Yes, you should turn off breakers during a power outage because it can prevent power surges from damaging appliances. Additionally, it can reduce the risk of electrical fires and help you identify potential issues in your electrical system.
Experienced electrical contractors know that turning off breakers during a power outage is crucial for maintaining the safety and efficiency of an electrical system.
For this blog, we’ll explain the crucial steps to take during a power outage, its common causes, and how to prepare for it.
3 Crucial Steps to Do During a Power Outage
The 3 crucial steps to do during a power outage are to confirm the power outage, turn off appliances, and use a torch for lighting.
Step 1: Confirm Power Outage
When you suspect a power outage, the first step is to confirm whether it’s a local issue within your home or a broader power cut. Check if the lights and electrical appliances in other parts of the house are functioning. If they aren’t, look outside to see if your neighbours are experiencing the same issue.
Should the problem be confined to your home, inspect your switchboard; a tripped circuit breaker could be the culprit. If this is the case, you might need to reset the breaker.
Read our blog if you’ve been wondering, “Why does my breaker keep tripping with nothing plugged in?” to find out the answer.
Step 2: Turn Off Appliances
Once a power outage is confirmed, it’s wise to disconnect or turn off your electrical appliances, including sensitive electronics. This action prevents damage caused by power surges when the electricity is eventually restored.
Power surges can be quite destructive, frying circuits and rendering appliances inoperable. Additionally, turning off appliances helps reduce the initial load on the electrical system upon power restoration, which can prevent circuit breakers from tripping again due to overload. Managing the load effectively ensures a smoother transition when power returns.
Step 3: Use a Torch for Lighting
During a power outage, relying on a torch or a battery-operated lamp for illumination is the safest approach. These lighting options are preferable to candles, which pose a fire hazard. Torches and lamps are particularly useful as they provide a stable, reliable light source.
Keeping torches in easily accessible locations around your home ensures you are well-prepared for any unexpected power loss. They also allow for an immediate and safe response.
3 Common Causes of a Power Outage
The 3 common causes of a power outage are substation issues, bad weather conditions, and damaged power lines.
- Substation issues: Failures within substations, which distribute single-phase and three-phase power, can lead to widespread outages.
- Bad weather conditions: Storms, lightning, and strong winds often disrupt power supply by damaging infrastructure.
- Damaged power lines: Accidents or construction work that impact power lines can result in power cuts and tripped breakers.
Can I Prepare for a Power Outage?
Yes, you can prepare for a power outage by ensuring you have a well-stocked emergency kit. This package should have torches, batteries, first aid items, and non-perishable food. It’s also advisable to regularly check and maintain your home’s electrical system, including testing safety switches and ensuring your circuit breakers are functioning correctly.
As an extra tip, having a backup power source, such as a generator or a charged power bank for essential devices, can be invaluable during prolonged outages.
