What Are the Causes of Power Outages?

Power outages are probably the last thing modern people want to experience as there are so many appliances we need to use in everyday life relying on electricity. An outage can last for several hours, a couple of days, or even weeks, which affects the living of a few streets, and sometimes affects an entire city.

So what on earth causes a power outage? In fact, the reasons causing power cut can vary, and can affect the length of time leaving us without power. In this article we're going to discuss about some common causes.

8 Common Causes of Power Outages

1. Extreme weather

Studies show that by far extreme weather is the most common reasons resulting in power outages. Strong wind, lightning, and snow can damage the power lines or cause a failure to the components of power grid. That's also why those living in areas where inclement weather is seen often.

2. Natural disasters

Besides weather, natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires and mudslides are the key factors that can cause long-lasting electrical blackouts. Catastrophic events like these can knock down transmission lines, cause damage to transformers and destroy substations.

3. Equipment failure

Another cause of power outages is equipment failure. As serving time surpasses a few decades, the equipment of power grid tends to age and break down, which is potential to cause a power failure without warning.

4. Fallen trees

Fallen trees and branches are also a threat that can make power outages happen, which can fall onto power lines or knock down transmission poles if a strong wind blows over or there is a heavy snow. Therefore, trimming the branches regularly of your trees in your yard is a great way to reduce the possibility of such accident.

5. Animals

Wild animals are also a factor to cause power outages. Birds, squirrels and other small animals can chew through electrical equipment and bring about power blackouts.

6. Vehicle accidents

A power outage can also occur after a vehicle collision when a car dashes against the utility pole. However, this kind of power outage generally affects a relatively small area and will soon recover.

7. High power demand

When there is a huge amount of power demand, the utility company can cut the electricity in some blocks to prevent the power grid from breaking down due to overloading, which is also known as rolling blackouts.

8. Planned power outages

A planned power blackout is conducted by the utility companies for routine maintenance. As it's commonly acknowledged, to make sure the grid can stably and safely supply electricity to homes and industries, utility companies will regularly supply maintenance service. This type of power outage is often pre-arranged and people will be informed beforehand.

Conclusion

Since you now have a better understanding of what are the causes of power outages, you will know that they're often unpredictable. But getting prepared in advance with a backup power source can never go wrong, which empowers you to survive that time in comfort. Explore your solutions to power outages at AFERIY.