Fire at Brakfontein 132/11kV Substation Disrupts Power in Tshwane, Restoration Efforts Underway

[HAL 9000]

We're probably going a bit OT

Your use case is different to mine. Actually, a friend who went overboard with solar and I did sums, after he had to start his 5.5kW genny (dec? sounds about right) when their area had a blown municipal transformer and clouds. So his use case would be similar to yours.

For normal usage, I have a std electrical geyser. We are not talking about that, only prolonged outages.

During problem times as we see where the area has been without power for a few days, I use gas for warm water. For the rest, the smaller genny is light on fuel vs his 5.5kW, with a comparative similar small load. Also, some famous name gennies like certain Ryobi models, although good, are known gas guzzlers. My genny runs, keeps my (jippo'ed) inline UPS topped up as well as the other essentials. My quality of life is not affected for ~15l/day while I normally have a 9kg gas cyclinder on standby, plus some camping gear.

The point is the TCO differs for each use case

The Schultz 2500W generator I have got (that I mentioned above) is using around 0.7 litres/hour - I usually run it during daytime only (07h00 to 19h00) - so that's around 8.4 litres per day - so a 25 litre jerry-can lasts about 3 days on average...

 

[¯\_(ツ)_/¯]

Checkers Hyper has the Schultz 2500W petrol generator on special for R3,499 - a saving of R1,000 if you use their Xtra Savings card, compared to the regular retail price of R4,499 - until 21 April 2025.

I have one - bought it in February, when we had a multiple day power interruption - and when we then had another 6 day power failure last month (due to a vandalised distribution box), it kept my 2 fridges running, as well as my TV set, streaming box, internet routers & desktop PC - and also providing power to my 2 neighbours to run their TV sets & fridges as well.

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www.checkers.co.za

I bought one EXACTLY like that years ago. It looked the same then for R2499.00 at P&P. One of the best buys.

• Recoil starter packed up. R1XX something for a shiny new red Honda GX160 clone starter (most engine parts are GX160 compatible)
• Brushes, dirt cheap.
• Plug socket - used a normal one I had
• Throttle body spring ~R15
• Plastic window on fuel level crazed with cracks, I used a small piece of glasg I shaped.
• Fuel pipe between fuel tap and carb, they wanted ~R80, I got the same at Chamberlains for ~R20.

Then normal oil/plugs - I service it regularly, test it once a month leaving it to run ~15 mins. I always use a magnet on the old oil to check for anything amiss. Nothing so far. Ineed to redo the vibration mounts as they are going. No biggie.

Pro tip: always but always close that darn fuel tap when you're done. I once forgot, the carb float decided to leak and the engine was nearly locked up - hydro locked. I had remove the plug to vent it, to do an oil change. Actually, not a pro tip, rather a doofus tip.

The Schultz 2500W generator I have got (that I mentioned above) is using around 0.7 litres/hour - I usually run it during daytime only (07h00 to 19h00) - so that's around 8.4 litres per day - so a 25 litre jerry-can lasts about 3 days on average...

Check

 

[B-1]

Checkers Hyper has the Schultz 2500W petrol generator on special for R3,499 - a saving of R1,000 if you use their Xtra Savings card, compared to the regular retail price of R4,499 - until 21 April 2025.

I have one - bought it in February, when we had a multiple day power interruption - and when we then had another 6 day power failure last month (due to a vandalised distribution box), it kept my 2 fridges running, as well as my TV set, streaming box, internet routers & desktop PC - and also providing power to my 2 neighbours to run their TV sets & fridges as well.

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www.checkers.co.za

Ill have to go a bit bigger. I have 2 geysers(3kw and 4kw), 20kwh of batteries and oven, stove etc is all still electric.
I'm thinking a 7.5kw one should work then I can run it for 5 hours and be good for a couple of days if there is some sun helping.

I only really need extra if its this kind of week long cloudy weather. Otherwise I normally just braai and take it easy on the heavy appliances and I'm good.
This year has just had a lot of all day back to back cloud covered days.

 

[Düber]

Ill have to go a bit bigger. I have 2 geysers(3kw and 4kw), 20kwh of batteries and oven, stove etc is all still electric.
I'm thinking a 7.5kw one should work then I can run it for 5 hours and be good for a couple of days if there is some sun helping.

I only really need extra if its this kind of week long cloudy weather. Otherwise I normally just braai and take it easy on the heavy appliances and I'm good.
This year has just had a lot of all day back to back cloud covered days.

This is what I have, be hard pressed to find one with all these features at it's price.

Runs very well and aside from my parallel system disconnecting it every now and then it heats up both our geysers, runs the pool pump and fills up 40kWh of battery easily.

All things Sunsynk (Deye, Inge, etc...)

If anyone is off grid or just looking for a generator, I bought one of these. https://shop.crystalcom.co.za/products/loncin-8kw-petrol-generator-with-electric-start-and-wheels Also available at Makro. (But because of bad reviews and lack of details I bought it from Crystal)...

mybroadband.co.za

 

[B-1]

This is what I have, be hard pressed to find one with all these features at it's price.

Runs very well and aside from my parallel system disconnecting it every now and then it heats up both our geysers, runs the pool pump and fills up 40kWh of battery easily.

All things Sunsynk (Deye, Inge, etc...)

