Narrative:

Split radar - east feeder and final approach controllers training on final. We noticed a small power bump in the facility. The scopes dimmed shortly as did the lights. There was some noise in the back where tech ops equipment is located and we figured they were doing some sort of test. Shortly after all radar scopes and equipment; except the etvs; was down. There were a fair number of aircraft in the sky; both VFR and IFR. Everyone scrambled to figure out the situation. Departures were stopped immediately. About 3 minutes later the radar was restored in es mode with limited use. About another 5 minutes later fs mode was restored. It was relatively chaotic during that time; trying to get aircraft in holding and terminate VFR aircraft. We later were informed that a member of af/tech ops pulled the incorrect fuse or flipped the wrong switch when checking power to some units. Personally; I don't see that as acceptable. It's frequently happening with that group of people. Recommendation; additional training of tech ops. Remedial training for tech ops who have had issues. More communication between tech ops and ATC.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: ALB Controller described failed RADAR equipment event indicating maintenance personnel erred when pulling the wrong power fuse; suggesting additional training is needed for facility maintenance personnel.

Narrative: Split RADAR - East Feeder and Final Approach controllers training on final. We noticed a small power bump in the facility. The scopes dimmed shortly as did the lights. There was some noise in the back where Tech Ops equipment is located and we figured they were doing some sort of test. Shortly after all RADAR scopes and equipment; except the ETVS; was down. There were a fair number of aircraft in the sky; both VFR and IFR. Everyone scrambled to figure out the situation. Departures were stopped immediately. About 3 minutes later the RADAR was restored in ES Mode with limited use. About another 5 minutes later FS mode was restored. It was relatively chaotic during that time; trying to get aircraft in holding and terminate VFR aircraft. We later were informed that a member of AF/Tech Ops pulled the incorrect fuse or flipped the wrong switch when checking power to some units. Personally; I don't see that as acceptable. It's frequently happening with that group of people. Recommendation; additional training of Tech Ops. Remedial training for Tech Ops who have had issues. More communication between Tech Ops and ATC.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.