Power Outage Preparation, Part 4

Aug. 14, 2012
When a power outage hits, your first priority is to open branch panel breakers, feeder breakers, and then main breakers 

When a power outage hits, your first priority is to open branch panel breakers, feeder breakers, and then main breakers. When restarting, work in the opposite direction to avoid closing breakers under load.

Speed other responses by:

  • Printing outage work orders. Keep them in a book marked "Power Outage."
  • Making an outage cart. Use it as your rolling office. Chain the "Power Outage" book to it, and attach lists of needed tools and test equipment so nobody has to think about what to grab while the power's out and the "heat is on."
  • Forming teams. Pre-assign small outage teams, each with a captain (and alternate), specific tasks to handle during an outage.
  • Doing dry runs. Perform outage drills in the same sense you perform fire drills.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.