Load shedding: Minimise risk during power cuts

The return on loadshedding

With Eskom kindly informing us that load shedding will return to haunt us into the new year, we look at certain steps you can take to reduce the risk to your home and appliances. 

Residents are urged to keep appliances off. If an appliance was on when the power went out, the power surge when it returns could cause electrical fires. Remember to unplug electrical appliances before the power goes off, if possible.  Nagtegaal added: 

“It’s a good idea to invest in power surge plugs for protection as well as to chat to your insurance provider on how best to ensure that you are properly covered in the event of a fire.”

A survey done by Santam when load shedding was first introduced, found that approximately 63% of South Africans do not switch their appliances off, and a third of those said their appliances had been damaged as a result. Make sure computers, TV’s, etc., are unplugged to prevent internal hardware failures. 
Invest in surge protectors for your electrical main boards, as well as protector plug adapters. They can be purchased from most hardware stores but must be installed by a certified electrician. 

Stock up on solar and battery-operated LED lights as they are safer than candles and paraffin lamps, and remember to charge you phone and portable light sources ahead of the proposed down-time.