Before the power outages registered in recent weeks in Guayaquilsome scheduled and others caused by fortuitous factors, such as weather conditions, concerns have arisen among citizens about how to protect electrical equipment in homes.
Faced with this situation, specialists recommend taking preventive measures in order to reduce the risk of damage due to sudden variations or restorations of electrical service.
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Essential protection for your equipment
Luis Muñoz, Espol researcher, recommended as a first point to acquire voltage protectors on the most sensitive equipment, such as the washing machine, dryer, air conditioning and refrigerator.
“This also applies to electronic devices. There are equipment, such as UPSwhich provide a few minutes of backup after a power outage, allowing documents to be saved and equipment to be turned off safely,” said the specialist.
He specified that this product can be found in the market for between 10 and 15 dollars. “Generally they will have a drawing of the team they are protecting,” he said.
If the equipment does not have voltage protectors, the specialist warned that there is a risk of them being damaged. “The Prevention is always cheaper”, he opined.
Another suggestion from Muñoz is turn off the equipment after a sudden power outage, to prevent voltage variations that could damage them when service is restored.
“It could be that it comes back with some overvoltage and the team would be directly affected,” he said.
Muñoz explained that these precautions should be applied especially to devices that consume the most electrical energy, such as the air-conditioningthe refrigerator, the washing machine and the dryer. “It is also important to protect them because of the cost they have,” he added.
Key maintenance for useful life
He maintenance of devicesespecially air conditioning, has a significant influence, said Muñoz.
He explained that due to the high temperatures and sudden power outages, this equipment is stressed more and can deteriorate more quickly, so proper maintenance helps to prolong its useful life and improve its resistance.
“We know that here in Guayaquil The environment is humid and saline, so that causes corrosion. If the filters are clogged, the air conditioning is more vulnerable, it will consume much more, and it will be damaged faster,” he warned.
Regarding the high temperatures, he expressed: “With the heat that is registered in the environment, close to the 35 degreesequipment is running for longer, so greater care must be taken.”
Work teams require more attention
Specifically, the specialist referred to those who use this equipment for their job and pointed out that care and maintenance are fundamental factors.
“If the equipment is used for work, it will be in operation for longer and with greater energy demand, so its wear will be faster and it could be damaged more frequently. Therefore, it must receive a more constant maintenance compared to home use equipment.”
The expert indicated that a person who uses a refrigerator for his work, such as in a premises or store, should perform maintenance every six monthswhile in the case of domestic use this can be done once a year.
The same should apply for a air-conditioninghe pointed out.
Preparation for climate events
Due to climatic factorsGuayaquil registers high temperatures during the day, while at night rains of varying intensity have been reported in several sectors.
In this situation, there have been registered tree fallswith the risk of affecting power lines.
In this regard, Muñoz recommended staying calm and having basic implements such as flashlights and a first aid kit at hand.
He ruled out the use of candles to these casessince he said they can cause fires. “I always recommend having charged flashlights for these types of events,” he said. (YO)
