Load shedding is back, and here to stay for a while \u2013 but don\u2019t go rushing off to buy your own alternative power supply without first checking how it\u2019ll affect your home insurance.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the warning from King Price\u2019s partner of client experience, Wynand van Vuuren, who says it\u2019s vital that alternative power supplies like generators are installed and certified by accredited electricians. If these devices are installed or used incorrectly, you might not be covered for any damages that may result.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s been a huge upsurge in the number of people using portable generators to keep a few basic essentials going when the power goes off. But what most people don\u2019t know is that you\u2019ve got to have them installed professionally by an electrician. You can\u2019t just stick your generator in the garage with an extension cord running through the window,\u201d said Van Vuuren.<\/p>\n
Here are Van Vuuren\u2019s top tips for staying covered and charged safely during load shedding.<\/p>\n
Do your homework<\/strong><\/p>\n Know what your alternative power options are, and the pros and cons of each.<\/p>\n Stay safe \u2013 and covered<\/strong><\/p>\n Apart from keeping your lights on, the different power options all have one thing in common: they must comply with safety guidelines, and be installed by a professional.<\/p>\n \u201cI know of guys who take their portable generators to a different mate\u2019s house every weekend so they can watch the rugby during load shedding. It\u2019s not as smart an idea as you think: not only is the generator not covered, but any possible damage caused by the generator won\u2019t be covered either, because it\u2019s not properly installed,\u201d said Van Vuuren.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also essential that portable generators are operated in open areas with good airflow, to prevent carbon monoxide build-up, and that fuel is stored safely in an area with adequate ventilation.<\/p>\n Keep your bases covered<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re using a generator or an inverter, make sure they power your electric fence, gate and alarm as well, as burglars are all too quick to exploit opportunities caused by power outages. If you don\u2019t have an alternative power supply, make sure your fence, gate and alarm have a battery back-up that\u2019s sufficient to see you through your darkest moments.<\/p>\n Oh, and make sure your generator\u2019s insured as well, in case it\u2019s stolen or struck by lightning. You would typically insure a portable generator under your home. A stationary (standby) generator becomes a fixed fitting once installed and must therefore be added to your buildings cover.<\/p>\n Beat the downs with UPS<\/strong><\/p>\n Another major headache for South Africans is the power surge that can happen when the power is switched back on after load shedding, with big-ticket appliances like dishwashers, televisions, fridges, coffee machines and sound systems all at risk.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve seen claims for \u2018fried\u2019 computer equipment, appliances and even distribution boards caused by power surges. This can be avoided by installing a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) \u2013 which doesn\u2019t come cheap \u2013 but is advisable to at least protect costly items, like TVs and sound systems, and items with intrinsic value, like laptops,\u201d said Van Vuuren.<\/p>\n “The other alternative is to manually disconnect your more sensitive appliances from the power supply and reconnect them after the electricity is switched back on.”<\/p>\n\n
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