How to protect your electronics in outage
Rolling blackouts and fluctuations in power supply have wreaked havoc on appliances, causing permanent damage that is often not covered by insurance.
According to Gumtree marketing manager Estelle Nagel, searches for UPS devices and surge protectors have spiked. “Clearly customers have accepted that we’ll experience more load-shedding in the weeks to come, and we should prepare for the ‘new normal’.”
When the power supply cuts out, electrical equipment turns off, but many smart devices have micro-processors that require correct shut down. Sudden loss of power could result in catastrophic internal hardware failures. There’s also the risk of a power spike or surge when power is restored that can damage electronics. “If you own an expensive smart TV or fridge, the R250 to R2,000 investment you’ll make protecting that device is well worth it,” says Nagel.
Surge protectors
These devices monitor the flow of electricity that reaches your appliances and can either link to a single appliance or connect to your main electrical panel at home. This acts as a buffer between the socket and the appliance that directs surges in power away from your electronics.
Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
A UPS is a device with a battery back-up system that can supply power to your device for a matter of minutes or hours. Even if your UPS only keeps you running for a few minutes, it will buy you enough time to power down devices safely. “It’s a good idea to get a UPS for your router at the office – that way, if nothing else, you will still have internet connectivity.”
Unplug your devices
If you are able to, keep your computer cables, telephone cables linked to modems and other sensitive equipment unplugged during load-shedding.
Back-up batteries or solar power
Security systems are often compromised during load-shedding. Opt for solar security lights or back-up battery systems for electric gates and fencing to ensure your home stays protected during blackouts.“Load-shedding is going to impact everyone – being prepared is key,” says Nagel...
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