Besides considering installing solar power, a Power generator is also a solution.

A power generator is simply a device or machine capable of producing electricity.

There are 7 types of generators you can use for your home.

The main use and know generator is the standby generator also known as the “Whole house” which is a type of generator that can be connected to your entire house or business electrical system and they are a stationary fixture.

Some of them have the feature to switch on automatically when they sense a power outage and will continue to run until the power comes back on (You can switch it off manually or it will be automatically once the power is back).

The other types of generators are gasoline generators, diesel generators, solar generators, natural gas generators, inventor generators, and portable generators.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a power generator?

1. Advantages

• It plays the role of backup power for your home.
• Provide electricity in case of a power outage or any natural disaster or other emergencies.
• A generator can work without any form of wiring installation, you simply need to turn off the mains, start the generator, and plug it into any socket.
• Power generators can either be run either on natural gas or petrol
• A power generator can run for a long time.

2. Disadvantages

• A power generator can sometimes require frequent maintenance depending on how you use it.
• Power generators can be super noisy.
• They harm the ecosystem due to the highly emitting toxic gases that affect the health of humans, animals, and even plants.

The post Should I Consider Purchasing A Power Generator? appeared first on Powertime.

What usually happens during a blackout is that the electricity voltage level drop from its required and normal level and suddenly comes back.

Because certain home appliances are required to work at a certain level of voltage, a sudden change can destroy the system.

How to protect your appliance during a blackout

1. Purchase a surge suppressor

A surge protector helps you to protect your electronic appliance against any power surge by basically transferring the extra voltage to the protector and only accepting the required voltage quantity to the appliance.

2. Unplug electronic appliances before the power is restored.

Remember a power surge/blackout can only affect appliances that are connected to power. So the simplest way to protect your appliance during a blackout is it unplug and wait to plug it back after a few minutes when to power is back.

The longer you wait, the safer it is.

3. Upgrade inadequate wiring

It’s advisable to hire a professional electrician to check your wiring system as any bad wiring can affect the appliance connected to it.  Have your indoor appliances checked frequently.

4. Buy appliances that meet the actual standards and requirements of quality marks.

When buying electrical appliances make sure that they can resist or it’s able to take voltage fluctuations.

The post How to protect your appliance during a blackout appeared first on Powertime.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I AM GOING TO BE HIT BY LOAD SHEDDING?

The answer is very simple, know your power provider and check the correct load shedding schedules.

• City of Cape Town? Click here 
• Johannesburg? check here
• City of Tshwane? Click here
• City of Ekurhuleni? Check here
• Straight from Eskom? click here to check your load shedding schedule

For more information please check Energy expert Coalition by clicking here

Wondering how you can prepare for load shedding? 

Here are 7 simple ways to prepare for load shedding:

• Check your load shedding schedule regularly so you have enough time to prepare.
• Avoid power surges nuisance tripping: if you know that your area will be affected by Load shedding, switch off appliances, geysers, pool pumps, air conditioners, lights and other electrical equipment to reduce the risk of damage caused when the power comes back on.
• Use a solar geyser and also solar lamps when lights are out.
• Make sure your computer, laptop or phone is fully charged so you can still use them
• Draw some cash as the ATM will be offline
• Keep your bottles in the freezer so they are ice cold when load shedding starts.
• Prepare meals in advance as it is possible to wake up to no electricity and will be stuck to make breakfast or might not make it home in time to cook supper.

WHAT DOES THE DIFFERENT LOAD SHEDDING STAGES MEAN?

Stage 1: To keep the national grid stable, Eskom needs to shed 1000MW.

Stage 1 is the least disruptive of the schedules. Your area is likely to be hit Three times over a four-day period for 2 hours at a time or Three times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time

Stage 2:  To keep the national grid stable, Eskom needs to shed 2000MW

Stage 2 double the amount of the load shedding planned in stage 1 meaning your area is likely to be hit Six times over a four-day period for 2 hours at the time or Six times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.

Stage 3: To keep the national grid stable, Eskom needs to shed at most 4000MW

Stage 3 increased by 50% of the amount of the load shedding planned in stage 2 meaning your area is likely to be hit Nine times over a four-day period for 2 hours at a time or Nine times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.

Stage 4: To keep the national grid stable, Eskom needs to shed at least 4000MW

Stage 4 double the frequency of stage 2, meaning your area is likely to be hit Twelve times over a four-day period for 2 hours at a time or Twelve times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.

The post Tips to prepare for load shedding appeared first on Powertime.