What Causes Power Outages?

According to Cambridge University, power outages are periods that may be short or long wherein electricity is not available. It could affect an individual house or a whole town. A power outage is also known as a power failure or blackout.

Types of Power Outages

There are two types of power outages. These are as following:-

• Brownout- In this type of power outage, the voltage being used by the system drops which leads to incorrect performance in electrical equipment.
• Blackout-  This type of power outage refers to the total unavailability of power or electricity in the area due to damage in the power grid.

What Causes Power Outages?

The causes of power outages range from adverse natural causes to humans. The causes of power outages are as following:-

1. Lightning – The chances of a power outage happening are highly likely during a lightning strike. Utility poles are usually struck by lightning, damaging the power grids, and resulting in power outages.
2. Overload- Overload occurs when an excess current passes through the circuit. Such a situation can also result in a power outage. 
3. Winds – Short circuits may occur due to strong winds affecting the power lines. Winds also cause breakage of power lines which can cause power supply issues in the area.
4. Car accidents – Accidents involving utility poles are one of the leading causes of a power outages.
5. Maintenance – For routine maintenance, power companies switch off the electricity supply to avoid their employees being electrocuted. However, unlike the causes mentioned above, this cause is pre-planned. Thus, the residents of the area can be notified prior to the power outage to make the necessary arrangements for themselves while the electricity supply in the area is interrupted.

Conclusion

Power outages can be a troublesome period to go through therefore it is advised that during such power outages, you have a power backup ready at all times in case of an emergency.  

About Electrogrip

Electrogrip is a chemical earthing manufacturer in Kolkata. We also specialize in ESE Lightning Protection System, and Backfill Compound, and provide maintenance-free chemical earthing.