How to protect your electronics during load shedding
Since Eskom has
continued to subject us to load shedding, most of us have become used to
sitting in the dark. But many of us might not know how to keep our electronics
safe from the dreaded blackouts.
When load shedding
hits, the proper shut down process doesn't happen on our computers and other
high-tech equipment – this could result in internal hardware failures, as well
as corrupt program files.
And then, when Eskom
decides to flip the lights back on, it’s not exactly smooth sailing – there is
often a power surge or spike that can literally destroy unprotected equipment.
It is extremely
important that you know exactly how to protect your electronics before and
after load shedding… here’s how:
1. Unplug all cables
It is vital to unplug all computer cables from the sockets, as well as all telephone cables from the modem. This tip actually applies to all sensitive equipment, including TVs. It’s also important to note that using a multiplug is safer to use – as they have a fuse – than plugging your cables directly into the wall socket.
It is vital to unplug all computer cables from the sockets, as well as all telephone cables from the modem. This tip actually applies to all sensitive equipment, including TVs. It’s also important to note that using a multiplug is safer to use – as they have a fuse – than plugging your cables directly into the wall socket.
2. Surge Protection
The main thing that can cause damage to your electronics from load shedding is electrical surges. Surge protectors are the very first line of defense for all electrical equipment, so make sure to install a surge protection device and it can help minimize damage.
The main thing that can cause damage to your electronics from load shedding is electrical surges. Surge protectors are the very first line of defense for all electrical equipment, so make sure to install a surge protection device and it can help minimize damage.
3. Invest in a UPS
A UPS is a back-up battery for your machine when the lights go out, but it can also control the amount of power that your computer receives. When you invest in a UPS, it’ll give you a few minutes of stable power to back up data and shut down all systems properly.
A UPS is a back-up battery for your machine when the lights go out, but it can also control the amount of power that your computer receives. When you invest in a UPS, it’ll give you a few minutes of stable power to back up data and shut down all systems properly.
4. Fully charge your batteries
Always make sure that your laptop, smart phone or tablet battery is fully charged so that you can carry on working even once load shedding has hit. An even better idea is to have an emergency 3G dongle for these situations.
Always make sure that your laptop, smart phone or tablet battery is fully charged so that you can carry on working even once load shedding has hit. An even better idea is to have an emergency 3G dongle for these situations.
5. Always back it up!
It is very important to back up data, but when your power goes off with little or no warning, it’s more important than ever. There is nothing worse than working on something for hours and then losing all that work because you didn't save. Saving should become a habit, and then saving your data offsite should become a priority! Keep in mind than online cloud-based backups are easy and quick to do.
It is very important to back up data, but when your power goes off with little or no warning, it’s more important than ever. There is nothing worse than working on something for hours and then losing all that work because you didn't save. Saving should become a habit, and then saving your data offsite should become a priority! Keep in mind than online cloud-based backups are easy and quick to do.
Yes, load shedding is
unpleasant, so you need to fully prepare yourself to prevent any damage. Ensure
that you familiarise yourself with the load-shedding time tables (loadshedding.eskom.co.za
and www.capetown.gov.za/en/electricity/Pages/LoadShedding.aspx) and follow
these useful tips.
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