Power Failures & Electricity Tips

In winter, power failures can leave us in the dark: cold and quietness, with no lights being switched on, no heaters and no televisions playing. This can be very frustrating time and again as our lights trip just as night time crawls in, dinners are being half cooked as ovens switch off mid cook and cold showers are to be taken due to the many power failures. Whether a power failure is intentional by Eskom or something just tripped yours in your home, here are some tips:

Power failures:

Life just wouldn’t be the same without electricity, but sometimes, like most man made things, it fails us. Let’s take a look at what to do when you have a power failure:

• Know where your Main Box is located
• As most of us carry our cellphone on us, use it as a basic light source to find your way in the dark.
• When you have a power failure, first check if your house is the only one affected.
• Check the Main Box’s trip switch. If it is switched off, switched it back on, and check which switch is causing the trip (this should be the one that stays down) and have it fixed as soon as possible.
• If you are unsure of your own electrician skills, avoid touching anything. Call a real qualified electrician.
• Ensure your cell phone is always fully charged when power is available
• Keep temporary lighting available in a central place which will be easy to find in the dark, e.g. torches, candles (also store an extra pack of batteries, since we all know most torches is just housing for dead batteries)
• Disconnect any electrical appliances
• Keep one light switched ‘on’, to alert you when power is back on

Saving electricity tips:

• Most people love a good long hot bath during winter, but showering instead of bathing, saves about R160 per year! If you fit a low-flow shower head, you can even safe an additional R110 per year.
• When your heater is on, keep windows closed.
• When using your kettle to make yourself a good cuppa, boil only enough water for one cup.