Brownout Vs Blackout: What’s the Difference & How to Deal with Them

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We've all experienced the sudden darkness as the lights go out, bringing everything to a halt. Power outages are common, but did you know they come in brownout and blackout types? This guide is designed to clarify the brownout vs. blackout: what’s the difference & how to deal with them.

Let us discuss how to prepare or protect from a blackout or brownout.  

What is Brownout? 

You might hear about 'brownouts 'less often, but let's know it deeply. A brownout happens when there's a partial power problem, unlike a blackout, where all the power suddenly goes off.

During a brownout, the power company intentionally reduces the electricity a bit, usually by 10-25%. They do this to prevent a blackout, especially when they expect many people to be using power at once. Unlike blackouts, brownouts don't last long and have a set start and end time.

How Does Brownout Occur?

A brownout happens when there's not enough electricity, and the power company intentionally reduces the electricity it provides to your home. This reduction in electricity can be caused by a high demand for power. For example, during a heatwave, everyone starts using air conditioners, and the power company can plan to prevent a complete blackout.

During a brownout, the voltage, like the force of electricity, is lowered. This means your lights might be dimmer, and your appliances might not work as well as usual. 

Are Brownouts Common in the USA?

Brownouts, like blackouts, can also occur in the United States and share similar underlying causes. Brownouts are not as severe as blackouts in the USA, but they can still disrupt daily life for different reasons.

The vulnerability to brownouts also varies across regions, with areas experiencing higher population density and increased demand for electricity being more prone to voltage fluctuations. Regions with lower-income populations face more significant challenges in dealing with the consequences of brownouts.

Damages Caused by Brownouts

Brownouts can harm certain devices in your home. Appliances with electric motors, like refrigerators, can overheat when voltage drops. Electronics can also be damaged when power returns suddenly after a brownout. 

You can use devices like energy storage, smart meters, and generators with transfer switches to protect against these issues. These tools help prevent damage and keep your electronics safe during brownouts.

What is Blackout? 

A blackout, also called a power outage, is the sudden and complete loss of electricity in a specific area or region. Unlike issues limited to a single home, like problems with its circuit breakers, blackouts affect entire areas and regions. 

This means they impact a larger scale of the electrical system. It can last for a short while or even for several days. 

How Does Blackout Occur?

There are multiple reasons for blackout occurrence. Some common causes of blackouts include:

  • Equipment Damage: When things like transformers or power lines get damaged, it can lead to a blackout. This damage can be due to accidents, natural disasters, or wear and tear over time.
  • High Power Demand: Sometimes, there's a huge demand for electricity, especially during heat waves or cold spells. When the power grid can't handle this demand, it might cause a blackout.
  • Weather Troubles: Lightning strikes, storms, and other extreme weather conditions can disrupt the electrical flow, leading to blackouts.
  • Underground Problems: Issues with underground power lines can also trigger blackouts, even though they're less exposed to weather conditions.
  • Ice Build-up: During winter, ice can accumulate on power lines, making them heavy and prone to damage, resulting in a blackout.
  • Fallen Tree Branches: Tree branches falling onto power lines can cause short circuits and blackouts.

Blackouts can be a significant inconvenience. When the power suddenly disappears, everything that relies on electricity stops working. The duration of a blackout is uncertain, and it can last for a few minutes to several days, depending on the cause and how quickly it can be fixed.

Is Blackout Common in the USA?

Yes, blackouts and power interruptions have become increasingly common in recent years in the USA. This trend is largely attributed to the rise in extreme weather events across the United States. 

Regions with lower-income populations susceptible to severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes and winter storms, are particularly experiencing blackouts.

Damages Caused by Blackout 

Moreover, blackouts can damage electrical equipment and networks, particularly when devices are used. The sudden loss and return of power can cause surges that harm sensitive electronics. Blackouts disrupt daily life by stopping all things that rely on electricity.

To prevent such damage, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) provide backup power during blackouts, ensuring a smooth transition and protecting devices from power surges.

How to Prepare/Protect from a Blackout or Brownout 

Let's discuss various points to prepare for blackout and brownout situations. 

How to Prepare or Protect from a Brownout 

To prepare for brownouts, it's important to take proactive steps. The Red Cross offers a set of recommendations for actions to take before, during, and after a power failure:

Before a Brownout:

  • Keep Coolers with Ice: Have coolers with ice ready to help preserve perishable food items.
  • Use a Digital Thermometer: Invest in a digital thermometer to monitor food temperatures, ensuring they remain safe for consumption.
  • Access NOAA Radio Broadcasts: Maintain access to NOAA radio broadcasts for weather updates and emergency information.
  • Maintain a Half-Full Gas Tank: Keep your vehicle's gas tank at least half-full to ensure mobility during an outage.
  • Store Extra Gas Containers: Bring extra gas containers for backup fuel.

During a Brownout:

  • Use Flashlights, Not Candles: Illuminate your surroundings with flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risks.
  • Limit Travel: Eliminate unnecessary travel to conserve fuel and stay safe during adverse conditions.
  • Turn Off/Unplug Electrical Equipment: Unplug or turn off all unnecessary electrical equipment and appliances to reduce the strain on the power grid.
  • Leave One Light On: Turn one light on so you'll know when the power is restored.

After a Brownout:

  • Avoid Downed Power Lines: Stay clear of all downed power lines, which can be extremely dangerous.
  • Discard Unsafe Food: Dispose of any food that may have become unsafe due to temperature fluctuations.

How to Prepare or Protect from a Blackout 

Knowing how to prepare for a blackout or an extended power outage is crucial. Here are guidelines for what to do before, during, and after a blackout:

Before a Blackout:

  • Build or purchase an emergency preparedness kit, including batteries, flashlights, and first aid supplies.
  • Ensure you have alternative charging methods for devices that require power, such as a crank or solar-powered radio/flashlight/cell phone charger, as an alternative to battery-powered options.
  • Keep your cell phone charged and maintain a supply of spare batteries.
  • Familiarize yourself with the manual release lever for your electric garage door opener and how to operate it.
  • You should prepare ice or freeze containers filled with water to assist in keeping food cold during a temporary power outage.
  • Maintain a full gas tank since gas stations use electricity to operate their pumps. Be cautious not to run your car in enclosed spaces to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Establish a backup plan if you rely on battery-operated or power-dependent devices like medical equipment.

During a Blackout:

  • Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns for emergency lighting, as candles and kerosene lanterns can pose fire risks.
  • Leave one light switched on to indicate when power is restored.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food. Most refrigerated items can remain safe for several hours, and a freezer can retain its temperature for about 48 hours.
  • Stay cool in hot weather by seeking refuge in movie theaters, shopping malls, or cooling shelters in your community. If at home, move to the lowest level, wear light-colored clothing, and stay hydrated.
  • In cold weather, layer clothing for warmth. Avoid using charcoal or ovens for heating. If the outage will last a while, consider going to a location with heat.
  • Turn off or unplug appliances and equipment to protect them from power surges. Consider using surge protectors.
  • Never use generators indoors, in garages, or connect them to your home's electrical system. Keep generators away from your home.
  • Minimize unnecessary travel, especially by car, as traffic lights may be out and roads congested.
  • If you encounter downed power lines, avoid touching them and keep your family and pets away. Report downed lines to your utility company.

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The modular and expandable BLUETTI AC200MAX solar generator features 2048Wh ultra-durable LFP cells. It allows for up to 900W of solar input and 500W via the adapter. So, you can charge it up via solar panels and your wall outlet simultaneously. 

With this solar generator, you’ll be able to deal with brownouts and blackouts without any hassle or damages to your appliances. 

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