Some loadshedding advice from the ECA(SA)

Some loadshedding

advice from the ECA(SA)

It has been with us for a very long time, it seems, the scheduled power cuts that make business and also home management a nightmare. Most users are now at the totally ‘gatvol’ phase, but we should not blindly sit in the dark while there is something we can do for ourselves. The Electrical Contractors Association SA’s (ECA) Regional Director: Highveld, Anthony Schewitz, shares some well-considered advice with readers.

ECA-SA Electrical Contractors’ Association (SA)

Loadshedding is disruptive and comes with risks to electrical appliances and electronic equipment. What can we do to mitigate the risks, minimise disruptions and ensure that we stay connected?

For those with alternative electricity supply such as generators, solar installations, UPSes and other expensive equipment, ensure that your alternative supply has been safely installed – use a registered electrician to install equipment to ensure compliance with South Africa’s laws and regulations.

If you have a small gas stove, batterypowered or solar lights but what you still need is a WiFi battery back-up to stay online during loadshedding, a cheap and easy solution is to invest in lithium battery packs for your router. A fibre optic modem can be bought for anything from R400 to well over R1 000. It’s easy to set up and the batteries last anywhere from two to six hours, which comfortably covers the average load shedding times.

If you want more than WiFi back-up, needing a comprehensive solution, here are some guidelines for alternative and back-up power as well as advice from our technical experts on how you can protect your electrical appliances and sensitive electronic equipment from the effects of loadshedding.

Alternative and back-up power solutions

Generators

Generators can be tricky as the most frequently bought and used generators for households are the smaller sub 10 kVA type, which are not designed to handle the load of an average house, and are not usually installed according to the legislated wiring specifications.

A generator comes with a precautionary list of do’s and don’ts, and while inexpensive, the cost of fuel quickly adds up.

Do your homework before investing in a generator; speak to specialist generator companies or ask an electrical contractor to evaluate your energy requirements, recommend the appropriate type and size of generator, and install the generator according to legislative requirements and issue the Certificate of Compliance according to SANS 10142-1.

Types of generators

There are many uses and types of generators to consider before making an investment in an alternative energy supply. Your choice should be geared towards the best solution and one that will not easily fail.

• Portable generators: These are only intended for the running of appliances and are generally mobile, but should not be used indoors due to exhaust fumes. • Standby generators: These generators are intended to be used in parallel with the grid for standby purposes and can be used for extended periods but not continuously. • Prime generators: Bigger, prime generators are intended to run continuously.

It is crucial to understand that there are many factors that would alter the perceived power output, including the power factor rating of the alternator, which in most cases is around 0.8. Other considerations are altitude, temperature, running time and load requirements of the generator all affecting efficiency. There are also environmental issues, like liquid fuel fumes and noise to consider.

Study the Environmental Regulations in the Occupational Health and Safety Act because a downside of generators is the release of lethal carbon monoxide gas.

Always ensure that your generator is placed in a well-ventilated area other than your vehicle garage. The other environmental risk is noise pollution – there are strict laws in place regarding compliance, especially when installing generators near boundaries where they can disturb neighbours. Note, the regulatory maximum decibel range is 85dB.

Beware of the unforeseen risks arising from incorrect usage of generators.

Inverters: Quality inverters are more costly than generators and help to keep the power on. Smaller and cheaper options come with built-in protection for sensitive electronic equipment such as computers and televisions.

UPSes: Uninterrupted power supplies are becoming more sophisticated and cheaper and are a good option, particularly for computers and electronic equipment. They have built-in protection against the sudden cut-outs and possible voltage surges and dips in the grid. UPSes costs vary and installing a UPS would provide additional support to an installation with a generator.

Solar photovoltaic solutions:

Having a grid-tied or a hybrid setup is a huge investment. But it is an ideal solution whether there is load shedding or not. Solar PV is clean and has the added benefit of saving energy in the long term while removing reliance on grid power.

Importantly, installations must be done by a registered electrician with experience in solar PV so as to to issue the correct compliance certification. To find out about qualified solar PV installers, contact the ECA or the SA Photovoltaic Industries Association (SAPVIA).

Anthony Schewitz, the Electrical Contractors Association SA’s (ECA) Regional Director: Highveld.

Protecting appliances and equipment

The hardest hit devices during load shedding are devices that have electronic components with battery back-up such as alarm systems and garage doors. Load shedding wears down battery backup operated devices as these devices have components that are not designed to withstand the spikes and dips that come with load shedding. Hence the batteries can fail prematurely.

Here’s what you can do to protect your appliances and equipment:

Flip the switches: The most basic thing you can do when the power goes off is to flip off the switches in the distribution board (DB), except for the main switch and one or two lights circuits (so that you will know when the power is back on). Slowly return the switches to the ‘on’ position one at a time.

Surge protection: Another cost-effective option is to use basic surge protection plugs and adaptors for sensitive equipment. It’s advisable to buy good quality products, and buy local SABS-approved products.

Over- and under-voltage relays: Over voltage is less common than under voltage and arises due to system faults, in turn causing problems for electrical devices with motors, including fridges and air conditioners. It can cause overheating, malfunction, and premature equipment failure. Fit an over- and undervoltage relay. This must be installed by a registered electrician.

Voltage regulators/stabilisers: Widely used in the commercial and industrial environments, this is an expensive solution for homeowners, although the devices keep voltage levels stable and deliver long-term savings on running costs. These must be installed by a registered electrician who should first assess what is needed.

It is vitally important to remember that it is a legal requirement to get a Certificate of Compliance for any alternative supply and this must be done under the general control of a registered electrical contractor.

Find a registered electrical contractor in your area: Visit the ECA website www.ecasa.co.za and click on ‘Find a member’.