Power Surges: Protecting Homes, Businesses, and Peace of Mind
Power Surges: Protecting Homes, Businesses, and Peace of Mind
South Africans face an increasingly unstable power grid, with loadshedding, load reduction, and cable theft becoming part of everyday life. While navigating these disruptions has become routine, one danger often overlooked is the power surge—a silent threat that can wreak havoc on homes, businesses, and electronics.
What is a Power Surge?
A power surge, or transient voltage, is a sudden spike in electrical voltage that exceeds the 230-volt standard for South Africa’s homes and businesses. These spikes can occur when electricity is restored after an outage, potentially overwhelming systems and damaging electronic devices in less than a second.
What Causes Power Surges?
Surges can be triggered by:
Grid Restoration: The return of power after loadshedding or outages often leads to voltage spikes.
Lightning Strikes: Although infrequent, lightning near power infrastructure can send massive energy surges through connected systems.
Internal Factors: Devices like refrigerators and air conditioners can cause minor surges during their power cycles, slowly degrading electronics over time.
Why Should You Care
The impact of power surges isn’t limited to losing individual devices. They can compromise entire electrical systems, resulting in costly repairs, damaged wiring, or even fire hazards. For businesses, this could mean lost productivity or expensive replacements.
How to Safeguard Against Power Surges
Whether you’re a business owner or an individual, protecting your electronics and systems is crucial:
Use Surge Protectors: Install surge protectors or invest in a whole-building surge protection system.
Unplug Devices: Disconnect non-essential appliances during loadshedding to mitigate risks when power is restored.
Secure Comprehensive Insurance: Even with the best precautions, accidents happen. Insurance tailored to cover surge-related damages is an essential safety net.
Take Action Today
Don’t let your clients’ homes or businesses face the unexpected devastation of a power surge. Equip them with comprehensive coverage through Howdie Insurance Administrators. By partnering with us, you ensure their appliances and critical systems are safeguarded against unforeseen electrical events. Power surges may be inevitable, but protecting your clients’ assets is not. Join the Howdie family and offer them the peace of mind they deserve.
