Among the impacts of load-shedding, include an increase in burglaries; as a result of alarm systems, gates and garage openers malfunctioning when battery back-up systems fail.
Ongoing power blackouts provide opportunities for criminals. Security experts and insurers recently warned that crime and claim data point to higher levels of crime in the country. They attribute the spike to high levels of load-shedding that have been implemented since the beginning of 2023 and continues into 2024.
Major metros in the country are also on high alert to tackle elevated levels of vandalism and theft of public infrastructure during load-shedding.
Faulty alarm systems also increase the number of false alarm activations, hampering armed response firms’ ability to attend to actual emergencies. Ongoing load shedding is causing damage to security technologies and communications systems, and it is unlikely that the situation will improve in the near future.
Back-up
According to security system experts, sufficient battery back-up and charging capacity can extend the length of time alarm systems function during load-shedding.
All batteries have a limited lifespan and are designed to charge and discharge a certain number of times before needing to be replaced. Batteries that have gone through too many of these cycles lose capacity and may not be able to charge sufficiently between load-shedding periods. This means that your alarm system, electric fences, garage and gate openers will not work during power cuts.
Stages one or two load-shedding can give batteries enough time to recharge. However, the higher stages place more pressure on batteries as the times between power cuts don’t allow batteries to charge fully before having to discharge again.
Uninterrupted power supply (UPS) backup systems can also help keep you and your property safe. However, they need to be properly connected and used correctly. If you have a UPS system wired into your distribution board, be sure to have the installer provide an updated electrical certificate of compliance.
To avoid breakdowns in alarm systems, garage and gate openers, as well as electric fences, you need to ensure your battery back-up and security support systems are properly maintained.
When you set up a maintenance schedule, be sure to check all components that could possibly be affected. For example, the batteries in detectors for wireless security systems are generally not affected by load-shedding, whereas the main control box contains a back-up battery that needs to be maintained.
Timeous preventative maintenance can help ensure that your security system operates as it should in spite of ongoing load-shedding. Your security firm will be able to provide expert assistance.
