JPS Resource Centre
Protecting Your Equipment
Momentary interruptions caused by surges and other similar electrical disturbances cannot be prevented completely. It is therefore your responsibility to protect your valuable electrical equipment from possible damage.
Your television sets, computers and other appliances require smooth, uninterrupted flow of electricity. Even the slightest electric disturbance can lead to bothersome computer reboots, blinking on-clock displays (on VCRs, CD/DVD Players and Microwave ovens), and even permanent damage.
We recommend regular inspection of the wiring and grounding on your property to ensure that the requisite standards of safety and service are maintained. Surge protection devices should also be used to protect your electronic equipment from voltage spikes, even though full protection is not guaranteed.
WHAT CAUSES POWER SURGES
Surges can be caused by lightning (which create high voltage in electrical circuits), overloading, or the normal operation of switches and breakers within the premises. Always unplug electrical equipment during a lightning storm, and never overload electrical circuits.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR EQUIPMENT
The safety of your property is in your hands. Make the right choices, and protect your valuable electrical appliances and equipment by using the appropriate protection devices.
It is important to note that there are different types of protection devices for electronic and motorized equipment. The main types are:
Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor: This is a basic protective device, which is required for all electronic equipment such as the TV, VCR, stereo, microwave oven, and home computer. Don’t confuse a surge suppressor with a power strip, which is basically a multi-outlet extension cord.
Constant Voltage Stabilizer or Voltage Regulator: This device is useful in environments that are subjected to frequent voltage fluctuations such as cycling motor loads, (etc. washing machine)
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) : This protective device will maintain supply to the appliance or equipment in the event of an outage, by providing back-up battery power. It is the most suitable choice in a situation where a power interruption can result in loss of critical data, and it can be used to maintain power long enough for a back-up generator to start or for systems to be shut down in an orderly manner. Most UPS have built-in surge suppression and power conditioning to protect them. However, a UPS that does not have built in surge suppression features should be protected with a separate transient voltage surge suppressor.
ADDING EQUIPMENT AFFECTS YOUR POWER SUPPLY
Did you know that adding electrical equipment could affect the quality of your power supply? When you add equipment – especially large appliances, or commercial and industrial equipment, the voltage at which you are supplied could be affected. This can cause overload, tripping of your breaker, or surges on the transformer which supplies your premises.
Protect your power supply. Always inform us when adding electrical equipment. We will make the necessary system upgrades to meet your needs.
CLAIMING COMPENSATION FOR DAMAGES
If you feel that damage to your equipment was caused by negligence or any direct action on our part, you may submit a written claim for damages. In your written claim please provide detailed information of the day that your equipment was/were damaged as well a brief description as to what occurred.
Your claim will be acknowledged within 5 business days of receipt by the Company. We will complete the necessary investigation and resolve your claim within 30 days.
Where a third party – such as an insurance company is involved, additional time may be required.
Remember, damage to electrical equipment can also be caused by faulty wiring and grounding on your premises. JPS will not be liable for damage resulting from personal neglect. Do your part and protect your electrical equipment.
All claims for compensation for damages should be sent to:
Claims Department
Jamaica Public Service Company Limited
6 Knutsford Boulevard
Kingston 5
For more information on the Claims process call us at 1-888-225-5577
