Can You Shower During a Power Outage? Here’s the Answer

Brad Ormsby — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 00:16:12 +0000

A power outage can disrupt your usual routine. You may have to do without basic comforts for a while. An outage might also prevent you from performing household tasks.

But can you take a shower during a power outage? There’s actually more to the answer than meets the eye. Read on to learn more about showering when the power is out.

What’s The Issue?

You might think that the electricity being out won’t affect the plumbing. Your home relies on different electrical appliances to provide you with water, including electrical hot water heaters, boilers, tankless water heaters, or even electrical well pumps.

Depending on the appliances your household relies on, hot water may or may not be available.

If you have an electric hot water heater, the electrical heating element won’t work. You’ll still be able to take a hot shower with the water stored in the tank of your electric water heater.
Gas hot water heaters will continue working during an outage. If you have a traditional water heater with an electric pilot light, you won’t be able to turn it back on if the pilot light goes out.
A tankless water heater won’t work during an outage. The electrical models won’t be able to heat up the water, and on-demand gas water heaters rely on an electrical panel that won’t work.

If you need to use water during an outage, keep these tips in mind:

Keep track of time and keep showers as short as possible.
Consider taking a cold shower if you don’t have a tank with hot water.
Use cold water for cooking and doing the dishes.
You can use the toilet but limit flushing as much as possible.

Another important consideration is that local water and sewage systems might be down if the power lines aren’t working. These facilities use the equivalent of what 2 million homes consume.

Most water treatment facilities rely on electrical pumps to remove sewage from homes, and sewage lines can back up quickly if these pumps are down.

Is It Safe to Shower During a Power Outage?

You might be familiar with a rumor claiming lightning can strike you in the shower. The good news is that it’s a myth. It’s perfectly safe to shower during an outage or storm.

The main risk is that showering in the dark increases your risk of slipping and falling, which is why you should have a battery-powered light in your bathroom. It’s a safer alternative to candles and gas lamps that represent a fire hazard.

Enjoy Your Shower Anytime — Get A Generator!

Experts believe power outages will continue to become more frequent, especially when temperatures rise in the summer.

Upgrading your home with a backup generator is a viable solution to keep essential systems on during an outage, including your water heater or water pump. Contact us today to learn more about the steps involved in installing a generator!

What Is a Lightning Arrester and How Does It Work?

Brad Ormsby — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 00:46:37 +0000

Lightning strikes during storms pose dangers to your safety and your property. A high-voltage current surge can cause extensive damage and even an electrical fire. To reduce or eliminate that risk, you can install a lightning arrester. Certain classes of arresters are suitable for particular areas. Class 1 arresters can dissipate much more current than class 2 arresters. Therefore, you should not install a class 2 arrester in a class 1 area since it will lead to catastrophic damage.

What Is a Lightning Arrester

A lightning arrester is a device used along power lines located outside of a residence, usually next to transformers. The arrester is characterized by a spiral shape made of metal that is placed on the line to protect the nearby electrical system.

If there is a lightning strike during a storm, a high-voltage current surges into the electrical line and is mitigated. The arrester immediately diverts the surge around the home and into the ground or earth.

Arresters are also classified according to their functions. Whether you need to protect a single-phase or three-phase supply, there are multiple classes to choose from.

How Does a Lightning Arrester Work?

A lightning arrester does not prevent lightning from striking a home or business. It is typically installed between the power line and the home, substation, or circuit breakers.

Lightning rods differ from arresters in that they are passive rods that absorb lightning strikes and send them through an attached cable to the ground. The electrical circuits still run the risk of being affected by the sudden surge in power when using a lightning rod only.

A lightning arrester has a high voltage terminal and a ground terminal. The current spike naturally wants to flow to the electrical components. This is where the lightning arrester comes in. It diverts excess current into a predetermined location.

What Are the Key Features of a Surge (Lightning) Arrester?

These are the features and functions of surge/lightning arresters:

A properly working lightning arrester breaks down quickly when exposed to an abnormal voltage over the rated breakdown value. A “breakdown” refers to the function of the lightning arrester wherein the insulation inside breaks down momentarily so that the voltage surge can be directed to the ground.
It should divert the current at the precise moment that the transient voltage reaches the rated breakdown threshold.
The spark-over voltage must go beyond the usual power frequency occurring in the system for the device to work. It shouldn’t be electrically conductive under normal conditions.
Lastly, the lightning arrester should channel the discharged electrical energy without losing its durability when these breakdowns happen.

Ideal Location for a Surge (Lightning) Arrester

The ideal placement for an arrester is anywhere close to whatever needs protection. It will usually link the phase or electrical supply to the electrical panel and protect it from surges. You may also need a surge diverter with certain power supplies. Call us so we can help you better understand your electrical needs.

Dependable Surge (Lightning) Arrester Installation

Electrical devices and appliances are indispensable, especially for those who work from home. Purchasing a device to protect your property from lightning is easily the best investment you can make for yourself. Call U.S. Electric today for a professional, dependable installation by one of our expert electricians. We also offer many other electrical services to meet your needs.

Lightning | US Electric