Brownouts Explained

We’re talking about brownouts and how it can affect you. We believe we’re here to help you with whichever type of power cut you experience. By choosing one of our versatile range of generators for hire, you’ll always be ready, whether you’re a commercial, residential or domestic property.

What is a brownout?

This is something which occurs when electricity voltage goes below what is expected of the mains supply level. This could be a due to a growth in demand for power or severe weather conditions. The strain on the network could result in what is known as a brownout

Intentional or unintentional, brownouts can be a real headache and a disruption to business.

Some brownouts are intentional, and carried out to help ration supplies so as to avoid a blackout. They will usually be carried out by the National Grid. The term brownout originates from the process of the dimming of incandescent lights as voltage is reduced. 

Voltage reduction can be essential due to extenuating circumstances.

As we’ve seen brownouts are often intentional and a voltage reduction will result in the dimming of bulbs, so you may notice less light when you switch the lights on. However, it can also include some of the following:

  • Internet cutting out

  • Appliances going on and off

  • Flickering lights 

  • Security systems outage.

The National Grid has a tough job ensuring the smooth and continuous supply of electricity.

The delivery of electricity to homes and businesses is crucial and always the priority of substations, power companies and networks. The National Grid, as you can imagine, has quite a big job on its hands making sure the distribution of electricity is evenly spread throughout the country. Although some brownouts can be intentional, they can also be unplanned which leaves businesses and homes without power. There are usually warnings before something like this happens, and especially during winter storms, the likes of which we’ve all been experiencing this winter.

Intentional limiting of electricity can be essential during unusual weather conditions, but a disaster for a home or business.

By intentionally limiting the electricity and providing lower voltage this helps to supply a surplus demand in power and unusual weather conditions. Sometimes, a brownout will occur because of damage to the grid. This isn’t a happy scenario especially as this can affect healthcare institutions, such as hospitals, banks and other finance companies integral to the management of businesses. Fluctuations in power can impact your home or business and result in complete malfunction so you have no power at all.

A brownout can cause a lot of damage.

A brownout could damage your boiler and any other appliances such as your TV, console and desktop when it’s switched on. Ideally, what you need is a power supply that is continuous and reliable. Having a generator handy means that you will still have the correct level of voltage needed to function as normal. If you experience a brownout where you are, a generator will help restore power so your system can operate fully and the voltage is at the correct level. 

Generator Hire Solutions - for the best in diesel generators for hire.

If you are concerned about brownouts, wherever you live, and fear for your business and your safety at home from changes in voltage and electric power, then get in touch with us here at Generator Hire Solutions, because hiring a generator could be the perfect solution (in fact, it very nearly always is). 

We have a generator for every need.

We can make sure you have the right one for your needs so you don’t suffer an interruption in power. We have top of the range hire generators that are kept in pristine condition. We can come and install and remove once you’re finished, so you never have to worry about that side of things. Something goes wrong during your hire? We can send someone out to you within 24hrs.

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