Australia has experienced a significant rise in electrical outages over the past few years. These power outages have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the provision of electricity to individuals; they can also disrupt transportation and communication networks, water supplies, and supply channels, all of which pose economic risks.
Are you also experiencing a power failure for which you cannot determine the cause? For both owners and tenants, it is vital to comprehend the frequent causes of both scheduled and unscheduled power outages.
In this page, we will comprehensively explain the reason for power outages in your area, both external and internal, and provide practical advice on what to do during an outage and how to prevent future disruptions. In addition, by connecting solar panels to a portable power station, the Jackery Solar Generator is a portable and user-friendly emergency generator that comes highly recommended for use in a blackout.
A power outage is when electricity is interrupted, specifically the electrical power network or grid.
There are external reasons, human errors, and internal reasons for power outages.
To deal with power outages, there are eight main steps, including checking your power grid, contacting the local utility, finding a professional, unplugging home appliances, preparing a solar generator, and staying in communication.
A power outage may cause problems, like losing communications, getting injured, and the increased crime rate.
A power outage is a circumstance in which the provision of electricity is interrupted, specifically the electrical power network or electrical grid. There are many possible reasons for power outages in your area; however, they all share the characteristic of impacting entire regions or areas rather than a solitary residence.
A power disruption can manifest as either a temporary or permanent deprivation of electrical current within a designated region. Electricity faults are classified into three distinct categories according to the cause and duration of the interruption:
Blackout: An outage occurs when all power is cut off in a given area. This is the most severe form of power failure, frequently impacting vast areas and many individuals. Blackouts are typically the consequence of severe damage to electrical generation facilities and are notoriously challenging to repair. Brownout: Brownouts generally transpire when an electrical voltage decreases or a decline in the overall electrical power supply takes place. These varieties of power outages are so-called because the dimming of lights occurs when the voltage drops. Although brownouts do not result in total power outages, they can adversely affect the performance of specific devices and equipment.
Rolling Blackout: In contrast to those above, rolling blackouts are deliberately orchestrated power disruptions. Typically, these are deployed in regions characterized by grid instability or inadequate infrastructure to accommodate the volume of inhabitants. Additionally, rolling blackouts may result from a lack of petroleum sufficient to operate at maximum capacity, whether temporarily or permanently.
Permanent Fault: A power line malfunction is the most common cause of a permanent fault, which is an abrupt power outage. These are straightforward and uncomplicated to manage: power is automatically restored once the mark is deactivated or repaired. This category of blackout generally impacts only a few regions, as it tends to disrupt lines located further along the residential supply line.
What Is The Reason for the Power Outage in My Area?
There are numerous possible reasons for power outages. Nevertheless, external factors, human error, and internal factors are the three most frequent causes. Essentially, a power outage can be caused by any disruption between electricity generation and its distribution to residential areas.
External Reasons for Power Outages
External power disruptions are when the electricity supply is interrupted for reasons unrelated to the building's electrical wiring. Uncontrollable factors are responsible for these outages:
Natural Disasters: Devastating damage can be inflicted by natural catastrophes such as mudslides, wildfires, hurricanes, and earthquakes, which can result in extensive and protracted electrical outages. Regrettably, planned electricity outages have become more frequent in recent years due to wildfires, particularly in Australia. In regions susceptible to bushfires in Australia, power companies may implement preemptive power disruptions as a precautionary measure to mitigate the fire hazard.
Severe Weather: Power lines can be disrupted by storms, resulting in extensive blackouts. High winds, lightning strikes, and fallen trees and streetlights are frequent causes of damage during inclement weather.
Equipment Failure: The fact that aging equipment is one of the leading causes of power disruptions is not unexpected. A significant portion of the electrical grid cannot handle the energy demands and severe weather conditions of the twenty-first century. Certain prominent power companies strategically schedule blackouts anticipating cyclones or extreme heat, cognisant that their infrastructure cannot withstand such conditions.
Higher Electricity Demand: Blackouts may occur throughout the electricity network due to the power grid becoming overwhelmed during elevated electricity demand, such as heat waves.
Fallen Trees: While electrical blackouts resulting from severe weather are the most frequent cause of such incidents, fractured branches and fallen trees are also regular contributors to such problems. Trees uprooted by strong gusts are more prone to collapsing with power lines or transmission poles.
