Load shedding has become a way of life in South Africa. We plan our days around power cuts, stock up on candles and gas stoves, and scramble to charge our devices before the next blackout. But while we’ve adjusted to life without electricity for hours at a time, there’s one hidden risk that many people overlook: power surges.
Every time the power is switched off and then restored, a sudden spike in voltage can fry your home appliances, destroy sensitive electronics, and even cause electrical fires. Many South Africans have already faced damaged TVs, burnt-out fridges, and fried computer motherboards—and they’ve had to pay for replacements out of pocket.
So, here’s the big question: Does your insurance cover you for power surge damage? If not, what can you do to protect yourself? Let’s break it down.
A power surge happens when there is a sudden increase in voltage in your electrical system. Normally, homes in South Africa receive around 220-230 volts of electricity. But during a power surge, voltage can spike dramatically—sometimes exceeding 1,000 volts in an instant.
When this happens, the excess electricity overloads circuits, burns out internal components, and shortens the lifespan of expensive appliances. Some of the most vulnerable household items include:
Televisions & Home Entertainment Systems
Fridges & Freezers
Computers & Laptops
Microwaves & Kitchen Appliances
Wi-Fi Routers & Smart Devices
For businesses, the damage can be even worse. Point-of-sale systems, office equipment, and industrial machinery are all at risk.
Many South Africans assume their home or business insurance automatically covers damage caused by power surges—but that’s not always the case. In fact, some insurance policies exclude load shedding-related claims altogether!
✅ Power Surge & Electrical Damage Cover – Some policies specifically include coverage for power surge damage, but only if it is explicitly stated in the terms.
✅ Accidental Damage Clause – Certain home insurance policies may offer accidental damage coverage, which could cover power surge-related incidents.
✅ Surge Protection Requirement – Some insurers require you to have surge protectors installed before they will approve a claim. If you don’t have these in place, your claim could be denied.
✅ Business Interruption Insurance – If you own a business, check whether your policy covers losses caused by power surges, electrical damage, and downtime due to load shedding.
✅ Appliance-Specific Cover – Some insurers offer additional coverage for expensive electronic items like televisions, laptops, and fridges. You might need to specify these items on your policy for full protection.
Even if your insurance does cover power surges, prevention is always better than dealing with claims and potential disputes. Here are some practical steps to safeguard your home and business:
A surge protector acts as a buffer between your appliances and electrical supply. Plugging sensitive devices into surge protectors can help absorb excess voltage before it reaches your equipment.
A UPS is a battery backup system that keeps your devices running for a short period after a power cut. This prevents sudden shutdowns that can damage computers and other electronic equipment.
The simplest way to avoid power surge damage? Unplug your appliances before the electricity comes back on. If they’re not connected to power when the surge happens, they can’t be damaged.
Old or faulty wiring can increase the risk of power surges and electrical fires. Consider getting an electrician to inspect and upgrade your home’s electrical system if needed.
Now that you know the risks, take a moment to review your insurance policy. If you’re not covered for power surge damage, it might be time to update your policy or switch to an insurer that offers better protection.
South Africans are already paying the price for load shedding in lost productivity, extra fuel costs for generators, and now, expensive appliance replacements. The question is—can you afford to take the risk?
If you’re not sure whether your insurance covers power surge damage, now is the time to check. Contact your insurer, ask about your coverage, and if necessary, upgrade your policy to protect your home or business.
Have you ever experienced power surge damage? Drop a comment below and share your story! Let’s start a conversation about how South Africans can protect themselves in the face of load shedding.
💡 Need expert advice on power surge protection and insurance? Get in touch with M.I.A Sultan & Associates today for a policy review and personalised recommendations!