Keeping an eye on local load shedding schedules seems to be South Africa’s new favourite pastime. However, a more serious and often overlooked consequence of load shedding is the impact of power surges on your electronics.

Power surges may last for only a few millionths of a second, but can damage even the best electronic products, degrading electronic components over time and shortening their lifespan. The reason is that an electrical surge of around 11 000 volts enters the circuit when the electricity is switched back on. And in our case – often a couple of times a day.

Power surges are most commonly causes by load shedding, lightning strikes, electrical overload or faulty wiring.

HOW TO AVOID AN ELECTRICAL SURGE

The most effective way to avoid the damage done to your electronics and appliances is to use surge protectors or surge arrester. A surge protector is a device that protects electrical equipment from high voltage spikes caused by external or internal events. It works by diverting the extra voltage into the earth wire, while at the same time allowing the normal voltage to continue along its path.

To lessen the impact of power surges on your devices, we recommend a two-fold approach:

PLUG-IN SURGE PROTECTORS

As its name suggests, a plug-in surge protector plugs into the wall socket, and then your device is plugged into the protector.

Most homeowners believe that plug-in surge protectors are the ultimate solve. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.  

Firstly, not all surge protectors are created equal. A quick look at the big cost discrepancies between the brands should give you an idea of the varying degrees of quality. Secondly, a surge will follow any wire into your house, including phone and internet lines and cables. And in a modern home, most of our appliances around the house have delicate electronic circuitry, so damage is not limited to computers and TV’s only.

WHOLE-HOUSE SURGE PROTECTORS

Typically, whole-house surge protectors are installed on the main distribution board (or DB) and takes a licensed Electro Surgeon electrician about two hours to complete. Whole-house systems should be rated to stop a 40 000-amp surge, at minimum. To find out more, contact Electro Surgeon today on 0861 353 287 or fill in your details here and we’ll call you back within 15 minutes. Our highly qualified, security-verified electricians will help you get this sorted ASAP.

Whole-house protectors level out the big, dangerous power spikes. By themselves, they don’t stop surges completely; up to 15 percent excess voltage may still enter your system. That’s where plug-in surge protectors come in – they provide the extra buffer needed to safeguard your vulnerable appliances and electronic devices.

For more about surge protection, loss of power and more – check out our FAQ section.

WHY CALL US?

We know you have choices. You can get electrical services from numerous electrical companies. However, we’re convinced that when it comes to providing the best service, we’re your only real choice.

Providing a superior level of customer service is our all-consuming passion, and an achievement we take immense pride in. We provide top of the range, security-verified, professional electricians who are totally committed to serving you better than anyone else. That’s what The Electro Surgeon is all about!

Some of our services include:

• Emergency 24 Hour Electrical Services

• COC’s – Certificates of Compliance

• Security Lighting

• Electric Fencing

• Garage Door & Gate Automation

• Lightning Arrester (to protect against lightning)

• Surge Arrester (to protect against voltage spikes)

• Earth Leakage and Tripping Detection

• Power Outages & Failures

• Swimming Pool Motors

• Solar Power

Find our full list of services here. Call us today on 0861 353 287, or fill in your details here and we’ll call you back within 15 minutes.