How to Protect Appliances from Load Shedding
Many of our clients have called us in to have a look at their various appliances that are suddenly not working, or showing errors.
This is what happens during load shedding:
Fridges: When the power comes back on, there is a surge that can exceed the 240V that the fridge is designed to operate at. A power surge can be responsible for damaging any or all of the components in a fridge, leading to costly repairs.
Other electrical appliances: Even if a machine is not in use before the power goes out if it is plugged into the wall socket, a power surge can cause damage.
How to avoid problems: When there is a power cut, it is best to turn off your fridge (or any appliance) at the wall or even at the circuit breaker and wait until the power is back on before switching it on again.
Power surge protector: Available from most good hardware stores or electrical supply shops, this may prevent a surge from happening, but one would have to fit one onto every plug that is feeding a different appliance. You can also switch off all major breakers at the distribution box to be sure, and then pop them back up after the power is back on.
Insurance: Most insurance companies will accept the breakdown of an appliance due to power surges - but you must have white goods cover on your household insurance in order to claim. We can write a report to this effect so that you can put in a claim for repair or replacement of the appliance.
We trust this advice has been useful to you.
If you experience any issues with your appliances, give us a call and we will do our best to assist you as quickly as possible - we know how essential these appliances are to our everyday lives.
We repair fridges, ice makers, wine coolers, dishwashers, washing machines, ovens and microwaves.