If anyone is off grid or just looking for a generator, I bought one of these. https://shop.crystalcom.co.za/products/loncin-8kw-petrol-generator-with-electric-start-and-wheels Also available at Makro. (But because of bad reviews and lack of details I bought it from Crystal)...

mybroadband.co.za

Thanks but none of the links work anymore and a quick search seems like its not available.

 

[B-1]

Found this Karcher 5KW Genny for R7999 and pulled the trigger. Its slightly smaller than I wanted but should do the job and is a good price. I might get it too late but I'm sure there will be a next time.

https://leroymerlin.co.za/k-rcher-pgg-6-1-electric-generator-5kw-25l

 

[Jean Claude Vaaldamme]

Eish I am off too.
Got gas stove for food and small inverter and battery for tv, lights, internet and charging phones etc.
Bought a 2000w generator on Saturday to charge inverter battery and run fridge and freezer.
Don't have space to store a big generator and this one is small and also very light on fuel.

So we more or less sorted.
Ok me and the kids jump in pool to get clean, wife is not very keen on that, she go shower at a friends house.

 

[Pudding McTwinkle]

We've been running on solar for the last couple days. Even with the kak weather we've fine, just no geyser, so cold showers. Meh. I believe they are done with the cleaning and repairs are happening.

 

[¯\_(ツ)_/¯]

Meh. I believe they are done with the cleaning and repairs are happening.

7 April 2025 | 18:30


Pressure testing of the equipment (bus bars and High Voltage yard) is still continuing to ensure no insulation weaknesses remain — this is essential before any power can be safely restored. ONGOING

Technical efforts underway:

T4 Ring Main Units (RMUs) are on site and prepped to support the bypass of damaged panels. ONGOING.

Cables identified from the current network to be rerouted to T4 - ONGOING

Excavation still in progress for new cable installations. ONGOING - Teams hard at work

Burnt cables and equipment are being removed COMPLETED - Plan in place to lay new cables, MATERIAL ENROUTE TO SITE

Material removed are taken to the Auction Yard with the authorisation of the Divisional Head of Energy. This process is in line with the audit process & accountability of cables and equipment

Early stage of installation of multicore cables - MATERIAL ON SITE, ONGOING

ETR WILL BE SHARED TOMORROW. HOWEVER WORK IS AT 65% COMPLETE


Thank you for your continued patience and understanding — we are all in this together.

 

[B-1]

ETR WILL BE SHARED TOMORROW. HOWEVER WORK IS AT 65% COMPLETE

If they say 65% then I'd expect them to be done by Thursday'ish?

 

[Pudding McTwinkle]

If they say 65% then I'd expect them to be done by Thursday'ish?

I say not before late Friday.

 

[¯\_(ツ)_/¯]

If they say 65% then I'd expect them to be done by Thursday'ish?

 

[¯\_(ツ)_/¯]

If they say 65% then I'd expect them to be done by Thursday'ish?

Just making some observations: A lot of the kit being thrown out is not fire damage. That's years of neglect. So who knows.

Already we've seen officials suspended for talking out of turn by the political players. That leaves me uneasy.

 

[B-1]

Just making some observations: A lot of the kit being thrown out is not fire damage. That's years of neglect. So who knows.

Already we've seen officials suspended for talking out of turn by the political players. That leaves me uneasy.

I'll be honest I'm not expecting everything to be done by Thursday. Wiring those panels is a lot of painfully meticulous work. I do think we will start seeing some areas come online towards the end of the week at least.

 

[Pudding McTwinkle]

I'll be honest I'm not expecting everything to be done by Thursday. Wiring those panels is a lot of painfully meticulous work. I do think we will start seeing some areas come online towards the end of the week at least.

I just hope the weather plays nice.

 

[B-1]

I just hope the weather plays nice.

Looks like we get a good sunny day today. They cancelled my generator order so thats not coming to save the day.

 

[Jean Claude Vaaldamme]

Well I heard from someone that it might take weeks not days. Thats said I do not know the logistics of rerouting the supply for a temporary solution as they talking about. Maybe that will be faster.

Anyway, it amaze me how hundreds of people in the estate still complain about their food and when is power restored. Geez at this stage you should know its going to take long and either go buy or rent a generator.

 

[Lupus]

Well I heard from someone that it might take weeks not days. Thats said I do not know the logistics of rerouting the supply for a temporary solution as they talking about. Maybe that will be faster.

Anyway, it amaze me how hundreds of people in the estate still complain about their food and when is power restored. Geez at this stage you should know its going to take long and either go buy or rent a generator.

Never trust those people who give you doom and gloom.
Orlando substation almost burnt down in 2023 and it was up and running within 8 days. It was quicker for them to fix an entire substation then it was to get a replacement mini sub for my area.

 

[B-1]

Well I heard from someone that it might take weeks not days. Thats said I do not know the logistics of rerouting the supply for a temporary solution as they talking about. Maybe that will be faster.

Anyway, it amaze me how hundreds of people in the estate still complain about their food and when is power restored. Geez at this stage you should know its going to take long and either go buy or rent a generator.

The communication is terrible as usual. How do you plan around something that doesn't have an estimate time to repair? At no point did they say this is estimated to take x days/weeks to repair. Its just these "we are working on it" messages.

A lot of people have no idea what it takes to repair something like a substation distribution board and need guidance from the municipality.

 

[Pudding McTwinkle]

Running the dish washer on overcast sun power.
Feeling kinda cute, might run the washing machine later.