The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) urges all property and household contents owners to exercise all precautions in an effort to mitigate the risks associated with load shedding and power cuts. The recent load shedding cycles across South Africa has had a negative impact on many household electronics and appliances as a result of power surges when the electricity is restored. According to Susan Walls, SAIA Technical Advisor, a power surge is a brief spike in a home’s electrical current that can damage electronics and appliances. It can be caused by several factors such as faulty wiring, lightning strikes and a surge in power after a blackout.
Walls also says that “When load shedding is intentional and planned as is our current load shedding, damage to appliances may not be covered by insurance. Some policies provide limited cover for power surges or cover can be included at an addition premium, policy holders should therefore, discuss their cover with their insurers. There are various products available and it is advisable that policy holders contact their insurers or brokers for advice on which options suit their risks best.”
Below are a few tips to help reduce the risk associated with power surges:
- Purchase a power surge protector which may reduce the chances of damage to your appliances.
- Contact a professional to check if the wiring in your home is in a good condition.
- Unplug all appliances and electronics or switch it off at the plug when power cuts to avoid a surge when power is restored.
Subscribe to our free newsletter
Stay at the forefront of financial advisory excellence with MoneyMarketing's weekly insights. As a professional adviser, you'll receive carefully curated content that enhances your practice and client relationships without cluttering your inbox. Our commitment to delivering only relevant, actionable intelligence helps you make informed decisions that drive your business forward. Join our community of leading financial professionals today and transform your practice with our complimentary newsletter—because your success is our priority.
