Stage-6 load shedding is not just a headline; it's a new reality. Eskom’s schedules keep changing, and crime increases when power goes out, so you can’t afford to be uncertain about your security. Many South Africans wrongly believe their alarms will work for days or that cellphone links never die. The truth is different: batteries lose strength, routers disconnect, and insurers look closely at every minute of downtime.
This guide explains in local, practical language why alarms fail during blackouts, how to spot weak points easily, cost-effective upgrades to consider, and when to bring in professionals. Follow these steps to stay one step ahead of both Eskom and criminals.
Why Your Alarm Might Fail During Load Shedding and What to Watch For
Most alarms rely on Eskom mains power. When the grid fails, your alarm panel switches to a sealed lead-acid battery, usually 7 Ah or 12 Ah, and rated for 12 to 24 hours. This seems like a lot, but three common myths can leave you unprepared:
- People think their panel will last for several days. This is only possible with a brand new, high-capacity battery and minimal sensor use. As batteries age, their capacity drops to half.
- It’s easy to believe that a cellular link always works. But GSM modules and fibre routers also need backup power, and most only last a few hours without it.
- If the keypad lights are on, it’s tempting to relax. However, keypads can still show lights when the battery is already too weak to run the alarm properly.
In reality, parts of Gauteng had 43 hours of scheduled outages per month in 2023 (Outlier, 2023). That means more than five full nights of no power, which drains most factory-supplied batteries.
Signs Your Security System Is Not Coping
Look for these warning signs:
- False alarms every time the power goes off or returns
- A keypad that goes blank or silent soon after load shedding starts
- Constant beeping or flashing “AC FAIL” messages
- No SMS or app alerts after two or three blackout cycles
It also takes security companies longer to respond during blackouts because they have more calls and traffic lights are out.
Hidden Risks When the Power Is Out and How Criminals Take Advantage
According to SAPS and insurer data, there is an 8% spike in burglaries during scheduled outages, called the “window of opportunity” (SAPS, 2023; Outsurance, 2022). Criminals look for unpowered or disconnected alarm systems. Watch these weak spots:
- Wireless PIRs: If batteries are running low from repeated outages, motion sensors can quietly stop working.
- CCTV NVRs: Without backup, the recorder shuts off immediately, and you lose all video footage and live views.
- Electric fences: Most have small factory batteries that will not survive long stretches of Stage-6 load shedding, making your perimeter vulnerable.
Insurers now turn down claims if your security logs confirm your alarm was not working for too long. If you don’t maintain your system, you could lose your payout.
How to Check If Your Alarm Is Ready for Load Shedding and What You Can Do
- Do a visual check by opening the panel. Replace any battery that is swollen or leaking.
- Test the battery with a multimeter. A healthy 12V battery should read at least 12.4V when not being used. Anything below 12.0V means the battery is at the end of its life.
- Perform a load test by switching off the mains at your distribution board. The alarm should keep working for several hours. If it fails within 30 to 60 minutes, your backup is not good enough.
Use this formula to estimate backup hours:
Battery Ah divided by alarm current (A) equals backup hours
Example: 7 Ah divided by 1 A is about 7 hours.
Ask your monitoring company these questions:
- What is your response time during load shedding?
- Do you get and act on “power-fail” signals from my panel?
- Will you inform me with an SMS or app if my backup fails?
Quick Fixes That Will Help
Battery upgrades – 7 Ah versus 12 Ah
| Battery | Cost (ZAR) | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Ah | R350–R600 | 8–12 h |
| 12 Ah | R800–R1 350 | 16–20 h |
Switching to a 12 Ah battery nearly doubles your backup time and costs R450 to R750 more. Make sure the bigger battery will fit in your alarm’s housing.
Inverter and generator tips:
- Make sure you choose pure sine-wave output
- Pick a unit with a high enough surge rating for your alarm’s biggest power draw
- Wire your alarm, fence energizer, and router into a backup sub-circuit, not into long extension cords
- Permanent wiring is needed for SAPS compliance
If you are renting, try these:
- Door and window magnetic chimes (about R150 to R300 per sensor)
- Solar-powered outdoor motion lights (about R250 to R600 each)
- Stand-alone battery-powered sirens
- WhatsApp groups or mobile panic apps to have backup communication
When to Call the Experts and How to Choose the Right One
Red flags to watch for:
- Smell of something burnt or like eggs near your alarm panel
- “AC FAIL” keeps showing even after power comes back
- The siren or keypad does not work, even with new batteries
- You get frequent false alarms you can’t switch off
- You see melted, swollen, or leaking components inside the panel
When choosing a technician:
- Make sure they are PSIRA registered (this is the law)
- Ask for recent local references
- Check that they know your alarm brand and model
- They should have liability insurance and give a written guarantee for their work
Ask these five questions:
- Are you PSIRA registered, and can I see your certificate?
- Which alarm brands do you regularly service?
- Will you inspect my inverter or generator setup?
- What does your call-out fee include, and what are the charges for after-hours work?
- Will I receive a written report after your visit?
Extra Resources to Stay Secure During Load Shedding
Recommended alarm brands:
- IDS: Reliable panels, easy to get spares – https://www.idsprotect.com
- Paradox: Good for South African conditions, strong wireless features – https://www.paradox.com
- Texecom: Flexible, with smart app controls – https://www.texe.com/za
Monitoring companies:
- ADT Fidelity: Available countrywide, mobile panic features – https://www.fidelityservicesgroup.com
- CAP Security: Focused on Gauteng, supports community WhatsApp groups – https://www.capgroup.org.za
- Beagle Watch: Covers West Rand and northern Johannesburg – https://www.beaglewatch.co.za
Useful government and utility links:
- City Power Outage Centre: See live load-shedding maps – https://www.citypower.co.za
- Eskom Tracker: Get real-time schedules – https://loadshedding.eskom.co.za
Emergency contacts:
- SAPS National Emergency – Call 10111
References
City Power Johannesburg. (2024). Load shedding updates. https://www.citypower.co.za
IDS. (2024). Product catalogue. https://www.idsprotect.com
Outlier. (2023). Load-shedding hours dataset.
Outsurance. (2022). Claim trends report.
Paradox Security Systems. (2024). Product information. https://www.paradox.com
Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority. (2024). Consumer resources. https://www.psira.co.za
SAPS. (2023). Crime statistics report.
Texecom. (2024). Product range. https://www.texe.com/za
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