Wildlife and Animals: Short circuits can be caused by animals, including rodents and snakes, gaining access to electrical apparatus. As power lines and poles extend into their surroundings, ascending a utility pole to gain easy access to a roof is analogous to climbing a tree.
For the latest power outage information, visit your utility's website or social media pages. One may also use an
outage map provided by Energex or a similar service to ascertain the current status of power disruptions in their vicinity.
Human Error for Power Outages
As for the reasons for power outages, human errors play a significant portion. Although vehicle collisions with power poles or substations are the leading cause of downed power lines, laborers performing routine maintenance who approach the cables too closely with ladders can also cause damage:
Vehicle Accidents: Power outages in the vicinity may result from collisions between vehicles and utility poles or other electrical equipment. Exercise caution around any downed powerlines if this occurs.
Unpaid Electricity Bills: Failure to pay electricity expenses is among the most prevalent reasons for power outages. Discontinuation of scheduled payments by an electric service provider may result in suspending the electricity supply. This may arise due to financial constraints or unintentional neglect of bill payment.
Internal Reasons for Power Outages
If your residence is the only one in your neighborhood without power, the issue is an internal one. Let's explore some of the most common internal reasons for power outages.
Tripped Fuse: Fuse trips are a prevalent factor contributing to power disruptions within a residential structure. If an anomaly is detected by an appliance or light, the safety mechanisms of the fuse box disconnect the power. In most cases, power restoration can be accomplished by simply resetting the triggered switch.
Overload Power Boards: Numerous households utilize power boards to increase the number of available electrical receptacles. Nevertheless, overloaded power systems may experience tripped circuits and power supply interruptions. It is essential to prevent power circuits from becoming crowded with electronic devices.
Faulty Circuit Breaker: A complete loss of power in your residence or recurrent blackouts may indicate a circuit breaker malfunction. By tripping circuit breakers in response to surges or other anomalies, power is effectively severed. However, the circuit breaker can activate more often than required if it is defective.
What Should I Do If Power Outages?
Because power disruptions can occur at any moment, it is critical to be prepared with the appropriate actions to take in such a situation. Although some preparations can be made, prompt action is still required to safeguard devices and appliances, as well as ensure the safety of one's family and pets.
Step 1: Check Your Power Grid
In an abrupt power outage, the initial course of action is to assess its scope. The power disruption could be localized to your residence, or it could extend to the entire region due to unforeseen circumstances. To begin, conduct a Google search for "power outage in my area" to determine whether or not the energy department of your state has issued a bulletin.
Inspect the primary electrical panel for a tripped circuit breaker. Fuses prevent circuit overloading, which could result in fires or device damage. Check with your neighbors to see if they are experiencing a sudden power outage as well. Examine each room in your residence to determine whether the power disruption is confined to specific areas, which will assist you in resolving the issue.
Step 2: Contact Local Utility
Before taking any action during a power disruption, it is crucial to notify your utility provider. Throughout Australia, power is distributed to various locations by distinct corporations. They should be contacted first when a power disruption occurs in your area. Under 'Faults and Emergencies' on your AGL energy receipt, you will find the number of your distributor.
The contact information for your distributor, should you already be aware of it, is provided below. You can check for an outage or planned maintenance at your address on the
nbn page.
Step 3: Find A Professional
If external factors have been excluded and the power disruption is confined to your property, it is recommended that you promptly summon a professional electrician via your mobile device. They can detect and rectify the fundamental problem, thereby ensuring the proper operation of your electrical system and reducing the likelihood of subsequent blackouts. If you need help or have any questions, contact a qualified electrician.
Step 4: Unplug Home Appliances
During a power outage, secure your expensive electronics and appliances as your top priority. Whether the power is out for minutes or days, the potential for damage remains constant. Adhere to the identical guidelines that govern safeguarding appliances against brownouts.
When the power returns, surges may harm sensitive equipment such as computers, televisions, tablets, and large appliances, mainly if you are away from home. It is simple to forget what you used when the power went out, such as the iron or furnace. This can lead to safety risks when the power returns. When the power returns, if every appliance in your home turns on simultaneously, the strain could trigger the breakers of your electrical system.
