South Africa’s frequent loadshedding and power issues pose a significant threat to networking equipment, especially SD-WAN devices. These problems can lead to downtime, equipment damage, and unnecessary costs. However, with a few proactive steps, you can protect your SD-WAN infrastructure from power surges, outages, and other electricity-related issues.
The Problem: Power Surges & Loadshedding
When power is restored after loadshedding or a fault, the period immediately following restoration is often riddled with voltage surges. These surges can:
Damage sensitive networking equipment like SD-WAN units, ONTs, and wireless access points.
Reduce the lifespan of hardware due to repeated exposure to electrical stress.
Lead to downtime and additional costs for repair or replacement.
The Solution: Safeguard Your Equipment
1. Protect Against Surges with Voltage Protectors
A time delay switch or voltage protector can shield your equipment from surges during power restoration. These devices work by delaying the flow of electricity to your equipment for a set time (e.g., 3 or 5 minutes) after power returns, ensuring that the voltage has stabilized.
Recommended Product: The Gizzu Voltage Protector Plug is an excellent choice. It’s simple to use, plugs directly into a socket, and provides robust surge protection with a built-in delay mechanism.
Where to Get It: Available on platforms like Takealot, this affordable solution is ideal for protecting individual devices or small setups.
2. Ensure Power Continuity with Backup Systems
Power continuity during loadshedding can prevent downtime altogether. Here’s how:
For Businesses:
Inverters:
Inverters are a great choice for businesses, as they can handle higher power loads and ensure continuous operation during outages.
These systems can support your SD-WAN infrastructure, ONTs, and other critical devices seamlessly.
While the initial cost can be higher, the investment pays off in uptime and reliability.
For Small Businesses or Home Setups:
Benefits of Protecting Your SD-WAN Equipment
Avoid Costly Downtime:
Continuity of service ensures your business stays online even during power interruptions, keeping productivity and connectivity intact.
Extend Equipment Lifespan:
Protecting devices from power surges and fluctuations reduces wear and tear, saving you money in the long run.
Seamless Connectivity for Clients and Employees:
Maintaining a stable SD-WAN connection ensures your remote offices, cloud applications, and critical communications remain uninterrupted.
Cost Savings on Repairs and Replacements:
Surge protection and backup power systems prevent costly damages to expensive networking hardware.
Improved Reliability:
Combining surge protection with backup power solutions like inverters or mini UPS systems ensures your network is prepared for any power-related challenge.
Wrapping up with some Final Thoughts on how to Stay Connected, Stay Protected
Loadshedding and power issues are inevitable, but the damage they cause doesn’t have to be. By investing in a combination of surge protectors, time delay switches, and backup power systems, you can shield your SD-WAN infrastructure and maintain seamless connectivity.
For small setups, the Gizzu Voltage Protector Plug and Mini UPS are affordable, effective solutions. Businesses with higher power needs should consider an inverter system for uninterrupted operations.
Don’t let power problems cut you off—be proactive and keep your network bulletproof.
