Johannesburg City Power says it is busy restoring power to several areas in the city after lightning struck one of its transmission towers. The bolt hit the tower, several cables then snapped fell to the ground. The explosion startled a truck driver, who then drove into a pylon.
City Power says the affected tower is very close to one of its major substations, causing other stations to lose supply. The blackout, combined with the rain, caused traffic chaos in Johannesburg.
Some of the suburbs affected include the city centre, Orange Grove, Mondeor, Booysens and Glenhazel.
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It's summer on the Highveld! And with that comes the notorious lightning and thunderstorms. Beautiful to watch, and frighteningly powerful at the same time.
Do yourself a favour and buy a decent quality power surge protector for your electronic equipment. Computers, Fax machines, LCD screens, home alarm systems, electric fence energisers, intercom systems and electric gate motors are very susceptible to surges caused by lightning.
"But I have insurance for that", I hear you say. Sure you do. But have you taken a look at what your excess is for a lightning claim? Often R1'000 or more! Ouch.
What will a decent multiplug with power surge protection cost you? About R300. Not only is it a lot cheaper than your excess, installing one of these units will also ensure you don't have a premium increase due to the lightning claim.
Remember that lightning likes to travel along Telkom wires and so, many lightning damage claims we see are on equipment that are connect to a Telkom line. So make sure your ADSL router, computer, fax machine, portable telephone and so on is protected properly.
When it comes to business insurance policies, most will cover lightning damage only if the item was protected by an SABS approved surge protector. Alternatively an additional higher excess of R2'000 is applied.
Personally, I use Clearline's range of products. Not only do they guarantee their product but they also offer a R15'000 connected equipment warranty.
Protect your equipment today. It is worth it.
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