This event occurs when the utility grid or local generation drops the voltage to zero due to faults, equipment breakdown, or severe weather. It immediately forces critical systems to rely on backup generators or batteries. Prolonged outages can cause severe disruption in continuous industrial processes and require careful load restoration sequences.
The UPS kicked in perfectly during the power failure, but the standby generator failed to sync.
Also heard as
- power outage
- blackout
Related terms
Black start
Restarting a power system from total shutdown using generators that can start without any outside supply.
Brownout
Sustained drop in supply voltage, caused by overload or applied on purpose to cut demand during a shortage.
UPS
Uninterruptible power supply, a battery or flywheel system that instantly provides backup power during an outage.
Islanding
Condition where part of a network stays energised by local generation after being cut off from the main grid.