Suffered a power failure? Some advice
A power failure, a fault, a short-circuit or installation overload? Here are a few recommendations to help you identify the source of the problem and take appropriate action.
Individual or general outage?
The first thing to do in the event of a power outage is to check whether it only affects your building or whether the whole neighbourhood is affected. If the entire neighbourhood is affected, it is probably an issue with the power network. Contact your electricity supplier at the number specified on your last bill.
If you are the only one affected by a power outage, then the cause of the problem is probably to do with your installation. If this is the case, the following tips can help you identify the source of the problem. In some cases, you may be able to restore the electricity yourself.
If the issue is more complicated, the precautions you have taken make it easier for your technician to act. If in doubt, always contact an electrician.
Resetting the main distribution panel
If the power outage was caused by a faulty appliance or by too many appliances operating simultaneously, you should quite easily notice this. The current will be cut off as a result of connecting either the damaged appliance or the “excess” appliance that has caused an overload.
In this case, first unplug the offending machine(s) and then check the protection device on your electric switchboard. If you have an automatic circuit breaker, reset it. If the outage reoccurs when you connect a particular appliance, contact an electrician. Do likewise if a fuse needs replacing or if you are in doubt.
Safety switch
In addition to the traditional function of a circuit-breaker, which protects electrical circuits against overloads and short-circuits, residual-current switches protect property and people against direct and indirect contact. The aim is to prevent any risk of electrocution.
Their role is to cut off the power supply in the event of an insulation fault (or loss of current) in an installation. They constantly compare the nominal current of the phase with that of the neutral.
In the event of an insulation fault, the current will be drained off via the protective earth conductor, enabling the residual current device to detect a potential difference and cut off the power supply to the installation.
Fuses and circuit breakers
Electrical systems are protected by circuit breakers which react to excessive current loads caused by the simultaneous use of too many appliances, a faulty appliance or an installation defect, allowing you to prevent fires in case of overload or short-circuits, by automatically cutting the power.
If a fuse has been damaged, it needs to be replaced by a specialist technician. A fuse blows when it has carried current that exceeds the rated value for an excessive time, melting the metal filament inside the fuse.
Circuit breakers can be reset several times. Only if the circuit breaker has tripped can you switch the power back on yourself, simply by resetting it.
If you have been affected by a power outage,
call us on 02/479 40 27 or request your free quote. !