You’re in the middle of cooking dinner when suddenly, your lights dim, and your appliances start acting up. If you’ve ever had to deal with this, you know how frustrating it can be. It may not be a power outage, but it might as well be. If you go through something like this, you’re experiencing a brownout, and it can wreak havoc on your favorite electrical devices.
At Staley Electric, we’ve been tackling brownouts for over 50 years. We know how to shield your cherished appliances from these power fluctuations and their effects, so let us show you how to keep your most used home appliances from succumbing to changes in electrical power.
What Causes Brownouts?
Brownouts occur when the voltage in your power grid drops below its normal level. This can happen for various reasons, such as high demand on the power grid, damaged power lines, or issues at the power plant.
During hot summer months, when air conditioners are running full blast, the strain on the electrical system can lead to brownouts. Severe weather conditions, like storms or high winds, can also damage power lines and cause voltage drops. Sometimes, utility companies intentionally reduce voltage to prevent complete blackouts during periods of high demand. These voltage fluctuations can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, putting your electrical equipment at risk.
The Difference Between Brownouts and Blackouts
While both brownouts and blackouts involve disruptions to your power supply, they’re quite different. Brownouts are partial, temporary reductions in voltage, whereas blackouts are complete losses of power.
During a brownout, your lights might dim, and your appliances may function poorly or shut off, but you still have some electricity. Blackouts, on the other hand, plunge you into total darkness with no power at all.
Brownouts can be more damaging to your electrical devices because the fluctuating voltage can strain their components over time. Blackouts, while inconvenient, are less likely to harm your appliances directly. However, the sudden loss and restoration of power during a blackout can cause power surges, which can be harmful to your electrical equipment.
Consequences of an Electrical Brownout
Electrical brownouts can have serious consequences for your home and appliances. The fluctuating voltage during a brownout can cause your electrical devices to malfunction or even fail completely. Sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and gaming consoles are particularly vulnerable to these power fluctuations. Your refrigerator and air conditioner may struggle to maintain proper temperature, potentially leading to food spoilage or discomfort. Motors in appliances like washing machines or dishwashers can overheat during brownouts, shortening their lifespan. In some cases, brownouts can even cause electrical fires if devices are overloaded. The cumulative effect of repeated brownouts can also lead to premature wear and tear on your appliances, costing you money in repairs or replacements.
Which Appliances and Electronics Are Most Vulnerable to Power Failures?
Power failures can affect a wide range of appliances and electronics in your home. Some of the most vulnerable devices include:
- Computers and laptops: These sensitive devices can suffer data loss or hardware damage from sudden power changes.
- Smart TVs and gaming consoles: Modern entertainment systems are packed with delicate electronics that can be easily disrupted by power fluctuations.
- Refrigerators and freezers: These appliances work hard to maintain consistent temperatures, and power failures can lead to food spoilage.
- HVAC systems: Air conditioners and heating systems can be damaged by voltage drops, potentially leading to expensive repairs.
- Washing machines and dryers: The motors in these appliances can burn out if subjected to repeated brownouts.
- Microwaves and electric ovens: These kitchen staples contain sensitive electronic components that can be affected by power surges.
- Routers and modems: Your home’s internet connection relies on these devices, which can be reset or damaged during power fluctuations.
What to Do to Protect Those Appliances
Brownouts can be a real headache, and we know they can impact many of your appliances. But thankfully, there are plenty of ways to protect your valuable electrical equipment from these power fluctuations. We’ll break them down below.
Install Surge Protectors
Surge protectors are your first line of defense against power fluctuations. These devices absorb excess voltage and prevent it from reaching your appliances. Plug your sensitive electronics and expensive appliances into surge protectors to shield them from sudden voltage spikes.
Better yet, consider whole-house surge protection! A whole-house surge protector is connected to your main electrical panel and safeguards all the circuits in your home from power surges and fluctuations.
Invest in Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
Uninterruptible power supplies are sort of like batteries for your devices. They provide backup power during brownouts or blackouts, allowing you to safely shut down your equipment or keep critical devices running. UPS systems are especially useful for computers, servers, and other sensitive electronics.
Use Voltage Regulators
Voltage regulators help maintain a consistent voltage level for your appliances, even during brownouts. They can smooth out power fluctuations and protect your devices from harmful voltage drops or surges.
Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
An outdated electrical panel may not be equipped to handle modern power demands, and that can lead to brownouts or power outages. Upgrading your panel can improve your home’s electrical stability and reduce the risk of brownouts caused by internal issues.
Protect Your Most Importance Appliances
At Staley Electric, we’re here to help you safeguard your valuable appliances from the effects of brownouts. Our team can service your electrical panels and circuit breakers to maintain optimal performance. We’ll check your switches and outlets to identify any potential issues before they become problems. Rest easy knowing your home’s electrical system is prepared to handle whatever the power grid throws your way.
