Storms, thunder, snow loads or small animals can cause power outages. An equipment failure or a fault in your own electricity network can also cause a power cut.
Thanks to the electricity network technology and 24-hour monitoring, we become quickly aware of extensive disruptions, that are shown on our outage map. We are notified of individual incidents for example, defects affecting a single property, when a customer contacts us as a result of a power outage. We will act instantly to troubleshoot the issue and restore power as soon as possible.
Occasionally, power cuts can occur due to a fault in the home or property network. In such a case, changing a fuse may help.
Identifying a fault in the neutral conductor
A fault in the neutral conductor is a rare but possible disturbance in a damaged electricity network. A fault may occur when a neutral conductor is cut. In the worst-case scenario, voltages can rise from 230 V to 400 V. This may cause damage to electrical devices and result in a risk of an electric shock.
It may be a fault in the neutral conductor if the property’s electricity network behaves strangely after a power cut:
- The home electricity network behaves strangely, for example, some lights may be brighter or dimmer than normal, especially when other electrical devices are turned on or off.
- Electrical devices are behaving randomly or light bulbs break.
- You receive a shock from a device with a metal casing. In this situation, you should also seek a medical check-up.
- You can hear cracks or pops from the switchboard and you may smell smoke.
What to do if you suspect a faulty neutral conductor
- Switch off the main switch with one hand, keeping the other hand in your pocket or otherwise attached to your body.
- Avoid touching any metal parts of the switchboard as they may be energised.
- Call Elenia’s outage management service immediately at 0800 100 100.
Notify us of a fault threatening the electricity network
Trees leaning on the grid or low-hanging wires are a safety and blackout risk.
NOTE! Stay at least 20 metres away from wires. Under no circumstances should you touch or attempt to clear any trees or low-hanging power lines hanging from the wires. For safety reasons, clearing and repair work must be carried out by professionals.
If you see a tree falling or threatening to fall on the network, please call us tel. 0800 100 100.