Be cautious with generators, uMhlathuze residents warned

While load-shedding has necessitated the need for back-up power supply, namely generators,
City of uMhlathuze residents are warned to exercise extreme caution before making the switch.

Although generators are sold as ‘plug and play’, the municipality warns that an incorrect connection could pose serious danger.

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“An incorrect connection at your house has the potential to ‘back feed’ into the municipal network and this is a serious risk to technical staff working on the lines,” said uMhlathuze Deputy Mayor Christo Botha, who is also chairperson of the Electrical and Energy Portfolio.

While their use is not prohibited despite the noise and potential nuisance factor to neighbours, there are rules to which residents must adhere.

“To ensure you operate your generator safely, it is advisable to educate yourself on best practices and, where a permanent installation is done, it is required that a registered electrician do the work.

The electricity by-laws of the city are clear on what is required,” said Botha.

The by-laws stipulate that ‘no emergency or standby equipment provided by a customer in terms of any regulations for his own operational requirements shall be connected to any installation without the prior written approval of the engineer’.

These by-laws further stipulate:

• Application for such approval shall be made in writing and shall include a full specification of the equipment and a wiring diagram
• The standby equipment shall be so designed and installed that it is impossible for the service provider’s supply mains to be energised by means of a backfeed from such equipment
• The customer shall be responsible for providing and installing all such protective equipment.

The deputy mayor added that residents must ‘manage the use in such a way that it is reasonable and not causing a major infringement on the rights of neighbours and the community at large’.

Residents are further encouraged to contact the city’s deputy manager for electrical and energy services for further information in this regard.

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