How to protect your appliances during loadshedding

 

While loadshedding is not something many of us like to talk about, it is a reality and with that reality many of us have experienced more inconveniences than just being left in the dark, such as the negative effect the electrical surges have on our appliances. Today we look at ways to protect your appliances from the indefinite impact of loadshedding.

 

1.     Disconnect your appliances - Electrical surges occur when there is a massive spike in the electrical systems current. Meaning when loadshedding ends in your area, there is a massive spike in the electric system coming into your appliances. We suggest unplugging your appliances when the power goes out to prevent the surge.

 

2.     Invest in surge protectors – you can purchase surge protector plugs and plug your appliances in these plugs. These are very helpful for your big appliances such as washing machines, fridges, as well as tv’s and computers. These can be purchased at your local hardware. You can also purchase a surge protector for your DB board and get a certified electrician to install it for you.

 

3.     Use surge protecting power strips – power strips, while similar to surge protectors (which is a single plug), gives you the ability to plug multiple devices into a single wall outlet (a multiplug) with a built-in surge protector which is equipped with a fuse that is designed to fail in the event of an electrical spike cutting off your appliances and thereby protecting them.

 

4.     Consider buying a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) - This is useful for protecting your internet and electronics, such as a modem and router. It also allows you to continue working on your devices during load-shedding.

 

5.     Revisit your insurance policies – ensuring that your home insurance is up to date and covers appliances due to surges is a safety net you should have. Despite your best efforts, appliances can blow during excessive power cuts (loadshedding). To prevent unforeseen damage and losses, speak to a broker and ensure you are not in the dark about what your policy covers.

 

While loadshedding is not ideal, we are South African and we are resilient and there is light at the end of the tunnel and for now at the light is at the end of your loadshedding schedule .