brownouts
Partial power failures
Brownouts are partial reductions in electrical power, causing lights to dim and equipment to malfunction without going completely dark.
Utilities may impose brownouts during peak demand to prevent full blackouts.
The term extends to any partial failure or diminished capacity: I had a brownout and can't remember leaving the party—a memory lapse short of complete blackout.
Decrease across circuit element
- dimmingDecreasing in brightness
- flickeringShining unsteadily, intermittently
- sagSink from weight
- undervoltageInsufficient electrical potential
surge protector · UPS · backup generator · circuit breaker · transformer · utility company · power grid · load shedding
Preventing waste or loss
- load sheddingDeliberate power interruption
- allocationDistribution of shares
- shortageDeficient supply of necessities
- emergency measuresUrgent actions during crises
Framework of intersecting lines
- substationPower distribution point
- transformerVoltage-altering electrical device
- distribution networkChannels linking producers to consumers
- transmission linesCables carrying electrical current
utility · circuit · wiring · capacity · overload · relay · feeder · switchgear
Displeasure from blocked efforts
- inconvenienceMinor difficulty or trouble
- business interruptionForced cessation of commerce
- factory shutdownCessation of industrial production
- economic impactFinancial consequence of events
Extended extreme warmth
- extreme weatherUnusual, dangerous atmospheric events
- droughtProlonged water scarcity
- population growthIncrease in inhabitants over time
voltage drop
Decrease across circuit element
- dimmingDecreasing in brightness
- flickeringShining unsteadily, intermittently
- sagSink from weight
undervoltage · surge protector · UPS · backup generator · circuit breaker · transformer · utility company · power grid · load shedding · peak demand
conservation
Preventing waste or loss
- load sheddingDeliberate power interruption
- allocationDistribution of shares
- shortageDeficient supply of necessities
grid
Framework of intersecting lines
- substationPower distribution point
- transformerVoltage-altering electrical device
- distribution networkChannels linking producers to consumers
transmission lines · utility · circuit · wiring · capacity · overload · relay · feeder · switchgear · voltage regulator
frustration
Displeasure from blocked efforts
- inconvenienceMinor difficulty or trouble
- business interruptionForced cessation of commerce
- factory shutdownCessation of industrial production
heat wave
Extended extreme warmth
- extreme weatherUnusual, dangerous atmospheric events
- droughtProlonged water scarcity
- population growthIncrease in inhabitants over time
- energyelectricity, power, oil, fuel, gas
- infrastructure failuresbridge collapse, potholes, dam breach, power outage, water main breaks
- utilitieselectricity, water supply, public utilities, water line, gas service
- energy policyenergy policy, energy bills, energy independence, energy security, energy efficiency
- power supplyelectricity, power grid, power lines, power plants, generators
- power gridspower grid, transformer, substation, substations, transmission lines
brownoutsfull power
Maximum operational capacity
power surges · voltage spikes · overvoltage · peak power · blackouts