Power blinks
Find out why you sometimes see your digital clocks blinking 12:00.
Have you ever come home to find your digital clocks flashing "12:00"? It's caused by a power blink - a brief interruption that's designed to prevent a longer power outage.
Blinks occur when an obstruction, like a tree limb, comes into contact with a power line or transformer. To minimize the possibility of damage to the utility system or your home, a circuit breaker interrupts the flow of electricity for a fraction of a second.
If the limb remains on the line, the breaker opens and tries to reclose again. If the obstruction is still on the line after the third try, the breaker opens and does not reclose automatically.
At this point, a utility worker must be dispatched to remove the obstruction and manually reset the breaker.
Power blinks rarely cause damage to equipment. Older digital clocks and other devices are the most vulnerable to blinks; newer models are designed to ride out these small voltage fluctuations.
If you're experiencing frequent power blinks, call your electric company.
Blinks occur when an obstruction, like a tree limb, comes into contact with a power line or transformer. To minimize the possibility of damage to the utility system or your home, a circuit breaker interrupts the flow of electricity for a fraction of a second.
If the limb remains on the line, the breaker opens and tries to reclose again. If the obstruction is still on the line after the third try, the breaker opens and does not reclose automatically.
At this point, a utility worker must be dispatched to remove the obstruction and manually reset the breaker.
Power blinks rarely cause damage to equipment. Older digital clocks and other devices are the most vulnerable to blinks; newer models are designed to ride out these small voltage fluctuations.
If you're experiencing frequent power blinks, call your electric company.
More from this category
Maintaining your electrical panel
Updating electrical wiring
Yesterday's wiring seldom meets today's electrical needs. Learn what it takes to install modern wiring in an older home.
Surge protectors
Not all power strips protect against surges. Know what to look for to get your money's worth.
