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DISTRIBUTED IT INFRASTRUCTURE

Blackout IT solutions

Don't let blackouts disrupt what matters

Power outages don’t discriminate. Whether you’re managing critical infrastructure at work or streaming, gaming, and working from home, being prepared is the difference between staying connected and going dark. We’re here to provide valuable information to ensure that you, your organization, and your home are properly safeguarded against power outages that could affect your business, productivity, and daily life. 

What causes power outages?

Blackouts can happen anywhere and at any time. Understanding the root causes of power outages is the first step toward preparing for them.

Here are the 7 most common causes:

  1. Severe Weather - Severe weather remains the leading cause of power outages worldwide. Thunderstorms, snow, ice, wind, and heatwaves can damage power lines and overwhelm grids. According to a 2024 report, 80% of major U.S. power outages from the past 20 years were weather-related, with severe weather causing 58% of these outages.
  2. Grid Overload - As our energy needs grow, driven by the widespread adoption of AI, the electrification of transportation, and the rise of smart buildings, so does the risk of grid overload. With rising energy consumption, power systems are under increasing strain, leading to more frequent blackouts. 
  3. Aging Infrastructure - Much of the global power infrastructure is decades old. Equipment failure from wear and tear is a growing source of unplanned outages. The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned in October 2023 that lack of investment in grid resilience could make electricity grids the weak link in clean energy transitions.
  4. Vegetation and wildlife - Falling branches, overgrown trees, and even curious animals can damage transmission lines or transformers in seconds, causing a blackout.
  5. Human error and construction accidents - From car crashes to drilling into buried cables, human activity is a surprisingly common cause of localized blackouts.
  6. Planned maintenance - Utility companies sometimes schedule outages for system upgrades, often without providing any warning in advance.
  7. Cyber threats - While still rare, digital attacks on power infrastructure are increasing, making redundancy and resilience more important than ever.


    Regardless of the cause, the consequences are consistent: system downtime, disrupted connectivity, data breaches, and higher operational costs. That's why it is crucial to have a solid power protection plan in place, whether you're at work or at home.
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No matter where you work or play, you need backup.

From managing networks to supporting remote work and competitive gaming, Eaton helps keep your systems protected, your uptime secure, and your experience uninterrupted.

IT professionals

IT professionals

Remote workers

Remote workers

Gamers

Gamers

The risks are real and growing

Power outages are no longer rare events. Their frequency, duration, and impact are increasing across both business and residential environments:

  • 60% of companies have experienced at least one outage in the past three years, according to a 2023 report.
  • Over 90% of mid-size and large companies report that the average cost of a single hour of downtime costs more than US$300,000.

 

  • In 2023, around 25% of households experienced at least one power outage; 70% of which lasted 6 hours or more (U.S. Census Bureau).
  • Spain and Portugal recently suffered what has been called the worst blackout in the countries’ histories, affecting up to 60 million people.

 

Top weather-driven blackouts in EMEA

In 2024, the EMEA region faced unprecedented weather-driven blackouts that disrupted millions of homes and businesses. From powerful extratropical cyclones to devastating hurricanes, these events highlighted the vulnerabilities in our power infrastructure and the need for robust contingency plans. Discover the most impactful blackouts and learn how to safeguard against future disruptions.
Read now

Protect your business from power outages

Discover how Eaton's advanced power management solutions can safeguard your business from costly blackouts. Learn about their causes, the impact on operations, and what you can do to stay protected. From understanding the reasons behind blackouts to implementing effective strategies for continuity, this article offers valuable insights to ensure your business remains resilient, no matter what.
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Don’t wait for the next outage to take action!

Whether you're protecting a network or chasing a high score, having a plan makes all the difference. Explore our curated tools and insights or connect with an Eaton expert today.

Contact us

Are you an IT reseller?

Become an Eaton Partner! Eaton's Power Advantage Partner Program provides access to Eaton's Intelligent Energy Management solutions, which can help you save money, reduce downtime, and optimize performance for your customers. The program also offers concrete benefits such as higher margins, business development opportunities and comprehensive marketing and sales support.
Discover it now

Top weather-driven blackouts in EMEA

In 2024, the EMEA region faced unprecedented weather-driven blackouts that disrupted millions of homes and businesses. From powerful extratropical cyclones to devastating hurricanes, these events highlighted the vulnerabilities in our power infrastructure and the need for robust contingency plans. Discover the most impactful blackouts and learn how to safeguard against future disruptions.
Read now
 

  • IT Professionals

    Ensure uninterrupted operations across all sectors with Eaton's Blackout IT solutions.

