Brownout vs Blackout: Key Differences & Solutions – A Complete Guide
Ever had your lights suddenly dim or your power go out completely? You might’ve experienced either a brownout or a blackout – but what’s the difference?
While both involve disruptions to your electricity, they’re not the same thing. A brownout is a temporary drop in voltage, often causing lights to flicker or appliances to behave oddly. A blackout, on the other hand, is a complete loss of power.
Knowing the difference between the two can help you respond appropriately, protect your electronics and stay safe. In this blog, we’ll break down what each one means, how they happen, what you can do when they strike and when to call an emergency electrician.
Whether you’re trying to prevent damage to your devices or just want to be prepared, we’ve got you covered with practical tips and solutions.
What is a Brownout?
A brownout is a temporary drop in voltage in your electrical system. Unlike a blackout, where the power goes out completely, a brownout means the electricity is still flowing – just not at full strength.
You might notice your lights dimming, your fan slowing down, or your electronics acting strangely. It’s called a “brownout” because the lights often dim to a brownish glow rather than going dark.
Brownouts usually happen when there’s a high demand on the power grid, like during a heatwave when everyone’s blasting the air conditioning.
They can also occur due to issues with local infrastructure or as a way for energy providers to reduce strain on the system without turning off power entirely.
While brownouts are less dramatic than blackouts, they can still be risky. Sensitive electronics can get damaged, so it’s a good idea to unplug them until the voltage returns to normal.
What is a Blackout?
A blackout is a complete loss of power in a home, building, or even an entire area. Everything shuts off – lights, appliances, heating or cooling systems and anything else connected to the grid. Unlike a brownout, where power is still flowing at a lower voltage, a blackout means there’s no electricity at all.
Blackouts can be caused by severe weather like storms or heatwaves, accidents involving power lines, equipment failure or even planned maintenance. In some cases, they’re unexpected and can last for minutes, hours or even days, depending on the issue and how quickly it’s fixed.
Because blackouts can be sudden, they can catch people off guard. That’s why it’s helpful to have flashlights, backup batteries and even a generator on hand.
Safety is also key – avoid candles, don’t open the fridge too often, and never use gas stoves or barbecues indoors to keep warm or cook.
Brownout vs Blackout: Key Differences
While both brownouts and blackouts are power issues, they’re quite different in how they affect your home. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences:
- Power level
- Brownout: Reduced voltage, power still flows.
- Blackout: Complete loss of power.
- Duration
- Brownout: Usually short-term and often resolved quickly.
- Blackout: Can last from minutes to hours or even days.
- Causes
- Brownout: Often due to high demand on the grid or intentional voltage reduction.
- Blackout: Caused by storms, accidents, equipment failure, or grid overload.
- Impact on devices
- Brownout: Can damage sensitive electronics due to unstable voltage.
- Blackout: Devices just turn off—less risk of voltage damage but sudden shutdowns can be disruptive.
- Signs
- Brownout: Lights dimming, appliances slowing down.
- Blackout: Everything goes dark and silent.
How to Protect Your Home During a Brownout
Brownouts might not cut power entirely like blackouts, but they can still harm your electronics and disrupt your day. Here’s how to keep your home safe and running smoothly during one:
- Unplug sensitive electronics – TVs, computers, and appliances can be damaged by low voltage. Unplug them until power stabilises.
- Use surge protectors – A surge protector won’t help with low voltage but can guard against sudden power spikes when electricity returns to normal.
- Turn off major appliances – Air conditioners, fridges, and washing machines should be switched off to avoid overloading circuits or motor damage.
- Limit power use – Keep only essential lights or devices running to reduce strain on the grid.
- Invest in a voltage regulator – These devices help maintain a stable voltage for sensitive electronics.
- Stay informed – Follow updates from your energy provider in case the brownout worsens or becomes a full blackout.
What to Do During a Blackout
When a blackout hits, the first thing to do is stay calm and check whether it’s just your home or the entire street. If it’s widespread, report the outage to your power provider (if they haven’t already notified you).
Next, switch off and unplug any sensitive appliances or electronics to protect them from potential surges when the power returns.
Use battery-powered flashlights instead of candles to reduce the risk of fire, and keep your fridge and freezer doors closed to preserve food for as long as possible. If it’s hot, stay cool with wet towels and stay hydrated. If it’s cold, layer up and avoid using gas stoves or outdoor heaters indoors.
Check on neighbours – especially the elderly or those with medical needs – and tune into updates using a battery-powered or car radio. Most importantly, be patient. Power crews usually work quickly and safely to restore electricity.
Preventive Solutions and Long-Term Strategies
While you can’t stop brownouts or blackouts from happening, you can prepare your home to handle them better. Here are some smart, long-term solutions to consider:
- Install a backup generator – A reliable generator can power essentials like your fridge, lights and medical devices during an outage.
- Use uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) – These provide short-term battery backup for devices like computers and Wi-Fi routers.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances – Newer models are better at handling voltage dips and use less electricity overall.
- Get a whole-house surge protector – This shields all your circuits from sudden spikes when power returns.
- Consider solar panels with battery storage – This setup can keep your home running during blackouts and reduce reliance on the grid.
- Have an emergency kit ready – Keep torches, batteries, first aid and basic supplies easily accessible in case of extended outages.
When to Call a Professional
After a brownout or blackout, it’s a good idea to check that everything in your home is working as it should.
If your lights flicker oddly, appliances don’t start up properly, or your circuit breakers keep tripping, it might be time to call a licensed electrician. Power fluctuations can sometimes damage wiring or overload your system without you realising it.
A professional electrician can inspect your setup and make sure it’s still safe and up to standard. If your home experiences frequent brownouts or outages – more than what seems normal – there could be an underlying electrical issue that needs attention.
It’s also worth calling in a pro if you want to install surge protectors, backup generators or other safety devices.
When it comes to electricity, it’s always better to play it safe. A quick check from an expert can save you from bigger problems down the track – and give you peace of mind.
A Flicker or Full-On Power Loss?
Understanding the difference between a brownout and a blackout can help you respond calmly and protect your home when the lights flicker or go out completely.
Brownouts involve a drop in voltage, while blackouts are total power losses – both can impact your appliances and daily routine.
The good news is that with a few preventive steps, like unplugging electronics during a brownout or investing in a generator, you can minimise damage and stay comfortable. Long-term strategies such as surge protectors, solar battery systems and energy-efficient appliances also go a long way in keeping your home safe and prepared.
Power issues might be inconvenient but, with a bit of planning, you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way – flicker, fade or full-on blackout.
Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brownout vs Blackout
Do you have any questions about the difference between brownouts and blackouts? If so, we’ve got answers to some of the most commonly asked questions right here.
A brownout is a drop in voltage that causes lights to dim or electronics to malfunction, but power isn’t completely lost. A blackout, on the other hand, is a total loss of power – everything shuts off. Brownouts are often a way for energy providers to reduce load temporarily, while blackouts usually happen due to equipment failure or extreme weather.
Yes, they can. Low voltage during a brownout can cause motors and electronic components to work harder, leading to overheating or long-term damage. That’s why it’s smart to unplug sensitive devices and turn off major appliances until normal power returns.
It varies. Brownouts are often short-term and may last a few minutes to an hour. Blackouts can be brief too, but sometimes they stretch for several hours or even longer depending on the cause and location.