In Kimberley, Mark Erasmus has taken a stand against the Sol Plaatje Municipality, demanding a fix for the inadequate power distribution plaguing his neighbourhood. Erasmus shared an image of his equipment reading that showed a power supply as low as 191 volts, with an average reading of 199.14 volts. He questioned how appliances are expected to function properly under such circumstances.
Expressing his frustration, Erasmus criticized the municipality’s lack of action despite numerous complaints. He emphasized that load reduction was not the issue, as each electrical box was equipped with devices specifically designed for that purpose. Rather, he asserted that the voltage drop was causing appliances to malfunction.
Erasmus dismissed the notion that his home alone was affected, stating that the electricity department had confirmed the fault on their end. They also conducted checks on the power supply of the electric box, further confirming the error originated from the municipality’s side.
Concerns were raised by Erasmus and another resident about the financial burden of replacing all electrical appliances affected by the low voltage. They contended that the city council would not assume responsibility for the costs.
Running electrical appliances on an average of 199.14 volts, as opposed to the standard 220-230 volts, can have several detrimental effects. Reduced performance, overheating, tripping circuit breakers, and the risk of fire were highlighted as potential consequences. Appliances may not function optimally, potentially leading to a shorter lifespan. Moreover, overheated appliances can ignite flammable materials, resulting in property damage and even endangering lives.
To ensure safety and optimal functioning, Erasmus stressed the crucial need for the Sol Plaatje Municipality to rectify the power supply issue promptly.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/KimberleyInfrastructure/permalink/3551699595086716/?mibextid=oMANbw
Tags: Sol Plaatje Municipality