My Best Light Sources for Load Shedding and Power Outages
Over the past couple of years, I have been on a personal mission to find the best (quality and affordability) battery-operated, rechargeable, and USB, lights to use during load shedding and when power outages occur because it is better to be prepared than left in the dark.
16/01/2023
Over the past couple of years, I have been on a mission in trying out and determining the best battery-operated, rechargeable, and USB-powered light sources for use during load shedding and extended power outages. Thanks to Vermont Sales, a reseller for Energizer, I, now have two of my best LED battery-operated lights to light up my home and I have the third courtesy of my local Builders store.
I have previously written articles on different battery-operated, rechargeable LED lights that I have fitted throughout my house, and I have also included some rechargeable light bulbs in areas where light is essential. Yes, I might be able to run these through my UPS (uninterrupted power supply) or generator-inverter, but why have cords running everywhere when you can use portable lighting during an emergency, plus the fact that you can take these lights anywhere?
Power Anywhere... Anytime!
We are all tired of the constant load shedding and the fact that we cannot do anything about it. It is about time we gave ourselves some power to take control of what is happening around us. If you can kit out your home so that load shedding isn't a big inconvenience, it allows you to carry on, regardless! Invest in low-wattage or gas appliances that are off the grid, get yourself a UPS or generator-inverter, and have battery-operated, rechargeable, or USB-powered lighting that you can use anywhere. Below are three of my recommendations for portable lighting, ones that I have been using for the past year:
1. ENERGIZER HARDCASE PANEL LIGHT
My number one choice of the 3 lights mentioned here, the Energizer LED Panel Light is by far the best I have tested so far. The light provided by the LEDs is unbelievable and means it can be used for almost all situations both indoors and outdoors, at home or away. Having used this light for over a year, it is durable and easy to charge, which I do overnight, and provides more than enough illumination.
The panel light has 2 modes: 550 lumens on a single panel setting or 1100 lumens with both panels. Both panels are fully adjustable and easy to fix in place and the frame can be angled for maximum flexibility. Visit vermontsales.co.za for a list of resellers in your region.
2. ENERGIZER VISION RECHARGEABLE LANTERN
Despite offering 1200 lumens, Energizer's Vision Rechargeable Lantern does not offer the same level of brightness as the panel light above, possibly due to the opaque cover on the lantern. I have two of these lights in the bedroom, on either side of the bed, and the 3-level setting allows adjustment for high, low, or night light, the latter being a low amber glow. The lights are easily rechargeable and manage to see us through almost a week of nighttime lighting without needing to be recharged.
I would not recommend this light as a work light due to its brightness level and would rather pay a bit extra for the panel light, but it is perfect in a bedroom, bathroom, when camping out, or for ambient lighting on a patio.
3. TEVO MAGNETO RECHARGEABLE LED LIGHT
This last rechargeable lamp was courtesy of Builders and is currently on special at R269 - far cheaper than other LED rechargeable options. This lamp boasts 1000 lumens and is bright enough to burn your eyeballs, so definitely great for workspaces and on job sites. It provides up to 60 hours of light and can also be used to recharge most cell phones during load shedding or power outages. Well worth the price!