The buildup of ice can prompt sturdy power lines to snap, representing one of the many seasonal extremes that result in power outages. The months of December, January, and February bring a wide variety of adverse conditions, from snow squalls to blizzards to bone-chilling winds. January generally ranks as the snowfall leader, followed by December and February.
Ice is not the most unusual cause of power outages in 2023. What do a fish, a beaver, a snake, and a squirrel have in common? They were all the cause of massive power outages across the US in 2023.
In an ideal world, your wall socket would provide an infinite stream of perfect power, at constant voltage and cycling the same number of times per second. Don’t count on it. Here we identify common electrical power issues and reliable backup power UPS solutions that combat them.
9 common power problems
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Power failure
Also known as a blackout, this complete interruption of the electrical supply can be sparked by a variety of sources including utility equipment failures, storms, objects striking lines or poles, fire, and human error. Equipment damage and data loss are common consequences.
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Power sag
This sudden drop in the normal voltage level often results in serious equipment malfunctions and is usually caused by faults in the transmission or distribution network, connection of heavy loads, or start-up of large motors.
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Power surge
These very fast voltage variations are triggered by lightning, line or capacitor switching, and disconnection of heavy loads. They destroy electronic components and lead to data processing errors, data loss, and electromagnetic interference.
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Undervoltage
Also termed a brownout, this voltage drop typically lasts from a few minutes to a few hours and is usually caused by overdemand or intentional “throttling” of electricity during peak demand. It can ruin computers and other electronic devices.
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Overvoltage
Data loss, flickering of screens, and equipment damage are among the consequences of these momentary voltage increases generally caused by starting/stopping heavy loads, poorly dimensioned power sources, and poorly regulated transformers.
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Line noise
Electromagnetic interference or improper grounding most often produces these superimposed high-frequency signals on the waveform, resulting in disturbances to sensitive electronic equipment, data loss, and data processing errors.
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Frequency variation
The loss of stability in a power supply’s normal frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz most often results from heavily loaded generators. The problem can cause motors to run faster or slower, leading to inefficiency, excess heat, and degradation.
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Switching transient
These momentary changes in voltage or current that can damage equipment stem from lightning, switching of loads and capacitor banks, opening and closing of disconnects on energized lines, re-closure operations and tap changing on transformers.
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Harmonic distortion
This distortion of the normal power wave is generally transmitted by unequal loads and can result in resonance, overload, and overheating of cables and equipment, among other problems.
Cost and causes of downtime
The United States faces a higher frequency of power outages compared to other developed nations, causing significant disruptions for businesses like yours. Each minute of downtime translates to substantial financial losses in productivity. The root causes of these downtime incidents often stem from unforeseen mishaps and grid maintenance issues.
Consider the repercussions of a single missed “9.” In 2019, the collaboration and messaging software company Slack experienced a revenue loss of $8.2 million when its work-communications platform went offline for approximately two hours within 92 days. This substantial financial setback resulted in the issuance of credits to users, as the company fell short of its 99.99% service uptime commitment, achieving only 99.9% for the quarter.
Similarly, personnel at Nissan and Infiniti dealerships faced challenges following an outage on August 18, 2019, which disrupted key systems at the firm’s Colorado data center. This outage halted crucial functions used by dealers to perform essential tasks at franchise locations. While some systems were restored within a few days, others remained offline for an extended period. This affected dealers’ ability to order new cars and parts, check incentives and rebates, file warranty claims, review recalls, and even determine customer loan or lease balances.
From animal antics to the wrath of Mother Nature, there’s no shortage of troublemakers when it comes to causing power outages and you can never be too prepared. Navigating through the winter months requires more than just braving the cold; it demands a proactive approach to safeguard against the diverse threats that can disrupt your power supply. From the formidable impact of ice on power lines to unexpected disruptions caused by creatures, the risks are varied and unpredictable.
Preparedness is the key to minimizing downtime and financial losses for businesses. Whether facing power failures, surges, or other disturbances, having a robust plan in place can make all the difference.
If you’re seeking tailored power solutions for your business, don’t hesitate to book a consultation today. Let us help you plan for the unexpected and ensure that your operations remain resilient in the face of any power-related challenges.
Need more information? Visit these additional resources.
Need to find a UPS? Eaton offers a variety of UPS options. Find the UPS that fits your IT set-up. UPS backup power
Buying a UPS doesn’t need to be stressful. Explore where to start when buying a UPS. UPS buying guide
A maintenance bypass can increase the reliability of your backup system. UPS maintenance bypass
Quickly find UPS solutions for your specific protection needs. UPS selector
Want to learn even more about uninterruptible power supplies? UPS handbook
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