Protect your appliances during loadshedding: Here’s how

POLOKWANE – South Africa’s number one enemy, namely loadshedding, has returned. With loadshedding comes possible damages to electrical appliances which can cost you a lot of money.

Eskom says it is safer to turn off or disconnect electrical appliances when the power goes out. They reiterate that when the power comes back on, it may do so with a momentary surge, which can damage appliances such as computers, television sets, VCRs and DVD players.

What precaution can I take in case loadshedding happens while I am away? Eskom has this advice:

• Switch off and disconnect all non-essential appliances.
• Switch off your geyser while you are away and remember to switch it on as soon as you return, alternatively, install a geyser timer or ask a neighbour to switch it on for you.
• Leave appropriate lights on for security purposes ( but not left on all day and night).
• Leave your refrigerators and freezers as empty as possible.
• Make sure that the backup batteries in your electrically operated gates, garage doors and security systems (alarms and electric fences) are in good condition.
• Make sure your pool pump does not operate in the peak electricity demand period (17:00 to 21:00).

Energuide says ‘the right precautions will help minimise material damage and financial loss’.

The website suggests that:

• One buys appliances which are able to take voltage fluctuations.
• Regularly have indoor installations (cables and power lines from the meter, including trip switches and main switch) checked.
• Consider a power surge protector such as a uninterrupted power supply (UPS).
• Invest in an emergency power system or a back-up generator when you own a business.

Precaution is the best weapon to arm yourself with against loadshedding. There are various apps available with up-to-date schedules and some even provide notifications prior to the start of loadshedding in your area.

Also read: Here are Polokwane’s loadshedding schedules