We’re all familiar with blackouts – the power goes out completely and everything stops. Brownouts are different, and while less obvious, they can create more complex issues for customers.
Instead of a total loss of power, a brownout is a drop in voltage. Lights may flicker, appliances may struggle to operate, and sensitive equipment can be affected. For electrical contractors, recognising and explaining these issues is critical when diagnosing faults and advising clients.
This article outlines what a brownout is, why it occurs and how electricians can help reduce the risk of damage.
What is a brownout?
A brownout is a temporary reduction in voltage in an electrical supply, typically in the range of around 10-25%.
The term originates from older lighting systems, where reduced voltage caused lights to dim and appear brownish-yellow.
Unlike a blackout, the power remains on during a brownout, but at a level that can affect performance and equipment operation.
Key takeaways for electrical contractors
- A brownout is a voltage drop, not a complete power outage
- It can be caused by grid demand, internal wiring issues or supply problems
- Low voltage can damage motors and electronic equipment
- Voltage returning to normal can result in a surge
- Mitigation includes surge protection, circuit upgrades and backup systems
Why do brownouts happen?
Is grid overload a cause of brownouts?
Yes. Brownouts can occur when demand on the electricity network is high.
Periods of extreme heat, where air-conditioner use increases significantly, can place stress on the grid and lead to reduced voltage supply.
Can internal electrical issues cause brownouts?
Yes. Brownouts can originate within a property.
Wiring issues or high-load appliances, such as older compressors operating on undersized circuits, can cause local voltage drops.
Do weather and infrastructure problems play a role?
Yes.
Issues at substations or damage to power lines can reduce voltage levels without resulting in a full outage.
Why are brownouts dangerous for appliances and electronic equipment?
Low voltage can affect both motor-driven appliances and electronic devices.
How do brownouts affect motors?
Appliances such as fridges, washing machines and air-conditioning units are designed to operate at specific voltages.
When voltage drops, motors draw more current to maintain operation. This can lead to overheating and potential internal damage.
What happens to electronic devices during a brownout?
Devices such as TVs, computers and smart home systems may shut down and restart repeatedly during a brownout.
This can affect operating systems, stored data and overall device reliability.
Can a brownout lead to a power surge?
Yes.
When voltage returns to normal levels, a surge can occur. Without surge protection, this can damage connected equipment.
How can electrical contractors help customers manage brownouts?
Should you install whole-of-house surge protection?
Installing surge protection at the switchboard provides protection against voltage spikes that may occur when supply stabilises.
When are dedicated circuits required?
If appliances are causing local voltage drops — such as lights flickering when an air-conditioner starts — a dedicated circuit or wiring upgrade may be required.
Are battery backups a practical solution?
Battery backup systems can help maintain more stable voltage supply to sensitive equipment during fluctuations.
Frequently asked questions about brownouts
What is the difference between a blackout and a brownout?
A blackout is a complete loss of power, while a brownout is a reduction in voltage with power still available.
What are the signs of a brownout?
Flickering lights, reduced appliance performance and difficulty starting equipment like air-conditioners.
Can brownouts damage appliances?
Yes. Low voltage can cause overheating in motors and instability in electronic devices.
What causes brownouts in homes?
Common causes include high grid demand, internal wiring issues and supply-side infrastructure problems.
How can customers protect their equipment?
Surge protection, appropriate circuit design and battery backup systems can reduce risk.
What electrical contractors should remember
Brownouts are less visible than blackouts but can lead to equipment damage and ongoing electrical issues.
By helping customers identify the signs of low voltage and recommending appropriate protection measures, contractors can reduce the risk of costly failures.
Educating customers through conversations, newsletters or social media can also create opportunities for additional work, such as safety checks and upgrades.
