Momentary Interruptions

    From computers, TV's and stereos to microwave ovens and automatic coffee makers, our homes and offices are filled with devices that were only dreams of futurists long ago. Most of these popular, modern appliances are controlled by microprocessors - tiny computer chips and circuit boards. These devices operate on precise voltages and are more sensitive to variations in utility power supply than appliances from a generation ago.

     When there is a momentary power interruption, the microprocessors lose their "memory" - or internal data. Most interruptions are so brief that they went unnoticed years ago. However, today's electronics can be disrupted by even the shortest interruption.

Eternal Midnight

     You may find them annoying, but those digits flashing "12:00" on your VCR, microwave or clock radio mean that one of the safety devices installed by Citizens’ Electric to protect you and the power system has done its job.

     The device, called a recloser, acts like a self-resetting circuit breaker. When a short circuit caused by a tree branch, small animal or weather-related problem occurs, the recloser "opens" and interrupts the flow of power for a moment on the section of line it protects. The recloser waits a short time and "recloses", restoring power to the line.

     If the short circuit condition is gone, the recloser stays closed and power continues to flow to your home. If the problem persists after multiple tries, the recloser "locks open" to help prevent property damage or personal injury until the problem can be investigated. Reclosers and the momentary interruptions of power they provide are essential to the safe delivery of electricity. Most of the time, these momentary interruptions allow power to be successfully restored without an extended outage. Unfortunately, they may also cause your clocks to blink.

Minimizing Blinks

     It is important to remember that power lines are sited through wooded areas, near roadways and across rivers. The lines are constantly exposed to the elements, wildlife and other conditions that present challenges for providing interruption-free operation.

     There are steps you can take to minimize the inconvenience caused by momentary interruptions. These steps can be as simple as purchasing appliances that have a battery back-up system built in to maintain the clock. Other electric loads such as computers, printers and facsimile machines can be plugged into an inexpensive uninterruptible power supply (UPS). A UPS is essentially a plug-in battery back-up and will keep your equipment operating during short power outages, providing an opportunity to save data before it is lost.