Power cuts don't just cause inconvenience, the surges when power returns quietly damage appliances and installations.
Why the damage happens when power returns
The dangerous moment isn't the outage, it's re-energising. When the grid comes back, voltage spikes can surge through your home, stressing electronics, motors and compressors. Repeated cycles age appliances years ahead of schedule.
Protect the big-ticket items
Surge protection at the distribution board is the single best defence, it protects everything downstream. Plug-in surge protectors add a second layer for sensitive electronics like TVs and computers.
Gate motors and garage doors
Gate motor batteries carry the gate through outages, but frequent cycling wears them out in 2–3 years instead of 5. If your gate dies during load shedding, the battery is the first suspect.
Thinking about backup power?
An inverter system needs a properly wired changeover and dedicated circuits to be safe, backfeeding the grid through a plug is illegal and lethal to line workers. Have backup power wired professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I switch off appliances during load shedding?
Yes, switch off sensitive appliances and your geyser during the outage, then switch them back on a few minutes after power returns, once the voltage has stabilised.
Why did my earth leakage trip when the power came back?
Surges and the simultaneous restart of appliances can trip protection. If it happens every time, have the circuit checked, it may be flagging a genuine developing fault.
Can load shedding damage my geyser?
The element and thermostat endure extra cycling, and surges can shorten their life. A tripping geyser after outages is worth having checked.
Need professional help?
Our electrical team covers all of Bloemfontein, 24/7.
Electrical in Bloemfontein