Load Shedding & Your Security System — What You Need to Know
By JD Gates Pretoria | Load Shedding Guide | Published: 10 November 2024
Load shedding has fundamentally changed the requirements for home security systems in South Africa. Every component of your security system — gate motor, electric fence, CCTV, and alarm — needs to be capable of operating through extended power cuts.
Gate Motors During Load Shedding
All gate motors include a 12V backup battery, but battery quality and capacity vary dramatically. A standard 12V 7Ah SLA battery provides approximately 100 open/close cycles — adequate for Stage 1–2 load shedding but often insufficient for Stage 4+. Consider upgrading to a 12V 18Ah SLA or a 12V lithium battery for extended backup.
The Centurion D5 Smart uses a built-in 24V dual lithium battery providing up to 300 cycles — the most load-shedding resilient residential gate motor currently available.
Electric Fences During Load Shedding
Most residential energizers include a 12V battery backup input. Connecting a 12V 7Ah SLA battery allows the energizer to continue operating for 12–24 hours without mains power. Ensure the battery is in good condition — a degraded battery may only provide 2–4 hours of backup.
CCTV Systems During Load Shedding
NVRs and DVRs will stop recording when mains power is cut. Adding a 12V UPS with a 7Ah or larger battery provides 2–6 hours of camera and NVR backup — sufficient to cover standard load shedding schedules. JD Gates installs UPS backup modules for existing CCTV systems. Call 012 012 6285.