Staying Safe During Load Shedding
The electricity shortage in South Africa can easily be described as a crisis and one of the biggest challenges we face as a country. Frequent recurrence of load shedding has a significant impact on businesses and individuals. To mitigate the impact, the usage of self-generating power in the form of generators is likely. Momentum Insure is committed to keeping clients, their loved ones, and possessions safe during recurring blackouts with safety tips to keep in mind during load shedding and the safe use of a generator.
If you are planning on acquiring a generator, or already use a generator, it is important to inform your insurance provider to make sure that they are covered in case of an insurable event and have it installed by an accredited provider.
How to use generators safely
- We recommend that both backup and standby generators be installed by an electrician or a suitably qualified technician.
- Backup generators operate independently from the electrical system of the household. Conversely, a standby generator is directly linked to the home’s electrical system, allowing it to automatically start up as and when power cuts occur.
- Be sure to operate generators outdoors within an area that has plenty of ventilation – not a partially closed off room, garage, or inside the house. This is because diesel generators give off carbon monoxide which is toxic.
- Store the diesel/petrol for the generator in an approved safety container. Be sure to use the correct type of fuel recommended in the instructions or on the label on the generator. Store the fuel in a locked cabinet or drawer to avoid children accessing it or any other unauthorized usage.
- Make sure to keep the generator as dry as possible.
- In the event that the generator is running low on fuel, make sure that the generator is turned off and has cooled down before refueling it.
- Keep children and pets away from the generator, since these devices have components that become hot enough to burn and possibly cause injuries while in operation.
- Make sure to turn the generator on first, before connecting other appliances to it. Once the generator is running, they can turn your appliances on one by one to avoid overloading the device.
- Remember that the generator is for temporary usage only (during times of load shedding), so you might need to prioritize needs.
- Do not use back feeding to restore power to the home as it is highly dangerous because electrical loads are not balanced. Also, unbalanced loads are inefficient and put extra strain on the generator.
- Like servicing a car, service a generator regularly to avoid disappointment and to ensure safety when using it.
Tips to minimize the impact of power outages:
- To minimize the load on the generator, consider purchasing battery-powered portable LED lights. Alternatively, they can also look at solar-powered lights as an alternative.
- Try and keep abreast of power cuts or the load shedding schedule where they reside.
- Pre-plan for load shedding times, by charging your smart mobile devices, battery packs, and laptops ahead of the scheduled power cuts.
Contact Consult Worx should you require any further information.
