In 2022, South African short-term insurers reported a 60% rise in claims for property damage caused by power spikes as a result of load shedding.
Some insurance companies have recently begun requiring the installation of a Surge Protection Device (SPD) or else they will not cover damage caused by a power surge.
Since then, Dr. Andrew Dickson, Engineering Executive of CBI-electric low voltage, has advised consumers to review the fine print of their policies to determine if this applies to them.
“If consumers don’t check their policies to see if this applies to them, they could be in for a rude and expensive surprise should a power surge strike their home,” Dr. Dickson added.
He stated that when the electricity is turned back on at a substation following load shedding, it can send a voltage pulse of several thousand volts through the network.
“The issue is that the typical home operates on 230 Volts, so when the lights come back on, all electrical things, including your lights and appliances, may experience an unexpected voltage spike, followed by a power surge from the returning main supply,” he explained.
This only lasts a microsecond, yet it is long enough to induce a point of failure in the device, which can result in substantial damage.
Dr. Dickson also discussed the benefits of installing SPDs in homes and how it can prevent homeowners from having to replace damaged stuff.
SPDs can minimize high peak voltages by directing excess electricity away from the distribution board, despite the fact that purchasing them may be a burden. Plus, they are significantly less expensive than purchasing a new television, refrigerator, or gate motor.”
In addition, he outlined the purposes of several types of SPDs and noted that insurance companies typically provide guidance regarding the sort of SPD you should employ.
“Different SPDs are capable of absorbing varying quantities of energy. If these levels are surpassed, the device may be compromised; therefore, all SPDs are equipped with an indication that tells the user if the device is operable or has reached the end of its useful life.
To ensure that homeowners may file a claim if a power surge causes property damage, Dr. Dickson recommends that they adhere to the SPD installation criteria outlined in their insurance policy.
“They should also inspect the devices after a power outage or storm to ensure that the indicator still indicates that they are in good operating condition.”
Dr. Dickson stated, “While SPDs are risk mitigation measures, they will eventually fail and must be examined regularly, especially in light of Eskom’s announcement that ‘protracted load shedding’ will continue for the foreseeable future.”
During loadshedding, Eskom instructed Onrusriver/Vermont residents to turn off stoves, geysers, pool pumps, and all other electrical equipment. Eskom advised consumers to wait 30 minutes before turning on stoves, geysers, and pool pumps to prevent probable power outages.
“Cold load pickup occurs when a distribution circuit is re-energized after a lengthy outage and the current is strong enough to generate a quick overcurrent that could cause the electricity supply to trip,” the utility company explained.
»According to insurers, “power surge protection or no claims.”«