How to protect office equipment during loadshedding
Damage to equipment from power spikes and dips, as well as increased criminal risks due to ineffective security systems, are just a few of the many negative consequences of load shedding for both households and commercial establishments.
While the dangers of load-shedding to one’s home and possessions are obvious, the impact on company owners, whose operations are hampered or halted when the lights goes out, may be enormous and expensive. Taking preventative measures before the electricity goes out would help South Africans minimise the disruption caused by load shedding. Load shedding can have far-reaching consequences, including for short-term insurance.
Avoiding power spikes entirely is the best defence against their potentially disastrous effects. When load shedding is about to begin, be sure to disconnect all of your electronic devices and remove any appliances that use plugs or outlets. That way, if the power goes out and comes back on, there won’t be any issues to deal with. Protecting electronics can be done in a variety of ways. The best and cheapest preventative approach may be to just cut off all connections. When the electricity is restored, the most harm occurs. This is when power surges throughout your grid supply and electrical equipment.
The following guidelines on how to protect office equipment during loadshedding have been compiled to assist South Africans in preparing to reduce exposure to these risks in their daily lives and places of employment.
Uninterrupted power supply
Your company’s need for an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) will vary with its size. To safely shut down your computer, a UPS can keep it running for a few minutes or even several hours. If constant electricity is vital to business, a backup generator could be a good investment.
It is crucial to keep your generator in good working order and to properly care for any power supply additions.
Generators should never be used inside a home or enclosed workplace because the emissions can cause asphyxiation. Heat from the generator or a faulty connection to your premise’s power supply can also cause fire damage, which is likely not covered by insurance.
Make certain that generators are installed by qualified electricians who provide you with an electrical compliance certificate. Generators that start automatically can also be dangerous and must be carefully monitored.
Surge protection
In the event of a power outage, electrical surges are a major contributor to equipment failure. Having a surge protector in place can mitigate some of the damage caused. Put in a surge protector either at the main electrical panel or directly at the electronic device’s power outlet. Since the introduction of load-shedding, surge protection plugs and adaptors have become more commonly available and can be found in most hardware stores. These surge protectors will reduce the risk of fire and protect sensitive electronic devices.
Unplug all cables
Remember that even during a blackout, electricity can be restored at any time, therefore treat all wires as if they were live. All electrical items, including telephone cords, should be unplugged or turned off at the wall. The reason for this is the potential for power spikes when electricity is turned back on.
Charge your devices in advance
Be sure to fully charge your electronic gadgets (phones, laptops, tablets) before any expected outages. As soon as the power comes back on, plug them back in and give them a full charge. It’s also smart to keep a power bank in case of an emergency. This helps when there is a prolonged blackout.
Back up your data
Data backups are an absolute necessity. You should back up your data offsite in case of a hard drive failure or an electrical fault caused by load shedding. Cloud backups have many advantages and are often fully automated.
Check your insurance
Since every policy is different, it’s crucial that every citizen of South Africa takes precautions to lessen the likelihood of experiencing financial hardship in the event of a power outage. This includes securing appropriate insurance to protect your assets to the necessary level, as well as the right kind of insurance for your specific needs. Consumers must read their policies carefully to determine whether they are covered for all possible scenarios that may arise during rolling blackouts.
Check your alarm system
When it comes to your alarm or other systems and devices that have a battery backup, battery life is critical. Check that any alarms, garages, or gate systems are fully charged on a regular basis. Most batteries can keep the system running for at least eight hours, and some can provide backup power for up to 24 hours. Furthermore, your insurance policy may require you to service your alarm, which includes checking that the backup batteries are operational. Proof of maintenance may also be required, so keep track of any call-outs or check-ups.
Be alert
In case of a power outage, business owners should lock and safeguard their properties to prevent opportunistic theft. Not only would this lessen the likelihood of theft, but it will also make the claims procedure much easier in the event of a theft or robbery.
