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Load shedding continues to wreak havoc in South African homes. The widespread power outages are accompanied by severe consequences that can damage your appliances and electrical equipment. Read on to discover how you can reduce the damage to your electronics when you follow these load shedding safety tips.

What is the Impact of Load Shedding on Electronics?

There are various ways that load shedding can damage sensitive electronic components in your appliances. There are fluctuations in voltage surges that occur when the power goes off and on. When the power returns, there might be an overload of electricity that can damage your appliances.

On the other hand, you might have appliances such as refrigerators and water pumps that require continuous power supply. Interruptions in electricity supply during load shedding can increase the risk of damage. These appliances might malfunction if the power supply is interrupted for extended periods.

Electrical Hazards in Your Home

Electrical hazards in your home are a risk that can be escalated by continued load shedding. It’s common to forget what goes on with your home’s electrical appliances. However, these are some potential dangers which can be life-threatening:

Outlets Close to Water

Water close to electrical outlets can cause significant harm to you and your loved ones. It’s important to stay safe when dealing with water and electricity because they can lead to malfunctions, electric shock, and fire hazards. If you notice water near your outlets, turn off the power and unplug appliances to dry before you restore the power.

Poor Wiring and Defective Wires

Did you know poor and defective electrical wires can have severe consequences? For instance, it can increase the risk of fires and severe consequences by power surges. Getting a qualified electrician to replace worn-out wires can prevent these electrical accidents.

Heavily Covered Wires

Sometimes, heavily covering your wires can lead to the cords overheating. Even though it’s rare, it can still lead to electrical fires when too much heat is radiated. However, you shouldn’t keep them uncovered either, so ensure you refrain from heavily covering any wires around the house.

Safety Tips to Remember During Load Shedding

Install a Surge Protector

Surge protection can reduce the risk of damage caused by sudden voltage spikes. You can opt for a power strip with a built-in surge protector that can be used in multiple outlets. A surge protector can help reduce electrical hazards such as devastating fires and protect your appliances from severe electrical damage.

Unplug Appliances

A power outage can be unpredictable, and it’s always best to maximise safety through basic practices. One way to achieve this is by unplugging appliances, mainly when unused. In addition, it can help you save on your electricity costs in the long run.

Backup Your Data

Did you know that an electrical fault can significantly affect your hard drives? When the power comes back on after load shedding, your computer might experience an overload caused by a power surge. In most cases, this leads to circuit board damage that can impact your hard drive, resulting in data loss.

Invest in Backup Power

Various backup power systems reduce electrical emergencies, such as equipment failures during load shedding. These systems ensure your everyday life isn’t interrupted when a power outage lasts longer than it should. Most importantly, they improve your safety from criminal activity when electricity isn’t available.

While most people hope that load shedding will end one day, taking safety measures seems essential. This guide can help enhance your and your loved ones’ safety and reduce damage caused by power surges on your appliances. Remember to send an alert using your iER App if you are faced with an electrical emergency, and our response agents will provide immediate assistance to connect you to our reliable emergency response service providers.