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View Full Version : Power Company Switching?


lbpsfl
Aug 10, 2012, 02:30 PM
Several times a month, my power fails for a second or so. It typically happens shortly after 7 a.m. and usually on a Tuesday. The lights flicker. Also, it typically resets my TV, DVR, and a variable number other devices aroung the house, that is, sometimes it resets all the digital clocks, but sometimes more than one isn't reset.

My protected computers don't have problems.

Since it's not a surge, I assume a surge protector won't help. Any ideas?

Because it appears to happen on a fairly regular schedule, I assume that it's the power compnay substation about a mile down the road.

mike 165278
Aug 10, 2012, 03:02 PM
I'd start by talking to your neighbors to see if they are having the same issue. That would indicate the problem is not your issue. If they aren't then we'll start trouble shooting some potential points of failure. A whole house panel mounted surge protector would be a good idea either way. When power is restored, your service see's a 'surge' lasting only a few cycles, but it has the potential to cause damage. I'd start there.

tkrussell
Aug 11, 2012, 03:58 AM
Utility switching does occur, and each switching action can cause surges. The whole house surge protectors is good advice.

However, you will still see the flicker, as this is a voltage sag, and appliances will still need to be reset. The surge protector will not eliminate the voltage sag. Those are inevitable.

The only method to prevent resetting the appliances would be a UPS unit.