Navigate the Currents: Smart Strategies for Electrical Safety
Essential Electrical Safety Tips for Your Home & Family
Electrical Safety for Your Kids
Child-Proofing with Electricity: A Guide to a Safer Home
- Place safety covers on wall outlets.
- Keep all electrical cords out of the reach and sight of all children.
- Never leave lamp sockets empty, as children may be tempted to push their fingers into the openings.
- Never leave an unconnected appliance cord plugged in and switched on.
Stay Safe Outdoors
Staying Safe Around JPS Power Lines: Best Practices for Outdoor Electrical Safety
- Avoid climbing trees or picking fruits from trees that have grown around power lines.
- Do not fly kites near power lines to avoid electrocution or damage to the lines.
- Stay clear of fallen or dislodged power lines.
- Prevent trees from growing too close to power lines by trimming branches.
- Only use extension cords marked “For Outdoor Use” when working outdoors.
- Before expanding any structure near JPS power lines, consult with JPS or the Parish Council to uphold community safety.
- Ensure equipment is at least 10 feet from JPS lines when operating machinery outdoors.
- Report any abnormalities such as fire, broken pole, broken wire, or low hanging wire to JPS.
Electrical Safety for Your Home
Property Protection Tactics: Electricity Management for Homeowners
- Keep all electrical appliances and cords away from water.
- Do not use damaged or frayed electrical cords.
- Do not overload extension cords as this could cause a fire. • Unplug electrical appliances when they are not in use.
- Do not run extensions cords under carpets or furniture, as walking on them can break them and possibly cause a fire.
- Repair wall outlets if the plugs fit loosely. They may cause overheating.
- Use the proper wattage light bulbs for lighting fixtures as incorrect bulbs may cause overheating and fires.
- Never remove the third prong of a three prong plug as it protects from electric shock. Use an adapter instead.
- Never use an object to tamper with/or touch live electrical wires.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Opt for 50 Hz Equipment for Efficiency in Jamaica
In Jamaica and the United Kingdom (UK), electrical equipment operates on 50 Hertz (Hz), while in North America the standard is 60Hz. This means the supply of electricity reaching the equipment is repeated 50 times for the 50-cycle or 60 times for the 60-cycle, in one second. The number of cycles per second (Hertz) is known as the frequency of the supply
To make the best of your electrical appliances, buy those made to operate on 50 cycle (50 Hertz) or 50/60 Cycle. Equipment designed for another cycle may not be as efficient, and more prone to damage from fluctuations in the supply of electricity. If you use 60Hz equipment on the Jamaican 50Hz system, you risk damage to your equipment; especially with larger appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners and washing machines.
Possible effects of mixing cycles include:
Overheating – motors will rotate at a slower pace as they pull more current
Under Performance – e.g. pumps and washing machines will spin at a slower rate
Permanent Damage – increased temperatures can wear out wiring thus reducing the lifespan of the equipment
When shopping for electrical equipment always enquire about the cycle system, and ensure that you buy the correct equipment for the Jamaican 50-cycle system.
Wiring & Grounding Of Premises
Secure Your Space: Essential Practices for Wiring and Grounding Your Premises
Grounding is the primary means through which energy from a voltage spike is diffused and prevented from damaging equipment. Improper grounding and wiring can cause fires or damage to electrical equipment, and can also contribute to high electricity consumption.
Some points to remember:
- Have the electrical wiring and grounding of your premises checked by a certified electrician every 1-5 years.
- Always have your internal electrical wiring checked and, if necessary, re-certified by the Government Electrical Regulator (GER) if you have extended your building and changed from 110 volts to 220 volts or increased the number of electrical appliances in use.