Most homeowners rely on electrical appliances and devices to complete daily tasks. Sudden power outages are not only hugely inconvenient but also potentially damaging. Below are five situations, from natural phenomena to overuse, that may trigger power outages and require the assistance of a certified electrician. 

Why Do Power Outages Happen?

1. Extreme Weather Conditions

Power outages may occur when electrical grids are disrupted by storms, floods, and lightning strikes. Because of the safety risks, if the electrical system in your home has been damaged by stormy weather, contact an electrician to conduct any necessary repairs.

2. Planned Maintenance

During scheduled equipment maintenance, utility companies need to shut down the power to avoid electrocution. Providers will issue advance notice to customers about these interruptions, which may last for an hour or longer.

3. High Power Demand

HVAC usage typically peaks during extremely hot or cold days. Blackouts and brownouts may result from increased power demand that stresses the system, overloads the grid, and trips circuit breakers. An electrician can inspect your appliances and circuit breakers before you use them again after a disruptive and damaging power outage.

4. Accidents

In some communities, power outages caused by automobile accidents are a common occurrence. When vehicles hit utility poles, the impact may cause lines to break, shutting down the area's power supply.

5. Animals

Squirrels and other rodents sometimes chew on power cords, and bird droppings may pile up on the electrical lines near your home. Your utility company may install disks around insulators to prevent wildlife from interfering with the grounded portions of the electrical grid. If you have problems with squirrels and birds, consult an electrician for ideas about how to limit the damage they may cause to your home’s electrical supply.

When you need a certified electrician to inspect your appliances and circuit breakers during a power outage, depend on Gutridge Electric, Inc. Since 1983, this family-owned and -operated company has provided electrical services to homeowners as well as commercial, industrial, and agricultural clients in and around Newark, OH, and Licking and Muskingum counties. Their skilled teams have over 100 years of combined experience in rewiring, installing, repairing, and upgrading electrical systems. If you have questions, call them at (740) 349-7624, or go online to find out more about their services.