Power outages do more than turn off the lights.

They disrupt operations, compromise data, and increase costs. For IT professionals, these challenges are especially critical. Eaton’s Blackout IT solutions are designed to address the key issues that impact infrastructure, security, and operational efficiency.

Explore the key challenges below to see how we help you stay protected and in control.

System downtime costs more than time. Avoid disrupted connectivity, missed deadlines, and lost productivity with reliable backup power solutions. Our UPS systems ensure your critical devices stay powered, your data stays safe, and your operations stay on track, no matter what.
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Data breaches don’t wait for power to return. With out-of-band management and advanced power management solutions, we help keep your IT infrastructure monitored, your data intact, your network secure, and your systems gracefully shut down during outages, minimizing risk and maximizing resilience.
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Power disruptions should not drain your budget. Eaton’s out-of-band management solutions and Distributed IT Performance Management software enable proactive maintenance, continuous monitoring, and fast response to outages. This minimizes the need for on-site interventions, optimizes asset performance, and protects your infrastructure, saving you from costly repairs and replacements.
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  • Remote workers

    Keep your work flowing and your data safe with Eaton's Blackout IT solutions.

Power outages affect more than just your lights. 

From staying productive to keeping your data safe and your home connected, Eaton’s Blackout IT solutions are designed to support every aspect of your digital life.

Tap into the sections below to see how we help you stay in control when the power goes out.

Power outages shouldn’t pause your productivity. Avoid missed meetings, lost work, and unnecessary stress with reliable backup power for your home office. Eaton’s UPS systems keep your essential devices powered, your connection stable, and your productivity on track, so you can work confidently, no matter what.
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Your data deserves more than hope during a power outage. Eaton’s software solutions help protect your files, maintain regular backups, and reduce cybersecurity risks when the power goes out, enabling your information to stay safe so you can keep working with confidence.
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Power outages should not disconnect your life. Eaton’s Blackout IT solutions keep your internet stable, your devices protected, and your entertainment uninterrupted. Whether you are working from home or streaming your favorite content, our solutions ensure you stay connected and in control when the power goes out.
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Powering through blackouts during remote work

Remote work thrives on flexibility. But what happens when the power goes out? Discover how to keep your home office running and your productivity intact, even during a blackout.

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Don't let blackouts disrupt what matters

Power outages don’t discriminate. Whether you’re managing critical infrastructure at work or streaming, gaming, and working from home, being prepared is the difference between staying connected and going dark. We’re here to provide valuable information to ensure that you, your organization, and your home are properly safeguarded against power outages that could affect your business, productivity, and daily life. 

Want to know more?

Learn how our UPS backup solutions can protect your electronics. Explore our product suggestions tailored to your needs.

 

  • Gamers

    Keep your game alive and your progress protected with Eaton's Blackout IT solutions.

Because every second in the game counts.

Eaton’s Blackout IT solutions are designed to support every moment of your gameplay. From maintaining a stable connection to protecting your gear and preserving your progress, we help you stay in control when the power goes out.

Explore the key areas below to see how we can help protect your gameplay, your gear, and your connection when it matters most.

Whether you are grinding through levels, completing quests, or managing in-game content creation, every moment counts. Eaton’s UPS systems help keep your gaming setup powered so you can stay productive, protect your progress, and make every session count, even when the power goes out.
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Unexpected shutdowns can corrupt save files, interrupt updates, or even damage your system. Eaton’s software solutions help protect your data by enabling safe shutdowns and maintaining system stability during power outages.
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Lag is bad, but losing connection is worse. Eaton’s backup power systems keep your internet running during outages so you can stay connected to your team, your stream, or your leaderboard. No interruptions, no dropped sessions, just uninterrupted play.
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BLOG ARTICLE

Blackouts shouldn't mean gameover

Learn how to protect your gear and keep your progress safe with tips built for serious players.

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Want to know more?

Learn how our UPS backup solutions can protect your gaming sessions. Explore our product suggestions tailored to your needs.

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy and helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges.
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