LOADSHEDDING is being experienced across large parts of the country, prompting warnings to residents to ensure their alarm systems are tested and working efficiently.
“Many people are under the incorrect assumption that their home alarm system is deactivated when the power supply is interrupted. However if you have a stable and correctly programmed system coupled with a battery that is in good condition, it will continue to protect the premises during a power outage – regardless if the outage is because of load shedding or not,” said Charnel Hattingh, of Fidelity ADT.
She said the only time the system may not function correctly is if there is a technical issue, or the battery power is low.
“Most modern alarm systems have a back-up battery pack that activates automatically when there is a power failure,” said Hattingh, adding that there are a number of practical steps that can be taken to ensure security is not compromised during power cuts.
ALSO READ: 4 Things you need to know about the new SA tax for electronic services
Some of these include ensuring that the alarm system has an adequate battery supply, that all automated gates and doors are secured and lastly to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to your security provider or the South African Police Service.
With the added inconvenience of the lights going out at night due to power cuts, candles and touch-lights are handy alternatives. Hattingh said home and business-owners should consider installing Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology, which is integrated into the alarm system’s wiring and automatically switches on for a maximum of 15 minutes when there is a power outage.
“If there is an additional battery pack, the small, non-intrusive LED lights can stay on for the duration of the power outage – or a maximum of 40 hours – without draining the primary alarm battery,” she explained.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