Step 5: Protect Perished Food
When contemplating what to do during a power outage, safeguarding perishable food is the next consideration. Maintain the doors of the refrigerator and freezer shut. We are leaving the doors open, which permits the cool air to depart, hastening the deterioration of the food. Refrigerated foods may be consumed for a maximum of four hours following a power outage. One potential solution in a prolonged power outage is to utilize an emergency generator to supply power to critical household appliances.
Step 6: Prepare An Emergency Generator
Each residence should be equipped with an emergency generator during a power outage. It can maintain the operation of your refrigerator and provide power for essential medical equipment. Misuse of gas and diesel-powered generators, despite their utility, can be hazardous. Certain types of fuel or gas generators emit carbon monoxide indoors, which can accumulate to lethal levels and result in severe health complications or mortality.
Portable solar generators have the potential to be indispensable during critical emergency scenarios. In the event of an unforeseen natural calamity or grid outage, possessing a portable solar generator can be a lifesaver. In particular,
Jackery Solar Generators are constructed with lightweight design and carrying handles, allowing you to transport them more quickly than fuel generators. In addition, they generate no emissions or fumes.
In times of emergency, Jackery Solar Generators can supply vital illumination during power disruptions. Additionally, they serve as exceptional emergency refrigeration solutions for both food and medication. Keep reading, and you will gain additional knowledge regarding Jackery Solar Generators.
Step 7: Keep Your Families Safe
Ensure that every family member is prepared during a power outage. Stormy conditions frequently result in power disruptions. Family members are vulnerable to severe heat or cold and typhoon hazards. Congregate everyone in the most comfortable area of your residence. That could be a basement during the summer or an interior room with few draft-allowing windows or entrances during the winter. Consume food with caution, dress appropriately, and drink plenty of water to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Step 8: Stay Communication
It is crucial to maintain communication during a power disruption for your safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Your cell phone, home phone, and WiFi require electricity. Utilize a generator to charge your cell phone or make an effort to conserve its power. Additionally, a wind-up or battery-powered radio that provides access to the news is suggested.
Jackery Solar Generators for Power Outages
There are many reasons for power outages. Owning a solar generator can make a difference in some aspects. When power is interrupted, and alternative lighting sources are scarce, using a solar generator can enable first responders to maintain visibility and ensure the safe administration of assistance.
To protect electronic devices, Jackery solar generators employ a sophisticated Battery Management System and a pure sine wave inverter. Ideal for power outages, the Jackery Portable Power Stations are 30% lighter than comparable products of the same capacity.
2*AC Output: 230V, 1000W, peak 2000W; 2*USB-A: Quick Charge 3.0x2, 18W Max; 2*USB-C: 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 15V, 12V, 20V up to 5A); 1*Carport: 12V⎓10A
Refrigerator(700W): 2.5H
Phone(5W): 345.6H
Light(25W): 69.1H
CPAP Machine(60W): 28.8H
Fan(150W): 11.5H
Stove(850W): 2H
The Solar Generator 2000 Pro offers a big 2,160
Wh charging capacity. It can be fully charged in less than 5.5 hours using 6*
SolarSaga 100W solar panels and in less than 2 hours by an AC wall outlet. Superior BMS ensures dependability and safety. With the Solar Generator 2000 Pro, you may use free and unlimited solar energy to power most of your home appliances. The high-quality lithium battery contains four temperature core detectors and two chips for dual battery protection, ensuring the ideal balance of safe and dependable charging.
When sunlight hits the SolarSaga 100W solar panels, they absorb it with a 24.3% conversion efficiency rate and store it in the
Explorer 2000 Pro portable power station, which houses a lithium-ion battery,
MPPT charge controller, and pure sine wave inverter, ensuring stable and consistent electricity flow. During a power outage, it can, for example, operate a 25W light for 69.1 hours and a 60W CPAP machine for 28.8 hours.
