Summertime can be extremely hot, and necessitating increased AC usage throughout the board, especially in condos in the Philippines. However, excessive energy consumption can cause brownouts and blackouts. Power cuts can result from various factors, including severe weather or heat waves, which cause our air conditioning units and electricity to shut down, leaving people in the dark and exposed to the elements. There are, however, a few tricks to staying cool and safe throughout a power failure in the heat.
Before we go down to that, we must first learn what a power outage is. And what causes brownout? Power outages can occur at unexpected times, but do you know what to do to maintain safety throughout a brownout or blackout? Before we get into what to do in the event of a power outage, let's define the difference between such a brownout and a blackout so you can be better prepared.
Brownout and Blackout at Home
A brownout is a momentary decrease in all system capacity that utility companies frequently plan. They are only meant to last a few hours or minutes. What causes brownout? They are used to reduce power load so electric utilities can reduce the strain on the power supply system.
A blackout or also known as a power outage, meaning, on the other hand, usually happens without warning because it is caused by an unexpected cause, such as thunderstorms or a massive effect on a power cable, such as a car that hit a telephone pole. Unfortunately, no one knows the duration that a blackout will last.
You might not have temperature control heating and cooling, illumination, water heating, or even potable water during or after a power outage or brownout. You will also be without phone service if you only possess a cordless phone. You may be unable to listen to news broadcasts if users do not have rechargeable batteries or crank radio. In another phrase, you may face significant difficulties. Everyone is responsible for protecting their homes and families.
Here’s what to do when it's brown out to ensure the safety of your family, home, and appliances;
1. Call your power station to let people know the power is out. If you live in an apartment, especially a condo in the Philippines, contact your building station, you may be allowed to do this digitally or through call and messaging to check for outage updates. Torches, not candles, should be used.
2. Take out your emergency supply kit. What to do when it’s brownout? It might be a good idea to assemble emergency supplies to help users get through any prolonged power failures or other emergencies. This might involve water, non-perishable food, flashlights, a medicine kit, and a full or rechargeable battery to keep your phone powered up.
3. Be prepared for power outages. Power surges can occur during blackouts because the power grid becomes unstable. Power surges are able to destroy your electronics, but they can also be extremely dangerous due to their unpredictability. During a power outage, Dawson Electric recommends unplugging and turning off all digital devices in your home. You should leave one lamp on to alert you when power is restored.
4. Determine whether you need to remain or go. If your residence is too hot or cold, or if you have medical devices requiring power, evacuate. See if you can keep with family or friends who have power or if there is a public emergency shelter where you can go. If you must evacuate, make sure to take your pet with you.
5. Keep in touch during a power outage. Communication is critical during a power failure for your convenience, safety, planning, and tranquility. Home phones, WiFi, and potentially your cell phone all require power. Try to keep your phone's battery charged. Walkie-talkies can be used to communicate with family and neighbors. A battery-powered or wind-up radio is also recommended for keeping up with the news.
6. Use Genset. A dependable genset on-site is your best option for dealing with a power outage or a brownout. You won't be concerned about the duration or severity of one's power outage because you'll have a reliable source of power on hand. To be safe, you can turn off your electricity on a warm summer day and use a generator.
Many of you might need clarification about what a genset is and how it differs from a generator. Which is better, the genset vs. the generator? A genset, also recognized as a power generator, is a portable energy source containing a motor and a generator. You can use a diesel engine or a gas generator to provide electricity without connecting to the electrical grid. Generators can also be used as fallback sources of power anywhere from construction sites to residences to companies and educational institutions, trying to generate electricity to power hardware such as home appliances and heavy machinery or keeping critical systems operational in the event of a power outage.
The Operation of a Genset
A gen-sets operation is simple to comprehend. It is activated when the motor is burnt up with the assistance of an alternator. Furthermore, it enables users to use fuel, petroleum, gas, etc. The engine is the heart of the gen-sets operation. Diesel fuel is typically used to power these. The motor burns the fuel, generating angular momentum that powers the power source and allows it to generate electricity. Rotational energy is converted into electricity by turning a coil through a magnetic field. When the generator is linked to a powered load, the voltage produced is transferred to the load and used to power it.
Gensets are commonly used in developing areas in which an uninterrupted power supply is unavailable. Similarly, in areas where blackouts are common, a generator is essential. Furthermore, business owners that cannot cope with losing power have backup generators on standby.
In reality, gen-sets vs. generators are extremely versatile since they may serve as either the main energy source or as a backup source of electricity during peak hours.
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