Citizens urged to use surge protectors to guard against power spikes

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is encouraging persons to use surge protectors to safeguard their appliances, equipment, homes and businesses against potential damage by power spikes resulting from low voltage.

With an anticipated uptick in the use of electronics during the Christmas season, the JFB is reminding persons to be proactive in their approach to protecting themselves from potential fire hazards.

JFB Superintendent, Emeleo Ebanks, said any kind of electrical surge can be hazardous.

“That is why we recommend that persons buy surge protectors and put these in their homes. The breaker is designed to chip in when that is happening; however what you want to give yourself is an added layer of safety. So we normally recommend that persons buy these devices, because that surge protector will make sure that if the electricity is not up to the right level, it will shut the system off so nothing will be able to pass through,” he said.

Mr. Ebanks was speaking during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ at the Agency’s head office in Kingston.

He also encourages persons experiencing low voltage to contact the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) immediately.

“We never ever recommend to persons that they try to do any kind of fixes. Make sure that you buy the surge protectors, have them in place and call the JPS. At this time of the year, the JPS expects a surge in demand and they are making provisions to provide more electricity coming out on the grid,” he said.

Mr. Ebanks also urges Jamaicans to ensure their homes are properly wired. Houses should be inspected at least every five years by a licensed electrician.

“If it was not inspected in the last five years, call a licensed electrician to come in and do some checks, and once that is done, your system should be able to manage,” he said