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Grid infrastructureSouth AfricaEIR-1019

Fire at Wapadrand substation knocks out power to several suburbs

2018Published 17 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

MajorElectricalProvisional
Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?
Figure hidden: shown to subscribersMedium confidence
supply cut for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate
From the recordRoot cause hiddenFailed part hidden
Where
Wapadrand substation
Operator
City of Tshwane
What
Fire cut power to seven suburbs
Cause
Not reported
Outcome
Power restored after roughly four days

Companies named in the reporting of this entry (being named is not a finding of fault): City of Tshwane

What happened

A fire broke out at the Wapadrand substation, operated by the City of Tshwane, cutting electricity to the suburbs of Wapadrand, Faerie Glen, Equestria, Silver Lakes, Lombardy, Zwavelpoort and Olympus. City engineers and electricians worked continuously for several days to rebuild the damaged substation, with power expected to be restored roughly four days after the fire. The city estimated that rebuilding costs could run to between 60 and 80 million South African rand, based on comparison with a similar substation failure at Mooikloof.

No cause of the fire was disclosed in the report, and no injuries were mentioned. Local residents supported the repair crews by providing food during the extended restoration effort.

Contributing factors

Not reported in the source.

Lessons learned

  1. A substation fire can destroy switchgear and force round the clock rebuild work that lasts several days.
  2. Substation fire damage can cost 60 to 80 million rand to repair, so insurers should verify asset condition data.

More lessons on electrical protection and isolation, maintenance, inspection and ageing assets, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Cause of the fire
  • Equipment model and age
  • Exact cost of repairs

This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.

Source

jacarandafm.com

Published 2026-09-17. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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