what is the cause of lights flickering off for about 1,2, or 3 seconds and then kicks back on when lightning strikes? what role does lightning play in it?
2007-09-08 10:14:45 · 6 answers · asked by adamc44 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
While the lightning itself can cause the momentary loss of power, but, there is a better explanation that covers it. Reclosers have been used on the power grids for many years now and is part of the power companies attempt to minimize damage from lightning strikes.
The power flicker is usually caused by lightning entering the power grid somewhere between you and the source of electricity. The surge will cause a "recloser" on the power grid to trip momentarily since it "sees" the surge of power as a short circuit thus shutting off power. The recloser then automatically tries to restore power. Depending on the type of recloser and how it is designed it may trip and retry several times over a second or two before it senses that the surge or short circuit is no longer there. This causes the flicker you sometimes see. After a maximum number of tries, (varies anywhere from 1 to 10 or even more attempts) it trips out completely and someone (lineman) has to find it and manually reset it.
Do a google on reclosers, lots of info on them.
2007-09-08 11:01:04 · answer #1 · answered by Water 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In most cases the lightning that causes lights to flicker in the house is due to the fact it may have hit an electrical line somewhere in the area that is affected. A safety feature that was put on those lines caused a momentary disconnect and was back up again in an instant.
2007-09-09 01:54:24 · answer #2 · answered by trey98607 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why Lights Flicker
2016-11-13 21:03:30 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of the above answers are clueless, except for Water's, which is exactly correct and well stated.
Your internet search on "recloser" will give you lots of insight into the workings of the power grid.
2007-09-08 16:00:18 · answer #4 · answered by aviophage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lightning draws upon the available power of what is surrounding it. Lightning flashes-drawing power from your house to power the length and strength of the bolt.
2007-09-08 14:15:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
it means you need to call a electrican,thats doesnt sound right
2007-09-08 10:22:32 · answer #6 · answered by tammy g 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