• With continuous loadshedding on the cards for many a month moving forward, safeguarding electronics against power surges has become critical.
• One object that needs more attention than others is the TV, and manufacturer Skyworth has weighed in with some tips.
• They may seem obvious, but getting your hands on a surge protector will save you plenty of heartache down the line.

The country’s ongoing energy crisis means that continuous loadshedding is set to become a fixture of life in South Africa. As such, local residents need to safeguard their electronics, which too are becoming more expensive on the back of a global economic downturn.

One of the most important devices in the home is the TV, which is a frequent casualty when it comes to power surges resulting from electricity returning after a bout of loadshedding.

We have mentioned this on more than one occasion when discussing loadshedding on our podcast, but investing in a surge protector for electronics and home appliances is essential these days, with TV manufacturer Skyworth agreeing with us.

To that end the company sent a press release our way detailing tips to protect your TV during loadshedding, with advice from John Goosen, senior sales manager for Skyworth South Africa.

We will admit that some of the tips are rather simple and seem like common knowledge, but loadshedding and other issues proving exhausting, these simple things are often forgotten. One area we do agree with Goosen on, is the value of a surge protector.

“Make sure your TV is plugged into a surge protector. Surge protectors are designed to protect against any sudden spikes in voltage, which can cause significant damage to the TV. It is also important to check that your surge protector is equipped with a built-in battery backup, this can provide an extra layer of protection in the event of a power outage,” he points out.

Here we often recommend one of the options from local retailer Ellies, which has a wide range of surge protector and multi-plug options.

The other tips unpacked by Goosen include:

• “Unplug your TV when you’re not watching it (even if the power is on). This will help conserve energy and reduce the risk of power surges.
• Unplug your TV from the wall just before load shedding begins. This will help to ensure that your TV won’t be subjected to any sudden and unexpected surges when the power returns.
• If you can, invest in an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), invertor or generator to provide your TV with backup power.
• Keep your TV away from direct sunlight, heat sources, water, and any moisture. This will help prevent overheating and any potential damage from water or humidity.”

If you did not know about these tips before when it comes to protecting your TV, now you do. We can attest that a surge protector can be a life saver, so seriously think about investing in one, not just for your TV, but all important electronics and appliances in your home.

[Image – Provided]