Loadshedding fallout: your appliances are in danger

Loadshedding is a dreaded part of many South Africans’ day. But, aside from the inconvenience it causes, there are also concerns about the impact on electric and electronic devices.

“There have no doubt been many questions about how loadshedding affects – possibly even damages – cell phones, geysers, decoders, modems, gate motors and other devices, as well as how you can safeguard yourself against this,” says Anneli Retief, head of Dialdirect. “The good news is that, with sufficient knowledge and smart planning, there’s a lot you can do to protect your possessions and your wallet.”

According to energy experts, the effects of loadshedding differ significantly from one type of device to the other.

Batteries, used in anything from cell phones and gate motors to alarms and backup systems, are vulnerable to loadshedding. If a battery runs down completely, its lifespan is significantly shortened. In addition, manufacturer’s guarantee batteries for X-amount of charging cycles. More charging cycles caused by loadshedding reduces battery life. 

Pure resistance devices, like stoves, geysers, kettles and heaters are unaffected when the power is switched on and off.

Devices that carry reactive loads, like fridges, tumble dryers, lawnmowers, dishwashers, washing machines, hair dryers and gate motors, normally have an electric motor which is exposed to surges when the power is interrupted. Although unprotected devices – typically very old devices – could be damaged, protective measures are normally built-in to protect electronic components against surges, so damage rarely occurs in practice.

Devices like cell phone chargers, decoders, computers, radios and modems use relatively little energy and usually have a power source that converts the high supply current to a lower, direct current voltage. These power supplies are mostly very robust and don’t allow surges to reach the devices. Batteries also tend to provide an extra protective layer against surges. If there’s damage due to power fluctuations, it’s normally only the power source that needs replacement.

Cooling devices like fridges, freezers and air conditioners mostly work with compressors, making them susceptible because pressurised gas could provide resistance and cause damage to the device’s motor when the power is turned back on.

3-phase power systems are vulnerable to loadshedding, as one or more of the phases could be lost when power is restored, which could cause 3-phase motors to run unbalanced and burn out. Imbalance in this system could also cause damage to single phase devices.

Dialdirect offers the following advice to protect devices, property and yourself during loadshedding:

• Switch off fridges and air conditioners during loadshedding. As soon as the power has been restored and is stable – i.e. no flickering or dimmed lights – switch on these appliances one by one.
• Switch off any devices that could cause a fire risk if power is restored.
• A UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) is a good way to protect your devices. It should keep them powered long enough to shut them down in a safe manner.
• Keep fridges and freezers closed to keep them cooler for longer.
• Have the updated loadshedding schedules on hand so that your family will have enough time to prepare for the power outage.
• Get a few high-wattage solar powered lights for your garden, and a few LED lights for inside. Light is a deterrent to would-be burglars.
• Keep your cell phone charged, or invest in a portable phone charger, so that you can still call for help if you need to.
• If you need to manually open and close your gates when you get home, try to have someone come and meet you at your entrance, or arrange for an escort from your security company.   
• Use padlocks, burglar bars and deadbolts to provide an extra level of home security that isn’t power-dependent.

Alarm systems, garage doors and electric gates generally rely on electricity so make sure that these items all have good back-up batteries.

• Keep a torch or a solar, battery powered light that is charged beforehand in multiple, easily accessible locations around your home. Be sure to also have plenty of spare batteries.

It’s also important to play your part in reducing pressure on the grid by using energy efficient bulbs and appliances, smart plugs and smart timers, getting your entire household involved in conserving electricity and investing in alternative energy sources like a generator, backup battery system or solar system.

“The golden rule is to proactively think about all the ways in which things can go wrong and plan thoroughly,” says Retief. “It’s also vital to have comprehensive insurance in place, should catastrophe strike during loadshedding.”