What to do with your refrigeration equipment during a power outage
November 21st, 2022
Power outages happen unexpectedly and are always annoying. More than irritating, they can be the cause of important food losses if you own refrigeration equipment. Indeed, foodstuffs left too long without being refrigerated can spoil and make your customers very sick. It is therefore justified to ask yourself what to do with your refrigeration equipment in case of a power failure. The following article will provide you with information on what to do in such a case.
What to do in the event of a power outage
Although Quebec’s electricity distribution system is very weather resistant, it is not foolproof. Heavy branches falling on the wires during severe storms or ice storms often cause power outages.
Should we throw out food in the refrigerators during a power outage? This is a critical question because you don’t want to put your customers at risk, but you also don’t want to incur a large financial loss by throwing out food that is still safe to eat. Depending on the duration of the breakdown, food can be kept for a maximum of 4 to 6 hours. However, the temperature of the refrigerator should not have exceeded 4°C. In addition, you should avoid opening the refrigerator during the power outage. For all breakdowns exceeding 6 hours, you must be careful. In the case of freezers, their contents can withstand longer outages. At full capacity, a good freezer can store food for up to 48 hours. If it is half-full, it can still store food for up to 24 hours. Also, partially thawed food can be put back in the freezer if the center is still frozen. Thawed raw food can be cooked for immediate consumption or refrozen after cooking.
Possible damage to refrigeration equipment
The possibility of power outages causing damage to your refrigeration system should not be overlooked. Power surges are always a possibility, meaning that the appliance receives a higher voltage than usual, which can cause breakage. It is therefore recommended that you turn off or unplug the unit, as this will reduce the risk of equipment breakage and avoid short circuits.
If you are experiencing a prolonged power outage and are unsure of how to handle the situation, do not hesitate to contact your refrigeration company. They will be able to advise you and give you the procedure to follow to ensure that you minimize the potential losses and damage to your equipment. You will avoid many inconveniences. The safety of your customers and the longevity of your refrigeration equipment are at stake.
