Have you ever noticed your lights flicker for a moment or come home to find your clocks blinking? These brief power interruptions, known as power blinks, occur when there is a temporary issue on the power line serving your home. While they can be annoying, they actually help protect the electrical system and prevent longer outages.

What Causes Power Blinks?

Power blinks happen when a protective device on the power line detects a fault (short circuit) and temporarily interrupts power to prevent damage. Common causes include:

✔ Tree branches touching power lines
✔ Storms causing wires to slap together
✔ Birds or animals coming into contact with equipment
✔ Lightning strikes
✔ Vehicles hitting utility poles or electrical equipment

Beltrami Electric Cooperative uses protective devices like oil circuit reclosers (OCRs) and fused cutouts to monitor the system. If a fault is detected, these devices quickly open and close to test if the issue clears. If not, power remains off until a crew makes repairs.

Power blinks can also happen on the transmission lines that feed into our substations by the same causes at outlined above. Our wholesale power provider, Minnkota Power Cooperative, maintains these lines and these blinks can affect a larger number of consumers. 

If you experience frequent power blinks, contact our office, as there may be an issue, such as tree branches touching a line, that needs attention.

Protecting Your Home from Power Surges

Since modern electronics are more sensitive to power fluctuations, surge protection is key to preventing damage from sudden voltage spikes.

Surge Protection Tips:

🔹 Use Point-of-Use Surge Protectors – Plug sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and appliances into surge protectors. Not all power strips provide surge protection, so check labels before buying.
🔹 Consider Whole-House Surge Protection – Installed at your electrical panel by a licensed electrician, these protect your entire home from surges.
🔹 Unplug Devices During Storms – If possible, unplug electronics to prevent lightning-induced surges.
🔹 Regularly Inspect Surge Protectors – Replace damaged or old protectors, as they may lose effectiveness over time.
🔹 Consult an Electrician – For maximum protection, a professional can assess your needs and install the best solution.

By understanding power blinks and investing in proper surge protection, you can safeguard your home and electronics from unexpected interruptions and damage. Stay informed, stay protected!