What to unplug, what to leave alone and when to plug back in after a power outage, so you avoid surge damage and a sudden restart.
- Unplug computers, TVs, routers and heating appliances, but leave the fridge and freezer connected.
- Leave one lamp switched on so you know the moment power returns.
- Wait a few minutes after power returns, then reconnect items one at a time.
The lights go out and the first question is often whether you should start pulling plugs. The short answer: yes for some things, no for others, and the real risk is not the outage itself but the moment the power returns.
When service comes back, voltage can swing and many appliances start at once. A little discipline during the outage protects electronics and keeps the grid from tripping again.
Why unplugging helps
Power can return with a brief surge or a flicker as the utility reconnects lines. A sensitive device such as a computer, television or router can be damaged by that. An appliance with a motor, such as a fridge or furnace blower, can also be stressed by repeated quick restarts.
Unplugging gives these items a clean break. It also stops a dozen things all trying to start at the same instant, which is called cold load pickup and can overload a local circuit.
What to unplug first
- Computers, monitors and gaming consoles. Shut them down properly first, then unplug.
- Televisions, sound systems and set-top boxes.
- Modem and router. Many people unplug these, then plug them back in once power is stable.
- Microwaves, toasters, coffee makers and other countertop appliances. These are easy to forget and could start unexpectedly.
- Anything with a heating element that was on when the power went out, such as an electric space heater, iron, hair dryer or stove element. Turn them off at the control too, so they do not start heating unattended when power returns.
- Power tools and chargers you are not using.
For more on protecting gear, see how to protect appliances in a power outage.
What to leave plugged in
Do not unplug the fridge and freezer. Keep their doors shut and leave them connected, so they restart on their own. Our guide to fridge and freezer food safety explains how long food stays safe.
Also leave these alone:
- Hardwired items such as a furnace, a water heater or a sump pump. If you cannot unplug them, you can switch off their breaker or switch if the manual says it is safe, but do not take things apart. If the household has a sump pump, see sump pump backup.
- Medical equipment that is on a backup battery. Follow its manual and call your provider if you are unsure. See medical devices in a power outage.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Hardwired ones have a battery backup, and battery alarms should be tested ahead of time.
Leave one lamp on
Switch a single lamp or light to the on position, and leave everything else off. When power returns, that light tells you at once, even if you are asleep or out of the room. It also lets you tell the difference between an outage in your home and one in the street. If the house is dark and the neighbours have light, see how to tell if an outage is just your home.
Waiting before you reconnect
When the lights come back, do not rush. Wait several minutes, and watch for flickering or a second dropout. Utilities sometimes restore power in stages, and a second outage right after the first is common.
- Check that the power seems steady, with no flickering lights.
- Plug in the most important item first, such as the router or a medical device.
- Add other items one at a time over the next while, with the biggest loads last.
- Reset clocks and any timers or programmable thermostats.
- Check the fridge and freezer for spoiled food. When in doubt, throw it out.
Our guide on what to do when the power comes back on goes through this in more detail.
A note on surge protectors
A surge protector can help with a brief spike, but it is not a guarantee, and it does not replace unplugging for a long outage or a storm with lightning close by. Check the indicator light on the protector, since most have one that shows whether the protection is still working. If it is off, replace it.
Quick answers
Do I need to unplug everything?
No. Focus on sensitive electronics and anything that could start heating or running on its own. Keep the fridge and freezer plugged in.
Is it safe to turn off breakers instead?
For a long outage some people switch off the main breaker or big appliance breakers, but only do this if you are comfortable and the panel is dry. If you are unsure, call an electrician.