Based on a twice-weekly utilization schedule, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro has a ten-year lifespan. It can remain dormant at total capacity for more than a year, rendering it an exceptionally reliable power source for residential backup purposes. A convenient portability feature of the 19.5-kilogram power station is its collapsible handle.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro
2*AC Output: 230V, 1000W, peak 2000W; 2*USB-A: Quick Charge 3.0x2, 18W Max; 2*USB-C: 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 15V, 12V, 20V up to 5A); 1*Carport: 12V⎓10A
Refrigerator(700W): 1.1H
Phone(5W): 160.3H
Light(25W): 32.1H
CPAP Machine(60W): 13.4H
Fan(150W): 5.3H
Stove(850W): 0.9H
In addition to its 1000W output power, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro offers a capacity of 1002Wh. An entire wall charge lasts 1.8 hours and can withstand 1000 charge cycles. By combining 2*
SolarSaga 80W solar panels, the power generation efficiency can be raised by 25%. It is also a low-cost option during power outages.
Multiple interfaces are featured on the
Explorer 1000 Pro portable power station: 2*1000W AC output ports, 2*USB A ports, and 1*DC vehicle port. It can power as many as 93% of your household appliances, such as a compact refrigerator, lights, phone, and computer. It can power a 150W fan for 5.3 hours, which is adequate to chill a residence during a blackout. Additionally, it can maintain a phone's functionality for 160.3 hours, allowing users to communicate with others.
The foldable handle simplifies stowage and transportation. Power outages are well-suited for this portable power source due to its lightweight construction and 1,000-charge cycle life. The pure sine wave inverter provides equipment with stable power. In this highly silent product (46dB), the battery life is monitored and safeguarded by a battery management system (BMS).
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro
What Problems Will Cause During A Power Outage?
A power outage can result in critical communication between responders and despatch, hinder their ability to visually inspect the interior of the building, and, more significantly, deprive them of life-saving equipment.
Problem 1: Lose Communications
A disruption in communication is among the most significant hazards associated with a power outage. Critical communication with despatch can be disrupted, risking lives and delaying emergency personnel's arrival.
Another risk associated with power disruptions is that individuals may become cut off from the rest of the world. Severe weather frequently brings about power disruptions, which can impede or even prevent individuals from vacating their residences. Those who require assistance from others may find this isolation particularly perilous.
A Jackery Solar Generator can provide a secondary power source to save lives in an emergency. In a power outage at an emergency despatch center, a portable solar generator can supply the critical energy required to maintain communication channels operational.
Problem 2: Get Injured in The Dark
One of the risks associated with power disruptions is that individuals relying on candles or other light sources may sustain injuries. During power outages, candles and other emergency illumination sources are frequently employed; however, they pose a potential fire hazard. In addition to falling candles and starting fires, individuals may inadvertently push over lamps or other light-producing objects. Moreover, individuals may misstep and fall in the darkness, resulting in severe injuries.
Problem 3: Increase Crime Rate
Additionally, power disruptions frequently coincide with an increase in criminal activity. Opportunities for criminals to break into residences or establishments, as well as perpetrate other offenses like vandalism or looting, accompany the arrival of darkness.
How to Prevent Power Outages?
Although unavoidable power interruptions are inevitable, one can mitigate the likelihood of such disruptions by implementing specific measures. Consider the following preventive measures:
Regular Maintenance: Your electrical system must receive routine maintenance to operate correctly. Plan regular inspections with the assistance of a licensed electrician to detect potential problems, such as faulty regulator components or trees that require pruning, before they escalate into significant complications. By promptly addressing minor defects, unanticipated power outages can be avoided.
Invest A Solar Generator: Portable solar generators are weather-independent, renewable, and environmentally friendly energy sources. In addition to being silent and fumeless, they are ideal for use in confined urban spaces. In an emergency, every second counts, and a portable solar generator, such as the Jackery Solar Generator, can assist people in saving lives.
Upgrade Electrical System: Consider upgrading the electrical system on your property if it needs to be updated and comply with modern standards. Vulnerabilities and disruptions may be more probable on older systems. Having an electrician evaluate your existing system and suggest essential improvements to improve dependability and security is possible.
Power outages can cause inconvenience and disrupt our daily lives, but by understanding the most common reasons for power outages in your area, we can better prepare our response. Whether it is an internal issue within your property or an external outage caused by severe weather, it is critical to understand what to do during an outage and how to prevent future disruptions. In addition, possessing a Jackery Solar Generator can quickly mitigate risks and supply electricity in Australia during a blackout.
Best-selling Jackery Solar Generator
