Power Failures and Brown-Outs
In addition to total power failure, there can be a "brown-out" - If we are experiencing a brown-out,
lights will be dim, but not out. Rotating machinery is particularly intolerant of brown-outs (motors,
fans, refrigerators, A/C). It is best to turn off the HVAC (engineer speak for Heating, Ventilating and
A/C), turn off the refrigerator, the easiest way is using the circuit breaker in the electrical panel (for
Townhomes and Villas the breaker will be in the auxiliary panel used to activate an "emergency
generator") (note also that some refrigerators have a "temperature dial" that can be turned all the way to
off) additionally, turn off anything else that you do not need - most things won't run anyway.
Power failures rarely damage equipment, the damage occurs when the power comes back on. If the
power has only been off for a short time, that is the best case as when it comes back on, only a few of
the refrigerators or A/C units will try to come on also. If, however, the power has been off a long time,
then refrigerators and A/C units that were not turned off manually will try to turn on. This surge in
power needs may cause a brown-out condition for a while and cause the issues listed above.
Residents should have an easily accessible flashlight in good working order, a radio that runs on
batteries and contact information for DTE (1-800-432-2727), Kramer-Triad (734-531-0150) and others
that you might wish to reach.
U-verse, - The installation includes a backup power supply that will power your RG (residential
gateway) for up to four hours. During that time, you may be able to make phone calls if you have a
phone that is connected directly to the wall outlet (not a wireless handset) and it may be possible to use
the internet via your wireless signal and a notebook/laptop computer.
For residents of the main building, each unit has one duplex outlet, with limited capability, near the
front door. It can be used to power the U-verse RG power supply to ensure phone service. This is
particularly appropriate for residents with LifeLine or similar service. There is also one outlet in the
mail room that can be used for charging cell phones or computers etc.
Partial power failures:
Background - Townhomes and Villas are fed by 220 V ac with a "neutral" (three wires) that gives the
110 V ac used by most of the home. The main building is fed by 208 V ac 3 phase with a "neutral"
(four wires). In the main building, the units are fed by two of the three 208 legs with a neutral that
powers most of the unit.
Various circumstances, especially ice storms, can cause a power failure of only one leg of the supply.
This circumstance can cause an odd situation where some lights or equipment works and some does
not. Similar situations can cause a brown-out situation in part of the home. All power disruptions need
to be treated similarly - if possible turn off any equipment that is likely to be affected by brown-out
situations (by circuit breaker, switch or removing power plug from the wall).
University Commons
Board of Directors
February 2011