Method, control unit, and electrical network

A method is described for operating an electrical system, in particular, of a motor vehicle, which includes at least one electrical consumer, at least one energy source for electrical energy, and at least one control unit, the consumer being test activated by the control unit for the purpose of initializing a start of the system and a voltage level of an electrical voltage in the system being monitored and compared to a predefinable minimum value, and the activation being interrupted if the voltage level falls below the minimum value, and the consumer being subsequently test reactivated. It is provided that the number of the interruptions is counted and the consumer is deactivated at least for a predefinable period of time upon reaching a predefinable maximum number.