The Differences between Blackouts and Brownouts

Reliable electricity is integral to the success of every business in Lexington, KY, but weather events and equipment malfunctions that affect the power supply can strike at any moment. While many individuals know what a blackout is, a brownout can present unique problems of its own. At Walker Electric, we have years of experience dealing with both and can explain the differences between power outages in Lexington, KY.

On the other hand, brownouts occur when there is a decrease in voltage in an electrical power supply. While there is still some voltage and power during a brownout, it is generally considered unsafe to run devices and equipment during this time.

What Causes Blackouts and Brownouts?

Severe weather is often the culprit behind a power outage in Lexington, KY. Hurricanes, heavy rain, hail, and ice can cause damage to transformers and generators that are necessary for delivering power. This can cause local businesses and residents to be without any power for extended periods of time.

Brownouts, on the other hand, occur when electricity demand greatly exceeds the grid’s ability to supply it. They can happen due to inclement weather, or they can be manmade occurrences. Brownouts may happen during peak times of electricity consumption, such as during a heatwave or in densely populated areas with overworked infrastructures.

For instance, you have heard of “rolling brownouts,” which are an intentional effort by a utility provider to manage the discrepancy between supply and demand to help prevent total blackouts.

Damage From Brownouts and Blackouts

Damage from blackouts can be severe since most means of communication, including internet service and cellular towers, rely on electricity to function. A complete loss of power will also affect streetlights and security systems, which can increase the likelihood of traffic accidents and issues with break-ins.

Brownouts may seem benign, but prolonged exposure to lessened voltage will increase the wear and tear of electronics as the components will still be attempting to operate as normal at a reduced capacity. The motors of ventilation systems and large appliances are especially vulnerable to damage during an extended brownout.

Items that are particularly sensitive to voltage levels, like computers and televisions, can experience corruption of components or permanent damage. Servers that rely on electricity may lose the ability to maintain secure connections, resulting in data loss.

Preparing for Power Loss

A proactive stance can minimize the damage and disruption your business experiences during an interruption of power. We suggest the following:

• In addition to a regular maintenance plan, you should have an emergency plan in place that identifies communication protocols and ensures all team members know where to locate emergency supplies.
• Utilize a backup energy supply, like standby generators that power on automatically when power is lost.
• Install surge protectors to help prevent damage to electronics caused by fluctuations in voltage.

Contact Us at Walker Electric for Blackout or Brownout Assistance

If you need a 24/7 electrician near Lexington, Walker Electric has been the area’s premier electrical contractor since 1976. You can count on us for all your electricity needs, including commercial service work, electrical design-build and installations, and 24/7 emergency services.

Contact us today to schedule service or for a free estimate. Walker Electric is located in Lexington, KY, and proudly serves Fayette County, Lexington, Frankfort, Richmond, Georgetown, and the surrounding counties.