Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance and Repair - 01500027
12/04/98

Brownouts

A brownout occurs when the power supplier reduces electrical voltage. This is done to force our appliances
and lights to use less electrical power (watts). The lights will dim slightly. Generally, voltage reductions
are advertised on radio and television. When they occur take the following steps:

1. Turn off all lights and appliances except those which are absolutely necessary.

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2. Delay jobs like dishwashing and laundry until after the brownout is over.

3. Turn off all air conditioning if it is operating, unless it is necessary for a person's health.

4. If you have an electric range, plan meals which require a minimum of cooking.

If everyone will cooperate and reduce electrical consumption, the duration of the brownout will be reduced.
It is also important to continue to conserve energy immediately following the brownout or voltage reductions
may again have to be put into effect.

The power suppliers do reduce voltage more than 10 volts below normal during a brownout, which for limited
periods of a few hours will not cause damage to a consumer's equipment. If a reduction in power is not
planned by the power company, shut down all equipment with motors. The low power could cause the equipment to burn
out the motor trying wiring supplying the equipment. An electrician should be called to check out the problem.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with references from MSU's Ag
Engineering Department

This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company. This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/27/01. Data base 02 was last revised on 12/04/98. For more information about this data base or its contents please contact cook@msue.msu.edu . Please read our disclaimer for important information about using our site.
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