Dealing with a residential power outage can be a nuisance. A sudden lack of power can easily disrupt your daily activities. There are many reasons why outages occur, and some may require the attention of an electrician in the aftermath. Here is what you should know about this common experience.

Reasons for Power Outages

One of the most common reasons the average household experiences a power outage is due to inclement weather. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are usually to blame. When the bolt strikes a utility pole, transformer, or some other piece of equipment, it can cause widespread power loss in the region. In some cases, lightning may hit a tree and cause limbs to break onto power lines. Even strong winds and heavy rain can cause similar destruction.

The power may go out if a car or truck damages a pole in an accident, or if an animal climbs onto utility equipment and creates a disruption by breaking or biting into the sensitive wires. Short circuits can also occur inside the home; a breaker inside the electrical panel is designed to intercept this issue before it happens. If nothing happens when you attempt to flip the breaker back to its normal position, you may need an electrician to assess the quality and condition of your home’s wiring.

Preventing Power Outages

You can’t do much to control the weather, but if your home’s electrical system is compromised, then there are several steps that you can take to prevent future outages. Address the most serious concerns first. Electricians can rewire homes, for example, to bring them up to code and to ensure that a stronger threshold is in place to accommodate the energy load of household appliances. To be safe, you can also unplug any devices that aren’t in use so that they don’t add to your home’s energy draw.

Take note of any significant changes to the system, such as unusual odors or reduced power quality in the home. If you spot burn marks on an outlet, contact an electrician right away to assess the wiring behind it. Additionally, inspect the electrical panel occasionally for signs of corrosion. If you live in an older home, the panel may be smaller than is appropriate to support the appliances that you use regularly. In that case, you may need an electrical contractor to upgrade the system. Making these preventative changes swiftly can prevent outages that might otherwise disrupt your life.

Are you experiencing frequent power outages in your home? Turn to the qualified electricians at George’s Electric in Port Orchard, WA. Since 1970, they’ve provided dependable electrical services throughout the community. Whether you require a new electrical panel or rewiring, they can assist every step of the way. Visit the licensed and insured team online for more information about their residential services or call (360) 895-9482 to schedule an appointment.