Blackout

The term blackout refers to a cessation of electromagnetic activity through electric power transmission systems.

In general during peacetime, a blackout is an unintentional total electrical power outage. It is sometimes contrasted with the term brownout which is a reduction in power, and selected power outages, when demand exceeds supply.

However a blackout can be intentional, for instance collectively minimizing external light (during war), especially upwards directed (or reflected) light, to "hide" from enemy aircraft (in the case of an occupied country: the enemy of the occupying force).

See also

• 2003 US-Canada Blackout
• communications blackout
• List of power outages

Alternate meanings

• Alternatively, blackout can mean a short dysfunctioning of the brain (loss of consciousness or not being able to think well).

This article is from Wikipedia. All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.