Popular Mechanics (South Africa)
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LOAD-SHEDDING FIBRE-LINE FIX
Not too long ago, I had a fibre-optic connection installed to replace our old copper ADSL line, and there was a noticeable improvement and I was very happy, until we had load-shedding. During these events, we had no landline phone or internet. Looking into it, I was told that the fibre-optics have no built-in electricity supply like the old system. I’m sure I made some unrepeatable comments about Eskom and Telkom at the time, because I certainly hadn’t seen any warnings about that problem arising in the fibre-line adverts.
After some further investigation, I discovered that by connecting a battery via an inverter (using an extension cable through the wall) to the multi-plug that powers my computer and the fibre-optic system, the problem was instantly solved. Now, whenever we have a power failure or experience load-shedding, we have no issues with our TV, computer or the landline, all of which make use of our new fibre connection.
Mike de Goede