cause temporary interruptions.
To mitigate these issues, power companies employ various methods, such as installing animal safeguard devices, using repellents, and implementing routine maintenance programs like tree trimming to reduce animal interference.
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Tree branches
Trees, shrubs, and other vegetation can cause safety hazards and power outages if they grow into or near power lines. Even seemingly healthy branches can break and cause damage and service interruptions. High winds, storms, and wind gusts can cause tree branches to fall onto power lines, utility poles, and other equipment.
To prevent tree-related power outages, it is important to regularly prune trees and make smart planting choices. Homeowners should seek out trained professionals to trim trees near power lines and report any potential issues, such as broken branches lying on or near power lines. Power companies often offer services to address these issues and provide guidance on tree maintenance and selection. For example, Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) offers a free "make-safe" program that includes tree assessment and removal services. ComEd also provides a guidebook to help customers select trees that will not interfere with power lines as they grow.
Additionally, some power companies conduct routine maintenance programs, such as tree trimming along overhead distribution lines, to reduce the occurrence of fallen branches and other vegetation-related interruptions. These programs aim to maintain safe and reliable electric service for customers.
It is important to note that attempting to trim or prune trees near power lines can be dangerous. Several sources advise against doing this without professional assistance or guidance from the power company.
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Overloaded network
An overloaded network can be caused by a range of factors, including high-wattage appliances, outdated or faulty wiring, and external interferences.
High-wattage appliances, such as space heaters, air conditioners, and microwaves, require a significant amount of power. Running multiple appliances simultaneously on the same circuit can quickly lead to an overloaded network. This is because the circuit is handling more electricity than it is designed to accommodate, resulting in overheating and potential fire hazards.
Outdated wiring is another common cause of network overload. Older wiring may not be equipped to handle the power demands of modern appliances, increasing the risk of overload. Faulty wiring can also lead to electrical shocks if electrical currents pass through unintended surfaces or components.
External interferences, such as fallen tree branches or animal and bird intrusions, can also contribute to overloaded networks. These interferences may cause temporary disruptions in the electricity supply, leading to momentary power interruptions. Power lines are often protected by devices that detect these interferences and temporarily shut off the power flow to that section of the line, allowing the interference to clear.
To prevent network overload, it is important to distribute high-wattage appliances across multiple circuits and ensure that wiring is up-to-date and properly maintained. Unplugging devices when not in use can also help reduce the load on a circuit. Additionally, routine maintenance, such as tree trimming along power lines, can minimize the risk of external interferences causing overload issues.
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Weather conditions
Severe weather conditions, such as high winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms, hurricanes, blizzards, and extreme temperatures, are primary contributors to power outages. These weather events can damage above-ground electrical infrastructure, including transformers, transmission wires, and utility poles. For example, high winds can cause trees or branches to fall on power lines, leading to interruptions.
Climate change-induced weather patterns also increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, putting additional stress on aging energy infrastructure. The combination of more frequent and intense weather events, such as storms, cyclones, and floods, can lead to power disruptions even in areas with buried power lines.
In addition to severe weather, winter weather conditions can also cause power interruptions. Ice buildup on power lines and equipment can lead to outages by damaging equipment or causing short circuits. Extreme cold temperatures can also increase the demand for electricity, potentially leading to rolling blackouts in some areas.
The impact of weather-related power outages can vary across different regions. For instance, in 2022, customers in Florida, West Virginia, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire experienced the most interrupted power, with Florida having the highest average interruption duration of 19.1 hours. Conversely, customers in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Rhode Island, Nebraska, and Iowa experienced the shortest total electricity interruptions, ranging from 34 minutes in Washington, D.C., to 85 minutes in Iowa.
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Frequently asked questions
They are often called momentary power interruptions, or "flickering" or "blinking" lights.
They can last from less than a second to just a few seconds.
They can be caused by many factors and interferences, including severe weather conditions, earthquakes, equipment failure, grid overload, or planned maintenance. They can also be caused by lightning striking an electric wire, which causes a voltage drop.
These interruptions can be annoying because they can affect some electronic devices and appliances in homes and businesses. They can also lead to breakdowns in factory equipment, resulting in reduced production efficiency.
Good design and maintenance of electrical systems are essential. Routine maintenance programs, such as tree trimming along overhead distribution lines, can reduce interferences by decreasing occurrences of fallen branches. Surge protectors and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) can also help prevent potential damage to appliances and equipment during power interruptions.
