How long does a sustained power interruption last?

A sustained power interruption is defined as an event where electrical power is unavailable for an extended period. In this context, the designation of "sustained" typically refers to interruptions that last longer than the transient interruptions or momentary outages, which usually last for just a few seconds.

The correct answer indicates that a sustained power interruption lasts over a minute. This timeframe is significant because it highlights the impact of prolonged outages on equipment, systems, and processes, often necessitating backup systems or alternative power sources to maintain operation. Events of this duration are typically disruptive and can lead to critical issues, especially in industries where continuous power is essential.

Options that suggest shorter durations, such as less than 3 seconds, up to 30 seconds, and from 3 seconds to a minute, refer to various classes of brief power interruptions, which are generally not categorized as sustained. Those brief outages might not have the same severe consequences as a sustained interruption lasting over a minute, reinforcing why the longer duration is the correct choice for this question.