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Partial Power Outage: What Property Managers Should Know

Imagine the frustration: tenants complaining of no lights, appliances refusing to work, and general confusion. This isn’t the result of a total blackout but a partial power outage. As a property manager, you receive complaints from staff and tenants looking for answers.

Unfortunately, the cause of a partial outage is not always clear. Discover the underlying causes of most partial outages and how they increase risks around the property. Also, learn why DIY fixes are impractical and why you should only trust licensed electricians for inspections and repairs.

Understanding a Partial Power Outage and Its Risks

Causes

Unlike a complete blackout, a partial outage affects only a portion of your electrical system. While less disruptive than a total power loss, it can still cause significant headaches for tenants and staff. To address these types of outages, property managers must understand what caused them.

The most common culprit is a circuit overload, resulting in a tripped breaker or blown fuse. In NYC apartments, it is typical to find tenants trying to make the most of their outlets using power strips and plug adapters. While limited use of such devices likely won’t cause a problem, dependence on power strips often leads to tenants exceeding the capacity for a given circuit.

When the circuit becomes overloaded, breakers or fuses—the guardians of your electrical system—disrupt the flow of electricity, preventing system-wide damage. In modern circuit breaker systems, repairing is as simple as turning the specific breaker off and on again. You may have to replace the damaged fuse in older systems to restore full power.

Damaged outlets or faulty wiring can also cause a partial power outage or a disruption in electrical flow. From loose connection to improper installation, damaged outlets are dangerous and require immediate, professional attention. Signs of faulty wiring and outlet damage include:

• Burning or smoke smells
• Outlet or switch sparks
• Outlet or switch plate discoloration

Sometimes, a malfunctioning appliance or device can cause a localized power outage. Also, while rare, extreme weather events like lightning strikes or high winds can cause partial outages. Typically, weather events are more likely to cause total outages.

Safety Hazards

Partial outages may be less inconvenient than blackouts, but the lack of power creates safety hazards regardless of the extent. Outages can make entering and exiting the property difficult and may create tripping hazards because of darkened rooms and hallways.

Beyond limiting egress and ingress and increasing tripping risks, depending on the cause of the outage, it may signal increased risks of electrical shock and fire. If faulty or loose wiring caused the power disruption, the lack of lighting doesn’t mean an absence of electrical current. Staff members or tenants may touch outlets or switches and receive a nasty shock or burn.

Loose or faulty wiring can produce arcing — a luminous discharge when an electric current jumps across a gap between two conductors. The resulting spark can reach temperatures exceeding the sun’s surface in a fraction of a second, causing injuries or sparking fires.

A partial power outage also causes security concerns. When a property is dark, it increases the risks of criminal activity inside and outside, especially in common areas and parking lots.

Property Damage

While the immediate concern during a partial outage may be inconvenience and safety hazards, property managers must realize the potential for property damage. The damage’s extent depends on the outage duration and the affected areas.

Sudden power outages in offices, control rooms, or individual units can damage electronic devices like computers, televisions, and appliances. Damage to these devices typically occurs because of the surge before the outage, which overwhelms the device’s internal components, leading to data loss and fried circuits. Surge protectors are simple and affordable solutions to protect electronics.

If a partial outage affects the controls for heating and cooling systems, it disrupts their operation and potentially leads to damage. If the power loss causes uneven heating throughout the property, it can create opportunities for freezing, resulting in frozen pipes and water damage.

When a property experiences frequent partial outages, it can strain the electrical system. The repetitive strain and surges can cause the wiring insulation to degrade, increasing the risks of future outages and fire hazards.

Some property damage is unavoidable during a partial power outage. Still, proactive measures, such as regular electrical inspection, responsible electrical usage, and routine system maintenance, can protect the property and reduce the risk of future outages.

Dealing With Partial Power Outages and Future Outage Risks

Professional Assessment and Repair

While a flickering light or a tripped breaker may seem like a minor electrical issue, attempting DIY fixes for partial outages can be dangerous and more expensive than hiring a professional. Electrical work requires expertise and specialized tools. A qualified electrician safely diagnoses the cause of the outage, accurately identifies any hazards, and ensures timely and effective repairs.

Licensed electricians not only fix the immediate issue but can also recommend preventative measures to prevent future outages. Their suggestions may include electrical panel upgrades, installing additional circuits, or suggesting surge protectors for sensitive equipment.

With an annual service contract, you can secure peace of mind knowing your building’s electrical system receives scheduled maintenance and required inspections. At Bolt Electric, we keep track of maintenance and inspection schedules, so you don’t have to.

Calling Bolt Electric To Repair a Partial Power Outage

Inspection, Correction, and Protection

While seemingly less disruptive than complete blackouts, partial power outages can cause a cascade of problems. From safety hazards like electrical shock and fire to property damage through malfunctioning appliances or frozen pipes, these outages threaten your tenants and your investment. You can significantly reduce these risks by understanding the potential causes and taking proactive measures.

Remember, don’t attempt DIY fixes when dealing with a partial power outage. Invest in professional assessment and repair from Bolt Electric. Our experts can restore power quickly and safely and recommend preventative measures to reduce future risks. Contact our team at 212-734-5000 to schedule an inspection or repair.