Power surges due to local area load shedding or lightning strikes are a reality for most people. The rush of a power surge that takes place when the electricity rushes through the electrical circuit can cause devastating results for businesses and restaurants.

Restaurants rely on electricity constantly as it affects the amount of customers they get. If a restaurant is shut down due to a power surge that electrocuted all the kitchen equipment, it means that income is lost for that period. As a restaurant owner, you need to plan what you would do in such an event and how to prevent it.

The first thing you could do is to install a power surge protector. This power surge protector can minimise the impact of a power surge when lightning strikes. So the electrical catering equipment will not get that quick rush of electricity which can lead to electrical failure. The consequences of a sudden electrical rush can be devastating as the electricity can burn or destroy an electrical appliance’s circuit board.

You could consider using gas powered catering equipment such as a gas stove and oven. For restaurants there are 6 burner stove options available that allow you to cook more food at one time. A gas stove and oven is not connected to an electrical outlet but rather to a gas cylinder. Therefore during a power surge, this commercial catering equipment will be safe.

It is advisable to unplug your catering equipment while it’s not in use during a storm. In this manner you can minimise the devastating effects of a storm. You can still continue with the restaurant duties by using the minimal catering equipment required. Anything that your staff is not using, unplug it while the storm ensues.

Check that your insurance covers the replacement of your kitchen equipment when it is struck by lightning. Most insurance companies do cover this but with others it is an optional cover. In the event that your catering equipment is damaged due to lightning, they should be able to replace it. However, take the precautions anyway, because the time between the insurance pays out and the electrical surge could be days or weeks apart and your restaurant still has to keep on going.

The last thing you want is for all your electrical catering equipment to be damaged due to lightning. Rather take the precautions before it happens and save yourself the burden and cost of having to replace the catering equipment.