May 10, 2021
Power Outage Survival Guide Ireland
What to do in case of a Power outage?
In today’s world life is almost unimaginable without electricity. We rely on countless electrical devices to make our lives easier. Therefore constant, uninterrupted access to electricity is necessary to fuel our modern world.
To ensure you can handle a power outage and get through it safely and easily, we’ve decided to put together this simple guide. Below, we have listed steps to take before, during and after a power outage, which will help you get through it as quickly and as easily as possible. It is always good to know you can contact us via the PrepayPower online support form or on our online chat and one of our friendly agents will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Check the fuse box
First thing’s first! If just some appliances don’t work, or only a couple of lights switched off (in example one room) there is a high chance that you should reset the fuse. Your trip switch is usually located in or near your fuse box. Check that it is in the ‘Up’ or ‘On’ position.
Remember, for your own safety please be careful when dealing with electrical appliances. Do not touch any items that you believe may be faulty whilst they are connected to the electricity supply.
Check your balance
Check the balance on the keypad as you may have run out of credit, in this case you will see no balance on your keypad. Simply purchase top up, then you will then need to manually restore power by pressing “A” on your meter, then “B” on the electric meter to connect it again. After this your electricity will come back on straight away. Please be aware that this will restore power to any appliances powered on in your property so, make sure the appliances that were on before the supply was lost have been switched off.
If there is a balance on your keypad, the trip switch is ‘On’ there is no power cut in the area, and your electricity is still off, you will need to contact a registered electrical contractor to investigate the fault.
Turn off appliances
Disconnect all the appliances and electrical devices that might have been switched on at the moment of the power outage. This is a precautionary measure used to prevent a short circuit damage to the devices. Sometimes, when power returns, there can be momentary power surges that can “fry” your devices and cause damage.
Keep refrigerator closed
This is one of the things you are likely not considering during a power outage, but your fridge goes out as well. When a fridge switches off, it is no longer actively cooling. However, your refrigerator is essentially a thermos that will keep the food cold for 4 to 5 hours if unopened (freezer even longer than a day). Avoid opening the fridge as much as you can during a power outage, to ensure your food doesn’t spoil. After a power outage it’s always a good idea to check the temperature in the refrigerator. If any food has changed color or texture, we recommend throwing it out.
Stay tuned for info
In case of a longer power outage, the information is usually broadcast on radio stations. If you are unable to go online or call to check, radio is always a good last resort, listen via a portable radio or a receiver in your car.
Watch out for fallen wires
Storms are the number one cause of power outages in Ireland and are mostly caused by fallen electrical wires. Strong winds damage and sometimes rip the wires and they fall to the ground. These can be extremely dangerous, especially when in contact with rainwater. Take caution not to approach any fallen wires in a storm.
ESB Networks are responsible for maintaining the distribution network on behalf of all suppliers, you can contact their emergency line on 1850 372 999.
Be prepared for a power outage
It is always a good idea to prepare for a power outage by getting all the needed supplies and taking needed safety measures.
● Get batteries, and external power banks to power your phone, and other needed electrical devices.
● Get familiar with the location of your household fuses, know how to check if there are issues in your own home.
● Always have a torch (or even a couple of them) lying around at your home in case you need it.
● Keep nonperishable food and enough water on hand. It is always a good idea to get supplies before any storm forecast.
To get more info about power outages as a PrepayPower customer, you can visit our troubleshooting page.
