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Plan

How to make a smart home survive load-shedding

Smart gadgets rely on two things that load-shedding takes away: mains power and Wi-Fi. A smart home that survives outages plans for both.

1. Keep the network alive first

Put the router and ONU on a mini UPS. Listed options start from R5491. See Wi-Fi backup.

2. Choose plugs that work with your Wi-Fi

Some popular plugs only join 2.4 GHz networks2, so check your router's settings first.

3. Back up what matters, not everything

Add up the watts of what you truly need. A 245 Wh power station3 is good for small loads like a router, lights and laptops4.

Starter kit (example, listed prices): mini UPS R5491 + one Tapo P100 from R1855. Our total: R734, before delivery.

Sources

Checked 2026-10-29 unless a row says otherwise. Prices and terms change often; confirm on the seller's page.

  1. Gizzu: SURF Simple 18W 55Wh LiFePO4 Mini DC UPS
  2. OneShop: Tapo P100 product summary
  3. EcoFlow ZA: RIVER 3 portable power station
  4. LookSee: Electricity usage of appliances
  5. ComX Computers: TP-Link Tapo P100 Mini Smart Wi-Fi Socket
Every price citedEach figure links to the page we read it on.
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Dated checksEach price shows the day we checked it. Always confirm with the seller.