Electric service may be momentarily interrupted in an occurrence technically referred to as a "breaker operation," but more commonly called a "blink." Blinks annoyingly manifest themselves by setting clocks and VCRs back to 12:00. Appliances that depend on a continuous supply of electricity while operating, like clothes dryers, microwaves and breadmakers, may have to be restarted. Likewise, unsaved work may be lost on a computer that is not connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

Most power quality problems are generated inside the home. Main causes include faulty wiring, loose connections, poor grounding, operating heating and air conditioning systems, and large motors or appliances switching on and off. Outside-the-home causes of power quality problems may include: bad weather, ice, birds, animals, neighbors using heavy power equipment, accidents involving power poles and lines -even normal utility operations. The four most common causes of poor power quality and their solutions are discussed below.
Faulty Wiring / Poor Ground   Have a professional check your wiring for faulty or loose connections, improper grounding or phase reversal. If you have a TV cable connection to your home, have your electrician check that the TV cable ground and the electric ground are bonded at one common point.
Voltage Surges   Voltage surges are short periods of high voltage or spikes of electricity ranging from several hundred to several thousand volts that occur through power lines, telephone lines, TV antennas and cable TV lines. Even when the equipment is turned off, high voltage surges can destroy sensitive electronic equipment and damage major appliance motors, while lower level surges can slowly wear down microprocessors, causing computers and other equipment to fail unexpectedly.The best protection against voltage surges is to put up a guard where electricity enters your home and inside your home where equipment is connected. A meter socket surge protector, which may be purchased from Tideland EMC, can protect your home from surges that originate along incoming power lines. A UL-listed plug-in surge protector can help protect individual appliances and equipment, such as computers, home security systems, stereos and televisions, from surges. "UL LISTED" surge protectors have been tested for safety, fire hazard, shock hazard and performance. Satellite dishes require specialized suppressors. Contact your satellite dealer for details.
Momentary Interruptions    Most momentary power failures cause more inconvenience than damage, but they can still hurt many of today’s more sensitive electronic devices. While many VCRs, clocks, microwave ovens and other devices come with built-in back up batteries, the best way to protect your equipment is with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). These systems provide power ranging from 10 minutes to several hours - some also provide protection from voltage surges and electronic noise.
Lightning Strikes   While surge suppressors provide a high degree of protection against direct and nearby indirect lightning strikes, lightning can be so powerful that nothing on the market today can provide total protection.