Have you ever wondered why when it rains, chances of having power blackouts are always 99.9 percent in most parts? Have you ever asked yourself why blackouts in Kenya are so much associated with rain?
Every time it rains, there is a blackout somewhere in Kenya and the first thing the people often blame is Kenya Power, the electricity supplier. But does Kenya Power have control over power when it rains?
Some years back, I asked someone why we always have blackouts in Kenya when it rains. The person told me that it is because Kenya Power has hired someone who sits near a big switch every day whose work is to switch off the lights as soon as smells any form of rain from a distance.
Now, what causes power blackouts when it rains? According to Kenya Power, there are 3 weather conditions that might cause power blackouts; rain, strong winds, and lightning.
Rain
Rain can cause havoc on the insulation of high voltage lines by reducing the insulation properties of porcelain bushings, switches, and the pin insulators that attach the lines to the poles.
Insulators play an important role in enhancing the flow of electricity and not shorting out on structures. Any crack or breakage on an insulator allows water from rain into the insulator that in turn leads to a fuse blowing up leading to a power blackout.
Winds
Winds often lead to breaking of trees and branches located near power lines. When a branch falls on a power line, a black might occur, though in most cases, not for long. But if the wind causes a whole tree or a huge branch to fall and cut the power lines, people are likely to experience prolonged blackouts.
Lightening
A blackout might occur when lightning comes in contact with power lines. This is often common in areas associated with lightening but Kenya Power has tried to install lightning arrestors in such areas.
Apart from power outages due to maintenance, do you still think Kenya Power is to blame when a blackout strikes during rain?
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