Load shedding is a frequent problem in South Africa that continues to affect many households. The country’s electricity provider, Eskom, has been struggling to meet the growing demand for electricity due to factors such as inadequate power generation capacity, aging infrastructure, and maintenance issues. To address these challenges, Eskom has implemented various measures, including the construction of new power stations and the deployment of renewable energy sources. Despite these efforts, load shedding remains a reality for many South Africans and continues to impact daily life and economic activity.
One of the significant impacts of load shedding is the damage it can cause to household appliances, especially those sensitive to power fluctuations or interruptions. When power is cut off abruptly, appliances in use at the time may shut down, leading to data loss or damage to the device. Power fluctuations during load shedding can also cause damage to appliances, particularly those with sensitive electronic components. When power is restored after load shedding, it can cause a surge in the electrical current, leading to overload and burnout of appliances, especially those that draw a lot of power.
To minimize the damage that load shedding can cause to household appliances, it is recommended that appliances be switched off during load shedding and unplugged from the wall outlet to avoid electrical surges when power is restored. Surge protectors or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) devices can also be used to protect sensitive electronics from power fluctuations and outages. Surge protection plugs and devices work by redirecting excess electricity away from the appliance, preventing it from damaging the appliance. Adaptor-style surge protection plugs are easy to use and can be plugged directly into a wall socket. Alternatively, an electrician can install surge protection directly onto the DB board, providing a single solution that automatically secures all the sockets in your home.
In addition to these measures, it’s important to take care of your appliances during load shedding to prevent damage. Here are some tips for caring for household appliances during load shedding:
- Unplug appliances during load shedding or use surge protectors to prevent power surges.
- Switch off appliances before load shedding to prevent damage due to abrupt power loss.
- Avoid using high-power appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines during load shedding.
- If you’re using a generator during load shedding, make sure to follow all safety precautions and guidelines to prevent damage to your appliances.
- Regularly maintain your appliances to ensure they operate efficiently and have a longer lifespan.
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