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LAX simulates power outage to test backup power systems
A worker carrying a cooler walks by a placard informing passengers of a power systems test at LAX Terminal 2 early Sept. 12, 2018.
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Sharon McNary/KPCC
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A woman scans a video display of arrivals and departure times at Terminal 2 at Los Angeles International Airport, Sept. 12, 2018
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Sharon McNary/KPCC
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A passenger scans arrival and departure times at Terminal 2 at Los Angeles International Airport, Sept. 12, 2018
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Sharon McNary/KPCC
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The early morning scene at Terminal 2 at Los Angeles International Airport
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Sharon McNary/KPCC
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A placard in Terminal 2 notifies LAX passengers that terminals 1, 2 and 3 would be without normal power during a test of backup generators at the airport early Sept. 12, 2018.
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Sharon McNary/LAX
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Passengers move through ticketing lines at Terminal 2 at LAX, early Sept. 12, 2018.
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Sharon McNary/KPCC
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Lighted structures and the purple lighting strip shine from Terminal 2 before sunrise at LAX, Sept. 12, 2018
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Sharon McNary/KPCC
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LAX simulates power outage to test backup power systems
If a regional blackout hit LAX, only two of the airport’s terminals have the backup power systems sufficient to keep planes and passengers moving. Early Wednesday, airport operators cut off power to Terminal 2 to test how well it could function on backup power.
The verdict – it can, but not everything re-starts right away. Elevators, escalators, baggage conveyors and some TSA screening equipment – all those have to be manually rebooted.
The other terminal with backup power is Tom Bradley International. A similar overnight power shutdown test will be done there Oct. 31. Another backup power system will be installed in the new satellite terminal being built out beyond the Bradley terminal.
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