HOW TO SAVE YOUR APPLIANCES DURING LOAD SHEDDING
Many of our clients periodically call upon us to have a look at their various appliances that are suddenly not working, or showing errors. Often, these errors or general dysfunction may be symptoms of sudden power cuts due to load shedding.
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS DURING LOAD SHEDDING
Fridges – When the power comes back on, there is a surge which can exceed the 240V that the fridge is designed to operate at. A power surge can be responsible for damaging any or all of the components in a fridge.
Other electrical appliances –Even if a machine is not in use before the power goes out, if it is plugged into the wall socket, a power surge can cause damage.
HOW TO AVOID PROBLEMS
- Switch off appliances during power cuts – When there is a power cut, it is best to turn off your fridge (or any appliance) at the wall or even at the circuit breaker and wait until the power is back on before switching it on again.
- Invest in a Power Surge Protector – These are available from most good hardware stores or electrical supply shops, this may prevent a surge from happening, but one would have to fit to every plug that is feeding a different appliance.
- Get Insurance – Most Insurance companies will accept the breakdown of an appliance due to power surges – but you must have white goods cover on your household insurance in order to claim.
While we as residents of South Africa are generally at the mercy of Eskom and their (often sudden) load shedding schedules, we can take precautions to minimise the impact this can have on our homes and businesses.
Be sure to ask our team about the recommended steps to take related to your new or used unit upon repair or installation.