Power outage or brownout on Bonaire: how to protect your appliances

The outage itself is often not the problem. Damage usually happens when the power comes back, or when the voltage stays too low for a long time. With the right protection in your breaker panel and at your appliances, you prevent most of the damage.

I'm Andres, an electrician and handyman on Bonaire. After every big outage I get messages about broken ACs, fridges, routers and water pumps. In this post you'll read how to prevent that and what to do when the power goes out.

Why this matters on Bonaire

In recent years Bonaire has had more power outages, sometimes across the whole island at once. On very hot days WEB sometimes temporarily cuts power to neighbourhoods, because more electricity is needed than is available.

Then there are brownouts. The power doesn't go out completely, but the voltage drops. Lights get dimmer and appliances behave strangely. Especially appliances with a motor or compressor, like an AC, fridge or water pump, handle that badly.

What breaks, and why?

• Surge when power returns. When the power comes back, there can be a brief spike on the grid. Sensitive electronics like TVs, computers and routers can be damaged by it.
• Voltage too low. During a brownout a motor has to work harder and gets hot. Compressors in ACs and fridges can burn out.
• Everything on at once. When the power returns and all appliances start at the same time, the load is suddenly very high. That increases the chance of another outage or damage.

5 ways to protect your appliances

1. Surge protection in the breaker panel

A surge protector in your breaker panel protects your whole house against spikes on the grid. It's the first line of defence: the spike is caught before it reaches your appliances.

What to do: have an electrician check if there's room in your breaker panel. Installing it usually takes a few hours.

2. Power strips with surge protection

For your TV, computer, router and other sensitive electronics, a power strip with surge protection is a good second layer. Note: a regular power strip protects nothing.

What to do: buy a power strip that clearly says surge protection. Replace it after a heavy surge, because the protection wears out.

3. Voltage protector with delay

For a fridge, freezer, AC or water pump there are voltage protectors with a delay. They switch the appliance off when the voltage is too high or too low. When the power comes back, they wait a few minutes before switching the appliance on again.

What to do: use one for your fridge and freezer. For a fixed AC or water pump, one can be installed in the breaker panel or at the connection.

4. Backup power for your router and computer

A UPS (a small battery with sockets) keeps your router, modem or computer running for a while when the power goes out. That way you stay connected and don't lose work.

What to do: only connect devices that use little power. An AC or fridge doesn't belong on a small UPS.

5. Have your grounding and RCD checked

Good grounding lets a surge go safely to earth. A working RCD (ground fault switch) cuts the power if something goes wrong. In older houses grounding is sometimes missing or damaged by rust.

What to do: have your breaker panel and grounding checked, especially if your house is older or you often have problems.

When the power goes out

• Switch off your AC, water heater, water pump and other large appliances.
• Unplug sensitive electronics like your TV and computer.
• Keep the fridge and freezer closed. A closed fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours, a full freezer usually a day or more.
• Leave one light switched on, so you see when the power is back.
• Keep a flashlight and a charged power bank ready.

When the power comes back

• Wait a few minutes. Right after it's restored, the voltage can still fluctuate.
• Switch appliances back on one by one, not all at once.
• Switch your AC on last and wait a few extra minutes.
• Does an appliance no longer work, or do you smell burning? Leave it unplugged and have it checked.

Is your AC not working properly after an outage? Also read: AC leaking water or not cooling? 7 causes

A generator? Do it safely

A generator can be useful during long outages. Always put it outside, never in the house or a closed garage, because the exhaust fumes are deadly. Never just connect a generator to your breaker panel. Without a proper transfer switch, power can flow back onto the grid, which is dangerous for WEB's workers. Always have a generator connection made by an electrician.

What does it cost?

I charge USD 25 per hour, with a minimum of 2 hours. Checking your breaker panel and grounding usually fits within those 2 hours. A surge protector or voltage protector is extra as material. You always hear the cost first. Small jobs are paid in cash on the spot.

Frequently asked questions

Is a power strip with surge protection enough? It helps for your TV or computer, but it doesn't protect the rest of your house. The best protection is a combination: protection in the breaker panel and at your sensitive devices.

Can my AC break because of a power outage? Yes. Especially a brownout or switching on and off many times in a short period is bad for the compressor. Switch off your AC during an outage and only turn it back on a few minutes after the power returns.

Do my solar panels work during a power outage? Usually not. Grid-connected solar panels switch off during an outage, for safety. Only with a home battery that's set up for it can you keep using power.

Who pays for damage after a power outage? That depends on the situation. Take photos, keep broken parts and receipts, and ask WEB and your insurance.

My power goes out often, but not at the neighbours'. Why? Then it's probably your own installation, for example an overloaded circuit, a faulty appliance or moisture in a socket. Have it checked.

Want better protection for your home?

Send me a WhatsApp with a photo of your breaker panel, which appliances you want to protect and your neighbourhood. Then I'll tell you what's needed. I work all over Bonaire.