Power [Mostly OT]

[James Knott]

phil wrote:
> I've been having something odd happening over the past few weeks -- 
> getting worse -- and wonder if anyone here might have a comment because 
> of being local or because of facilities experience.
> 
> Sometimes various electrical things here turn off for anywhere from an 
> estimated 1/4 second to 5 seconds.  At the same time, other items on the 
> same circuit keep running fine.  When it starts happening, it will 
> continue for maybe ten minutes  with two-or-three of these flickers per 
> minute, happening two-or-three times per day.  (When it started it was 
> more like a couple of "blinks" and then again the next day.)
> 
> The things that are affected include the TV, furnace, refrigerator, 
> ceiling lights....  So far, the computers haven't had a problem, but 
> it's nerve-wracking to be working when the lights suddenly go out!
> 
> Anybody have experience that would point to a cause for this kind of thing?

You have to start looking at what's common and what isn't.  For example, 
if you entire house was hit, a good bet would be outside problems. 
However, since that doesn't seem to be the case, the problem is likely 
something along the lines of a defective breaker, house wiring or 
perhaps a power bar or extension cord.  A computer with a decent power 
supply can ride out a brief interuption. to try and eliminate possible 
causes.  Do a thorough examination of what's failing or not.  Please 
note, that this could be a dangerous problem, partitculary if your home 
has aluminum wiring.

Then again, with Hallow'een coming up, it might be ghosts.  ;-)
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