This past couple of months we had some major power issues here in South Africa. Our main electricity provided Eskom isn’t capable of providing full 24/7 power to anymore. So we had power breakages for about 2 hours a day now this past while and for a guy like me, it’s bad news!
So some of [...]
This past couple of months we had some major power issues here in South Africa. Our main electricity provided Eskom isn’t capable of providing full 24/7 power to anymore. So we had power breakages for about 2 hours a day now this past while and for a guy like me, it’s bad news!
So some of the local business saw the opportunity and started buying bulk generators to resell here to other business etc. A smart move from their side but for people like me with lots of computers equipment generators can harm it and also it’s a bit expensive. I decided to look around if there is any other options around… So I found it with a bit of a surprise.
www.powerboxes.co.za is a company that sells power boxes that gives automatic emergengy power for 8 Hours. It works great for PC’s, servers, TV’s, VCR’s and most electronic equipment. 8 Hours is perfect cause the power just goes down for 2 – 3 hours.
The best thing about this is that they have an affiliate program and because the current & great need here is power it will sell. People is looking for answers about this crisis and all you have to do is follow it. They might search in google for “Eskom” or “Eskom power crisis” or even “power generators” and all you have to do is have your little ad up “Forget about Eskom, get 8 hours of power, safe and secure” and you will start selling big soon.
I know most of you live outside South Africa, so look for a need / or a niche and work on that.
5 Responses
I’m no expert, but my dad is. And even though I nearly failed physics at school, even I can spot the crappy equipment. And when I showed these powerboxes to my dad, he agreed with me – they’re utterly useless.
The largest box they currently offer can output 600W of power. That’s nice – because your standard microwave is already rated at 1000W. No luck, china – that box isn’t helping you out in that department.
And if you take a nice look at the ratings they publish, you’ll realise that the product itself is largely worthless. For example, a computer with a monitor is rated at 180W. An inkjet printer (common in homes) is at 120W.
That’s 300W total – and the unit that provides that is priced at R5995. Now, take a quick look over at generators.co.za.
You can get a little Yamaha generator that outputs 780W for 6.3 hours on a full tank of petrol – for R1995.
This makes them twice as efficient at less than half the cost, and with almost the same runtime. Of course, get some more petrol, and you’re set for another 6.3 hours (the generator only takes 4.2 liters at once).
Total fuel price for filling the tank – under R30. For 6 hours, that’s not too bad.
For R5095, you can get a larger generator capable of outputting 2.4kW. That’s 8 times as much as the 300W powerbox, and cheaper, too.
Remember that the powerbox isn’t covering your fridge, geyser, kettle, or any of the appliances that you would expect to be using in day to day life. But a good generator can power up a whole house (minus geyser, which won’t go cold very quick), and keep it that way for up to 8 hours.
Of course, if you’re really THAT desperate to keep your computers functioning during a blackout, get a UPS. It’s only a 2.5hr blackout anyway.
I cannot, in good conscience, advertise equipment that I know is useless, overpriced, and undersupported in SA. So I’ll have to pass up this “wonderful” opportunity, thanks
~ Wogan
Wow, your comment was longer than my post!
Thanks for the info Wogan, you make a couple of good points. So that means we have to get an affiliate program for Generators… Know any?
Great blog post, keep it up
Unfortunately not. Look – thing with generators is that they’ve been ordered so far in advance, that you won’t get one until June. The generators.co.za site belongs to a company called Cutters – and just their False Bay branch has a backorder of over 2000 machines.
They’ve literally been sold before they reached South Africa.
It’s understandable that many people will want quick solutions, and the powerbox may be a terrible one, but it’s there. I’m sure you can find affiliate programs for things like solar panels, UPSs, power saving devices, etcetera.
Anything that reduces comsumption, or provides power without relying on Eskom is sure to be a hit nowadays.
Oh – just make longer posts, then
~ Wogan
Awesome, taking a look at the site now