Load Shedding
Eskom load shedding has become a STARK reality again. Subscribers of Alarm Monitoring and Armed Response services 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 keeps our KSS Controllers working tirelessly, because during load shedding alarm activations can increase by up to 1000%. Our Armed Response and back-up units do their utmost to respond to, and check on each alarm activation timeously.
Please be patient, as client safety and security is paramount.
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 delay to an actual emergency.
Changing back-up batteries frequently 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. For more advice contact Sashen on 082 870 0138 or Gary on 082 894 7628.
The impact of Load Shedding on your home and business security
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:
Keshen on 0823265672 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.
News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.