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why do lights flash during a big thunderstorm?

a big storm is moving thru the dc area. the lights in my building flashed a couple of times in the past 15min.

thought power cables were either connected or not. what makes it flash?
 
lights aren't "digital" in that they're either on or off. There's usually a power-regulating component controlling the flow of power. Too much power and it glows brighter. Too little lower and it glows dimly. The rest should be easy to figure out.
 
Human retinas tend to phase in and out during violent electrical disturbances.

Next time wear a welding mask or at least some good sunglasses.
 
Originally posted by: jonks
They don't flash. It's an illusion caused by a 2-dimensional sword passing in front of them.
Click to expand...

:thumbsup:

I have to say it is only tuesday and this week in OT has been very entertaining. Many ATOT exclusive memes are being formed :laugh:
 
Originally posted by: OCguy
Originally posted by: jonks
They don't flash. It's an illusion caused by a 2-dimensional sword passing in front of them.
Click to expand...

:thumbsup:

I have to say it is only tuesday and this week in OT has been very entertaining. Many ATOT exclusive memes are being formed :laugh:
Click to expand...

Ok Im retarded, what's that in reference too?
 
Originally posted by: Regs
Originally posted by: OCguy
Originally posted by: jonks
They don't flash. It's an illusion caused by a 2-dimensional sword passing in front of them.
Click to expand...

:thumbsup:

I have to say it is only tuesday and this week in OT has been very entertaining. Many ATOT exclusive memes are being formed :laugh:
Click to expand...

Ok Im retarded, what's that in reference too?
Click to expand...

I would like to say to the idiots erm... I mean special people found on ATOT.
But in reality its just from this.
 
LOL. So much misinformation. I work for a utility, here's the explanation:

Lightning strikes a wire, the protective circuitry on the power line sees this as a short circuit, and disconnects the wire to stop it from getting damaged. Since we know that most of these are caused by lightning strikes, which pass in a fraction of a second, they are programed to switch the line back on a fraction of a second later. Most of the time, there was no damage from the lightning, so it comes back in no problem. All you see is a flicker. If there is still a problem, it switched off again and locks out to prevent injury to people / property.

Summary: Lightning is striking major power lines near your house, and the protective circuitry is doing its job protecting people / equipment and keeping your lights on.
 
Originally posted by: So


Summary: Lightning is striking major power lines near your house, and the protective circuitry is doing its job protecting people / equipment and keeping your lights on.
Click to expand...

Unless you live where I do. If it even gets cloudy our telephone poles roll up their lines and hide until till the sun comes out !
 
Originally posted by: Modelworks
Originally posted by: So


Summary: Lightning is striking major power lines near your house, and the protective circuitry is doing its job protecting people / equipment and keeping your lights on.
Click to expand...

Unless you live where I do. If it even gets cloudy our telephone poles roll up their lines and hide until till the sun comes out !
Click to expand...

Glad I don't live near you. 😛
 
Originally posted by: So
LOL. So much misinformation. I work for a utility, here's the explanation:

Summary: Lightning is striking major power lines near your house, and the protective circuitry is doing its job protecting people / equipment and keeping your lights on.
Click to expand...

Ok Mr. Smarty pants :frown:


Even though we both know secreatly it's because of the pixies.
 
Originally posted by: Regs
Originally posted by: So
LOL. So much misinformation. I work for a utility, here's the explanation:

Summary: Lightning is striking major power lines near your house, and the protective circuitry is doing its job protecting people / equipment and keeping your lights on.
Click to expand...

Ok Mr. Smarty pants :frown:


Even though we both know secreatly it's because of the pixies.
Click to expand...

Sssshhhh, don't let them in on the conspiracy. Some of them might realize that we actually have no idea how any of this science stuff works, and we've just been guessing all along. 😉
 
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