Energy workers warn about the 20-minute rule: what not to turn on after the power is restored.

According to ТСН: The first minutes after the restoration of electricity supply are critically important for the energy system. During this time, thousands of apartments are activated simultaneously, leading to a significant voltage spike. Energy workers urge Ukrainians to follow the '20-minute' rule to avoid repeated outages.

In the first 2-5 minutes after the electricity is turned on, the network experiences shock loading, as refrigerators, boilers, and electric motors consume 2-3 times more energy than usual. When many consumers turn on appliances simultaneously, transformers may experience overloads.

‘This can cause voltage fluctuations, overloads, and even repeated emergency shutdowns’.

This particularly concerns consumers who turn on powerful electrical appliances such as boilers, kettles, irons, and hair dryers.

'Black list' of equipment: what to postpone for later

Experts have prepared a list of devices whose startup is better to postpone for at least 20-30 minutes after electricity is restored, until the network voltage stabilizes:

• Boilers (water heaters);

• Washing and dishwashing machines;

• Electric stoves and ovens;

• Kettles;

• Heaters;

• Pump stations and equipment with powerful motors.

Businesses, office centers, and shops are also advised not to turn on all equipment at once to avoid voltage spikes.

How to act correctly

To protect your equipment from voltage fluctuations and help energy workers maintain system stability, follow these steps:

1. First — lights and gadgets. Immediately after the restoration of electricity supply, turn on the lighting and start charging your phones.

2. Pause. Wait for 20-30 minutes.

3. Orderliness. Turn on powerful appliances one at a time. First heat the kettle, turn it off, then turn on the boiler or washing machine.

4. Street lighting. If possible, avoid using outdoor lighting.

By following these simple recommendations, you can reduce the risk of damage to your equipment and help stabilize the energy system. These measures may be particularly important in conditions of frequent power outages, when every consumer must consider their impact on the overall situation in the network.