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The Occasional Blink is a Positive Sign the Electrical Distribution System in Your Area is Working Correctly Let's face it. Blinking clocks on stoves and microwaves are a hassle to contend with if they occur on a regular basis. However, an occasional blink is a positive sign the distribution system in your area is working properly. Blinks are usually the result of brush that has or is growing into the power lines, or wildlife, such as squirrels or large birds, that come into contact with the energized lines. FEC does have an extensive brush clearing program that removes miles of brush each year. However, FEC's overall distribution system totals nearly 3,800 miles of line, making it difficult to keep up with the constant attempts at encroachment by Mother Nature. Blinks occur when, for example, a tree limb brushes up against a power line. The contact is detected by a piece of equipment called an oil circuit recloser (OCR). Its job is to detect power surges and stop the flow of electricity when there is a potential problem. It is similar to a circuit breaker in your home, however, it has a special feature your circuit breakers at home do not have. When the tree limb came into contact with the power line, the OCR immediately opened, stopping the flow of electricity. That is the blink that causes the clock on your microwave to flash. However, the difference between your circuit breaker at home and the OCR is the OCR will reset itself. If the tree limb is no longer in contact with the power line the OCR will automatically reset itself and power is restored to the line. If the branch remains on the power line, the OCR will operate two more times, off-on, off-on, before opening for good, causing a power outage. FEC's automatic meter reading system is also designed to record blinks on your power line. If you are experiencing a number of blinks at your home, contact the FEC office in Chillicothe. |
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