INFOGRAPHIC: ‘Noisy’ generators causing fights amid load shedding in Pta
"Generators are a problem for residents because of the nuisance factor," says a local ward councillor.
There are no rules and regulations as yet regarding the usage of generators in residential areas, the metro said on Tuesday.
With stage 4 load shedding being implemented this week, many people have resorted to using generators.
However, the noise made by such generators has resulted in conflict between neighbours in Tshwane.
ALSO READ: INFOGRAPHIC: Your load shedding checklist
“The City is working on by-laws which would encourage residents to become self-sufficient by using either solar energy or generators,” said utility services MMC office spokesperson Mncedisi Ntuli.
“With the current load shedding, residents are encouraged to generate energy for themselves,” Ntuli said.
“We don’t have any power over people who generate power for themselves when there is no power.”
According to the South African National Standards (Sans), 22:00 is the cut-off time to lower any noise to acceptable levels.
“Generators are unfortunately a problem for residents because of the noise and nuisance factor,” said local ward councillor Shaun Wilkinson.
“I regularly get complaints from residents about generators making noise or neighbours leaving generators on for days. I understand load shedding is a problem; however, people need to be more considerate and not simply leave their generators on.”
ALSO READ: TIPS: Tshwane residents urged to be safe during load shedding
Wilkinson also said residents should make sure their generators are installed correctly to minimise noise.
Maximum noise emissions are measured at about three meters from a generator, according to Country View estate manager René Booysen.
This was in accordance with Sans’ acceptable rating levels for noise in residential districts, she said.
“Noise levels – as rated by the World Health Organisation – should not be more than 55-60 decibels.”
Booysen said residents should “carefully” consider where their generator is located to make sure they don’t disturb their neighbours.
Installation should be carried out by a fully qualified electrician in accordance with the Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa (Ecasa).
Exhausts must be fitted with filters/scrubbers with exhaust temperature standards not exceeding 545°C and exhaust gas flow 176L/s (373cfm).
ALSO READ: Businesses ailing as load-shedding powers on
“Residents who want to complain about excessive noise can contact the Tshwane metro police or the so-called ‘war room’,” said ward councillor Phillip Nel.
They can also contact them to report illegal dumping, drugs, indecent behaviour, cable theft and other bylaw infringements.
War room:
082-891-2386
012-358-1932
012-358-2124
Metro police:
012-358-7095/6
082-611-9974
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