Loadshedding has become as South African as braais and biltong, but did you know that there’s a difference between loadshedding and grid interruptions? And did you know that most insurance policies don’t cover 1 of them? Understanding these differences can help you better prepare your household and protect your valuable appliances.
Loadshedding explained
Loadshedding is when Eskom or your municipality deliberately cuts power to prevent a total grid collapse. It’s a controlled and scheduled measure designed to balance electricity demand and supply.
Key characteristics of loadshedding:
- Planned and controlled: Eskom announces schedules in advance so you can prepare.
- Area-specific: Different suburbs or regions are affected at different times.
- Temporary: Power is typically restored after a few hours.
- Aims to prevent total blackouts: Loadshedding is implemented to protect the national power grid from total failure.
Grid interruptions
A grid interruption, on the other hand, is an unplanned power failure due to system faults, maintenance issues, or equipment failures. Think of it as a power blackout that happens unexpectedly.
Common causes of grid interruptions:
- Technical faults: Transformers, substations, or power lines failing due to age or damage.
- Severe weather conditions: Heavy storms, lightning strikes, and flooding can damage infrastructure.
- Cable theft and vandalism: Criminal activity can lead to sudden outages.
- Overloaded circuits: Excess demand in an area can cause substations to trip.
- Unexpected maintenance issues: Unforeseen failures in the power system can require immediate repairs.
Unlike loadshedding, grid interruptions come without warning, making them harder to prepare for.
Why does this matter for insurance
Most insurance policies (including King Price) cover damage caused by loadshedding related power surges but not grid interruptions. This means if your appliances are fried due to a power surge following loadshedding, you might be covered, but if a grid interruption causes the damage, you likely aren’t.
Understanding what’s covered
- Covered: Damage from power surges related to loadshedding (if added to your policy).
- Not covered: Losses due to general power failures or outages unrelated to loadshedding.
- Not covered: Spoiled food due to prolonged power outages (unless specified in your policy).
To avoid nasty surprises, check your policy schedule and confirm what your insurer covers. If you rely on power-sensitive appliances, consider additional surge protection to avoid unexpected repair costs.
Be the ruler of your household
Loadshedding and grid interruptions can wreak havoc on your appliances, but with the right preparation, you can minimise damage and maximise peace of mind.
How to protect your home and appliances
1. Install surge protectors: A DB surge protector installed by a qualified electrician will shield your entire home from sudden voltage spikes.
2. Use UPS and inverter systems: These provide temporary backup power to critical devices like Wi-Fi routers, computers, and TVs.
3. Monitor the loadshedding schedule: Apps like EskomSePush help you anticipate outages and plan accordingly.
4. Unplug devices during outages: This prevents damage from sudden voltage fluctuations when power is restored.
5. Upgrade your insurance: Ensure your home contents insurance includes optional cover for power surge damage.
The wrap-up
Loadshedding and grid interruptions may seem similar, but they have different causes, impacts, and insurance considerations. Understanding these distinctions can help you better safeguard your appliances and finances.
To make sure your home is fit for a king, chat to King Price about upgrading your insurance policy today!
FAQs
1. What’s the main difference between loadshedding and grid interruption?
Loadshedding is a controlled and planned power cut to prevent grid failure, whereas a grid interruption is an unexpected and unplanned power outage due to faults, damage, or maintenance.
2. Can I claim for damage caused by power surges due to loadshedding?
Yes, King Price offers optional cover for power surge damage related to loadshedding. Check your policy schedule to confirm if you’re covered.
3. Are food losses due to power failures covered by insurance?
Most standard policies don’t cover food spoilage due to prolonged outages, but some insurers offer optional cover for this. Always check your policy details.
4. How can I protect my appliances from both loadshedding and grid interruptions?
Installing a DB surge protector, using UPS systems, and unplugging sensitive electronics during outages can help prevent damage.
5. Does my insurance cover damage caused by a grid interruption?
No, grid interruptions are typically not covered by insurance policies, as they are classified as general power failures rather than controlled outages like loadshedding.