On this page
01. Quick checks you can do first02. What usually causes it03. When to call a technician04. Parts that fix it05. FAQ
Kenyan supply often dips, surges or spikes when power returns or during storms, damaging compressors, power supplies and electronics. Use voltage protectors (with a delay) for fridges and freezers, surge protectors for TVs and computers, an AVR stabiliser where voltage is constantly low or high, and building-level surge protection for offices and sites with CCTV and networks.
Key takeaways
- Damage often happens when power returns.
- Fridges and freezers need a delay-start protector.
- Surge protectors guard electronics against spikes.
- Stabilisers fix constantly low or high voltage.
- Businesses should add surge protection at the board.
01Quick checks you can do first
- 01Notice the patternDimming lights mean low voltage; blown power supplies after outages mean surges.
- 02Protect fridgesPlug them into a voltage protector with a startup delay.
- 03Protect electronicsTVs, routers and PCs on surge protectors or a UPS.
- 04MeasureAn electrician can log voltage to see how bad it is.
- 05Report to KPLCPersistent low or high voltage is a supply issue to report.
02What usually causes it
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge stops after outages | Restart surge | Delay-start voltage protector |
| Router/PC power supplies die | Spikes | Surge protector or UPS |
| Lights dim, motors struggle | Low voltage | AVR stabiliser |
| Damage after storms | Lightning surges | Board-level SPD, earthing |
| Whole area affected | KPLC supply fault | Report to Kenya Power |
03When to call a technician
- Equipment keeps getting damaged.
- You run CCTV, servers or POS on site.
- You need board-level surge protection or earthing checks.
- You want a stabiliser sized for the building.
Running this across several sites or branches? A Qyvea maintenance contract catches these faults on scheduled visits, with a written report after each one.
04Parts that fix it
05Frequently asked questions
Do I need a fridge guard?
If your area has frequent outages and surges, yes. It delays restart until voltage settles.
What's the difference between a surge protector and a stabiliser?
A surge protector blocks short spikes; a stabiliser corrects voltage that's constantly too low or high.
Does a UPS protect computers?
Yes. A good UPS conditions power and rides through short dips.
