#loadshedding
A practical channel for discussing energy outages, backup power, and survival tips.
324 members • Created: February 11, 2019
Share experiences and technical advice about handling loadshedding in South Africa.
How big a system do I need to power my devices?
Option A: Measure actual startup peaks and average usage.
Option B: Use equipment specs to estimate load and storage needs.
What is kWh, Ah, and kVA?
- A = Current draw
- kVA ≈ Watts (Amps × Volts ÷ 1000)
- W = Power (V × A)
- Ah = Battery capacity (100Ah @ 12V ≈ 100A for 1 hour)
- kWh = Energy consumed in 1 hour
How do I calculate storage needs?
- Estimate watts consumed per hour
- Multiply by expected outage hours
- Compare kVA (output) vs kWh (storage)
- Size UPS, batteries, and solar accordingly