Non-compliance of electrical appliances
published: Monday | April 21, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I HAVE just read an item in your newspaper placed by the Jamaica Public Service Company under the heading "Did you know? - "Is your equipment the right cycle", pointing out that in Jamaica the electrical cycle is 50 cycle (50Hz) and not 60 cycle (60Hz) and warning that if it is not the proper cycle you could be wasting money and energy.
I have always contended that this was one of the main reasons for using a lot of electricity. However , 99 per cent of electrical appliances that are imported by dealers, or brought in by individuals, such as blenders, toasters, toaster ovens and to a certain extent, larger appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers and washing machines are of 60 cycle (60Hz) and therefore will use more electricity than that of 50Hz.
I have spoken with the Bureau of Standards regarding the non-compliance of these electrical appliances to our standards and was informed that there was nothing they could do about this.
Therefore with the new increase in electricity rate and the cost of energy, I hope the public will become aware of this and that the appropriate authority will take steps to address this as soon as possible, in order to save on energy.
