Eskom load shedding has again become a reality and affects all South Africans. The Electronic Security Industry is faced with one of the worst challenges when it comes to Operations, with the reality of load shedding. Eskom cannot guarantee that the electricity demand will be met in the foreseeable future, hence we need to advise our KSS clients on how load shedding affects them.Alarm monitoring and response clients are encountering unavoidable issues related to load shedding. Please note that these issues are industry related and ALL security service providers are affected. The sheer volume of alarm calls that arise during and after load shedding, is in some instances resulting in customer disappointment. Our KSS Control Room works tirelessly during load shedding as alarm activations increase by up to 1000%, yes 1000%. Our Armed Response and back-up units do their utmost to respond and check on each alarm activation, as they work through the “stack” systematically and timeously.
Please be patient as client safety and security is paramount. If you have an actual emergency PLEASE make a phone call immediately to the KSS Control Room so that we can prioritise your call. Call 033 330 5911 at any time of day or night.
PLEASE DO NOT test your alarm system during load shedding – this will result in KSS having to follow-up with your “false alarm” and may lead to a response time delay to an ACTUAL EMERGENCY.
Changing back-up batteries frequently (every 12 – 18 months) cannot be over-emphasised. The battery of an alarm is the lifeblood of any security system that doesn’t have an alternative source of power when the electricity goes off. Please also be aware that every time there is a load shedding episode, the lifespan of your battery is compromised.
As a rule of thumb:
A 7 or 9 amp hour battery can take up to 24 hours to recharge after 2 hours of load shedding. With daily power failures, the battery doesn’t have sufficient time to fully recharge, hence its “lifespan” is compromised for the next power failure.
KSS suggests to following, to ensure a longer battery lifespan, depending on the size of your alarm system:
1. Clients with an entry level alarm system should install a 3.2 amp power supply* with a 7 amp hour battery. The cost for this power supply and battery as well as a full alarm service is R1437.50 inclusive of vat.
2. Clients with a more complex alarm system or clients who require a longer battery lifespan, should install a 6.4 amp power supply* with a 17/18 amp hour battery. The cost for this power supply and battery as well as a full alarm service is R2702.50 inclusive of vat.
* The power supply is the charging unit that plugs into the wall and charges the battery.
Most alarm systems keypads will indicate various trouble conditions during load shedding. For example, the power light may be flashing or the trouble light may on. These should clear when the battery is fully charged. You may also refer to your alarm system user manual. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. should you require a copy of your alarm system user manual.
Alarm users must take heed of this advice to ensure their own safety and security.
For advice please call Keshen on 083 3935 265 or Sashen on 082 8700 138 or Gary on 0828947628.
Remember - You are safer with us.
2. Clients with a more complex alarm system or clients who require a longer battery lifespan, should install a 6.4 amp power supply* with a 17/18 amp hour battery. The cost for this power supply and battery as well as a full alarm service is R2702.50 inclusive of vat.
* The power supply is the charging unit that plugs into the wall and charges the battery.
Most alarm systems keypads will indicate various trouble conditions during load shedding. For example, the power light may be flashing or the trouble light may on. These should clear when the battery is fully charged. You may also refer to your alarm system user manual. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. should you require a copy of your alarm system user manual.
Alarm users must take heed of this advice to ensure their own safety and security.
For advice please call Keshen on 083 3935 265 or Sashen on 082 8700 138 or Gary on 0828947628.
Remember - You are safer with us.
News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.