Load shedding has become a daily reality in Cape Town, but it shouldn't compromise your safety. We've seen a sharp rise in opportunistic crimes occurring exactly when streetlights and house alarms go dark. This guide covers the essential upgrades you need to stay secure.
1. The Weakest Link: Your Alarm Battery
Most older alarm systems run on Lead-Acid batteries designed for occasional outages, not daily cycling. If your keypad beeps or goes dead during a 4-hour slot, your battery is likely sulphated and useless.
- Solution: Upgrade to Lithium-Iron (LiFePO4) batteries.
- Benefit: They last 4x longer and charge faster.
- Cost: Slightly higher upfront, but they save money on replacements.
2. Electric Fence Energizers
Your electric fence is your first line of defense. If the energizer battery dies, the fence is just decorative wire. We recommend installing a dedicated battery backup unit specifically for your energizer to ensure it holds a 10kV charge throughout the night.
3. Solar CCTV Cameras
Blind spots are dangerous. Traditional CCTV systems shut down without power. We are now installing independent solar-powered cameras from Hikvision and Ezviz that run completely off-grid. They connect to your phone via 4G, so even if your home Wi-Fi dies, you still get alerts.
4. Gate Motors are Critical
Being stuck outside your gate is a major hijacking risk. Ensure your Centurion gate motor has high-capacity backup batteries. We also install anti-theft cages, as battery theft increases during load shedding.
Don't wait for an incident. Contact Global Security Solutions today for a 'Load Shedding Audit' of your property.