Load shedding is a dark reality, and even though it has been put on the back-burner indefinitely by Eskom, we at Knight Security Solutions (KSS) would like you to know the following information so that you are advised and aware.
Security alarm systems, access control, electric gates and electric fences are all dependent on electricity. Load shedding can however compromise the life of these security measures. Under normal circumstances, the back-up battery will power these systems for up to eight hours, BUT this time is dependent on a number of factors, such as: how many devices are linked to the battery, the age of the battery and how many load shedding events have happened during the past 24 hours. All these factors can severely affect the life-span of your back-up battery supply.
KSS has taken proactive measure to ensure your safety during load shedding.
These are:
1. KSS has increased the number of controllers in the Control Room.
Note: During load shedding the alarm signals received in the Control Room can increase up to 1000%. All security companies experience these massive spikes in signals received – it is an industry related issue caused by load shedding and an excessive amount of low battery signals and mains failure signals being received. It is very demanding on the Controllers.
Note: Panic activations take precedence over any other alarm signals during load shedding.
Request: Please can clients phone in to the Control Room and cancel all confirmed false alarm during load shedding. This will help Controllers clear the “stack”.
Note: Load shedding may affect your gate battery. This makes it very difficult for Response Officers to check on alarms when the gates don’t work due to flat gate batteries.
2. KSS has two back-up generators at the KSS Control Room ensuring that there is NEVER a loss of power.
3. KSS has a number of battery back-up options for KSS clients to ensure that you are better equipped to handle load-shedding. KSS Technicians would need to carry out an assessment to determine which option would be best suited to your security system needs.
KSS also offer basic 12volt LED lighting installations as well.
Please contact for more information on the options above:
Keshen on 0833935265 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sashen on 0828700138 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gary on 0828947628 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Remember: it is YOUR responsibility to make sure that your security systems are working.
Load shedding Tips:
• A security system back-up battery is critical, as all signals are reliant on a good working battery.
• It is important to check that your alarm is working at least every 3 months and then to have your alarm system fully serviced annually.
• Keep candles and rechargeable lights handy.
• Wire up LED lights to a 12 volt battery with a switch so that when there is load shedding, you can switch on the LED lights in your house. Solar lights are also a suggestion.
• Always have a torch in your car in case you arrive home in the dark.
• Always be cautious at night when approaching your home. Keep your portable panic button on your key ring.
Load shedding information and recent media releases from Insurance Specialists:
Article 1.
On the insurance side of security systems, please remember that “if a client’s policy is endorsed with the alarm warranty then it's their responsibility to make sure it’s working all the time - it's in their wording. I know some batteries don’t last long, but it's up to the client to make sure their battery power lasts during load shedding. If electricity is off for days and the client is not at home, it's their responsibility to get a guard or someone must be at home. If a burglary takes place and they have an alarm warranty then the alarm must go off if no one is at home” Insurance Broker, Pmb.
Article 2.
“Besides the total inconvenience - when the power goes out, your alarm, electric fences and motorised gates go with it, leaving you and your home in a vulnerable position,” explains Maanda Tshifularo, Head of Dial direct Insurance. “Most insurance policies stipulate in their contracts that the house alarm must be activated at all times when the home is unoccupied. So, if your house is burgled during a power cut, then, theoretically, your theft-related cover would be moot.”
These are easy to implement tips for those looking to ensure their safety when the lights go out:
• Get a few high-wattage solar powered lights for your garden, and a few LED lights for inside. Light is a deterrent.
• Keep your cell phone charged, or invest in a portable phone charger.
• If you need to manually open and close your gates when you get home, try to have someone come and meet you at your entrance, or arrange for an escort from your security company.
• Use padlocks, burglar bars and deadbolts to provide an extra level of home security that isn’t power-dependent.
• Put the proposed load shedding times somewhere handy so that your family will have enough time to prepare for the power outage.
• Alarm systems, garage doors and electric gates generally rely on electricity so make sure that these items all have good back-up batteries.
• Keep a torch or a solar, battery powered light that is charged beforehand in multiple, easily accessible locations around your home. Be sure to also have plenty of spare batteries.
• Invest in a backup power supply for your house – be it a generator, battery system, solar panels or a combination of these – to keep essential lights, appliances, electric gates and security systems running.
Adapted from: https://www.iol.co.za/personal-finance/insurance/load-shedding-practical-tips-to-protect-your-valuables-19294674 14 February 2019.
Article 3.
South Africans need to mitigate the risk and damage caused by load shedding by being prepared, Marius Steyn, Santam’s personal lines underwriting manager, says. "Consumers must cope with the damage to appliances brought on by power surges or risk loss through theft, or burglary as a result of faulty security measures."
Christelle Colman, Old Mutual Insure executive for high-net-worth solutions, said in her experience, the most common risks associated with load shedding are the possible damage to appliances and the security threat.
“The risk of increased opportunistic crime should be top-of-mind for South Africans, considering the load shedding schedule is made public for all – including criminals – to see,” Colman said.
Colman and Steyn gave safety tips for South Africans at home during load shedding:
• Get back-up batteries for alarm systems. Double check that alarm systems are in working condition, and have back-up batteries in the event of a power failure, Steyn said.
• Load shedding causes power packs and batteries to wear out faster, Colman said, resulting in reduced functionality. This may also cause alarm systems to produce false alarms and panic signals, so units should be checked frequently.
• Have a spare torch or headlamp. Steyn advises keeping a torch in the car in the event of arriving home at night during a power outage. “Most smartphone also have a built-in torch or torch apps which come in handy during unexpected power outages,” Steyn said.
• Because the load shedding timetables are open to the public, criminals may see blackouts as an opportune time to undertake illegal activities, Colman said. Extra vigilance is especially required when arriving or leaving the home.
• Install reserve batteries for fences and gates too. Ensure electric fencing and gates still work during load shedding by installing – and maintaining – batteries, Colman said. Such batteries typically last between 6 hours and 8 hours when electricity supply goes down. “But load shedding dramatically decreases a battery’s lifespan, so it is incredibly important that these are tested or replaced.” She added homeowners should also ensure that their homes are locked up and adequately secured, in order to reduce the risk of a burglary during load shedding.
• Save Emergency contact information. People should save emergency contact information on their phones and also keep a paper copy safe and accessible, Steyn said. The list should include numbers for emergency services such as the fire department, police, and medical services. “Also, include contact information of friends and family along with insurance information.”
• Charge electronic devices. Always keep cell phones, laptops, and tablets fully charged in case of an unscheduled blackout, Steyn said. “It's also a good idea to have an emergency phone charger close by, this comes in handy during extended power outages. Remember to use devices sparingly during outages so that you don't drain the battery completely before the power returns.”
Adapted from: https://www.businessinsider.co.za/ways-to-stay-safe-during-eskom-loadshedding-2019-2 13 February 2019