What To Turn Off When Power Goes Out?

Introduction:
Power outages can strike without warning, and they can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re unprepared. Whether it’s a severe storm, a downed power line, or a blown transformer, knowing what to do in the event of a power outage can help keep you and your property safe. One of the most critical steps you can take is to know what to turn off when the power goes out.

What to turn off?

The first thing you should consider turning off when the power goes out is all light fixtures, with the exception of one or two. Leaving just one or two lights switched on will help you know when the power comes back on. It will also prevent overloading your system when it’s restoring power, which can lead to circuit breakers tripping.

If you have a gas-powered furnace, make sure you switch off the electric furnace breaker to prevent it from turning on when the power comes back. However, if your furnace is an electric one, it’s best to leave it on because it’s safer than allowing it to run out of power completely.

What to disconnect?

Most electric devices and appliances should be unplugged when the power goes out. Leaving them plugged in can create electrical surges that may damage the equipment when the electricity is restored. Additionally, if you leave your appliances plugged in, they may turn on automatically when the electricity is back on, creating potential hazards in your home.

It’s crucial to consider unplugging any major appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, stoves, washing machines, and air conditioners. When the power comes back, it’s a good idea to wait for at least a few minutes before turning your appliances back on.

What to keep on?

Although you should turn off most electrical items, there are some appliances that you should keep on when the power goes out to avoid damage or inconvenience. For example, your freezer is an essential appliance that needs to remain on to keep your food from spoiling. If the power outage is expected to last more than a few hours, consider purchasing some dry ice to keep your freezer at the correct temperature.

If you have a sump pump, you should also consider keeping it on to prevent potential flooding in your basement. If you have a generator, make sure you turn it on and connect some devices and appliances that you need the most.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing what to turn off when the power goes out can not only keep you safe but also prevent potential hazards in your home. The best practice is to unplug all electrical appliances and turn off light fixtures except for one or two to signal when the electricity is back. Remember to keep essential appliances such as freezers and sump pumps on, and use a generator if you have one. With these precautions, you can be assured of safety and prevent potential hazards.

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Frequently Asked Questions for What To Turn Off When Power Goes Out

1. Why do I need to turn off my appliances when the power goes out?

Turning off your appliances when the power goes out can help protect them from power surges when the electricity comes back on. Power surges can damage electronic devices and even cause a fire.

2. Do I need to turn off my fridge when the power goes out?

Yes, you should turn off your fridge when the power goes out. This is because when the power is out, the fridge’s motor will continue to try to run, which can cause damage. Additionally, when the power comes back on, the sudden surge can damage the fridge’s compressor.

3. What other devices should I turn off when the power goes out?

You should turn off all devices that were on when the power went out, including computers, televisions, lamps, and fans. It’s also a good idea to turn off your air conditioner or heater if they were on when the power went out.

4. How long should I wait before turning my appliances back on after the power comes back on?

You should wait a few minutes before turning your appliances back on after the power comes back on. This will give the electrical system time to stabilize and prevent power surges that can damage your devices.