Christmas is perhaps the one time of year when many businesses close for a couple of days and with this in mind, security is more important than ever.

Here at Dalec we have many years of experience in providing effective security solutions for business, commercial and industrial customers in Leeds.  Our expertise covers everything from large-scale security and fire protection systems, through to the installation of smoke detectors and entry phone systems.

If you run your own business, you’re probably all too aware of the importance of security but public holidays and weekends can leave your premises at risk of burglary.  There are a number of things you can do to ensure that you’re protected and first and foremost arranging to have your security system serviced is definitely worthwhile. Regular servicing is vital – regardless of the complexity of your security systems – and it’s important to remember that if your security system isn’t working properly, your insurance could be invalidated.

In addition, there a number of relatively easy steps you can take to protect your business premises.  Security lighting can prove to be an incredibly effective deterrent to intruders and a few simple dusk until dawn lights placed at strategic points will help to put off even the most determined burglar.

A cctv system offers another way to deter intruders and we have the expertise to install a range of systems, with options suitable for all sizes of business premises.  A standard system will offer protection round the clock and can include up to four day/night cameras, whilst a bespoke system can be designed to provide comprehensive protection with up to 16 cameras per video recorder.

Rather than worrying about your business when you should be relaxing this Christmas, why not get in touch with us for advice?  We offer security solutions to suit all premises and budgets and we’re happy to provide a quote at a time to suit you.

Not long to go now until the big day and if you’re anything like the team here at Dalec, the chances are you’re already looking forward to a huge Christmas dinner!

However, you might not realise that around half of all house fires start in the kitchen and with this in mind; we thought we’d take the opportunity to offer some advice on electrical safety in the kitchen.

Kitchen fires start for all sorts of reasons but the majority are due to unattended pans, dodgy wiring or electrical sockets coming into contact with water.  Provided you follow a few simple safety rules though, your kitchen will be a much safer place.

The majority of modern kitchens include an incredible selection of appliances and gadgets so it’s very important that you have enough plug sockets.  Sockets should never be overloaded and regardless of the size of your kitchen, stretching a cable to reach a socket is a definite no-no.  Sockets must be positioned well away from the sink and any other sources of water.

It goes without saying that electrical kitchen appliances must meet current British safety standards, however if used incorrectly, they can still be very dangerous.  Small appliances like kettles and toasters should be turned off when they’re not in use and you should ensure that electrical cables are kept well away from sources of heat or moisture. Never, ever put a toaster or kettle underneath curtains or blinds.

If you’re thinking of investing in a new kitchen, or simply updating the one you have, here at Dalec we are happy to provide advice on electrical safety in the kitchen.  Our services are available to homeowners in Leeds and whether you’d like a quote for a couple of extra sockets or an electrical installation, we’d be happy to help.

Here at Dalec we spend a lot of time carrying out PAT testing for business, commercial and industrial clients.  PAT testing is pretty straightforward but is a job that’s absolutely vital if you are to ensure that the electrical equipment on your business premises is working safely and effectively.

But what is PAT testing and why is it so important?  PAT stands for portable appliance testing and is a simple test which should be carried out on a regular basis on appliances such as kettles, microwaves, printers and computer monitors.  PAT testing should be carried out an annual basis by a certified electrical company such as Dalec.

PAT testing is necessary to ensure that appliances are working safely and that they don’t pose a risk to the people using them.  A PAT test is very quick to carry out and involves a visual inspection of the item and a check to ensure that there is no damage, exposed wires or faulty cables. Our team of engineers are available to PAT test your appliances on-site at a time to suit you – if you would like further information on this or any of our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The New Year sees a return to university accommodation for students with the spring term being seen by many as a good opportunity to look for somewhere to live for the next academic year. With this in mind, we thought we’d offer some electrical safety advice for students living in private rented accommodation.

The number of university students increases year on year which means that almost half now rely on private rented accommodation.  However, according to research recently carried out, the safety of students is being put at risk by negligent landlords and letting agents who fail to address their safety concerns.

Whilst the majority of landlords and letting agents take the safety of their tenants very seriously, research has shown that one in four students has come across faulty electrics in their private rented accommodation.  In addition, it has been found that many landlords have failed to repair exposed wiring or didn’t fix issues problems concerning light fittings and sockets.

So what can students do to ensure that their private rented accommodation is safe?

• First and foremost it’s essential that you ensure that your property is fitted with a working smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector.  Legislation has recently changed and rented accommodation should now have a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector on every floor where there are bedrooms.
• Before you move in, make sure that your landlord hasn’t overloaded any electrical sockets.  This can lead to overheating which, in turn, can cause a fire, so make sure that any appliances which are supplied with the property have been installed before you move in.
• Repairing electrical problems or faults is the responsibility of your landlord and not you, so if they ask you to carry out any repairs you should always refuse.  Landlords should employ a registered, qualified electrician to carry out all electrical work.
• All appliances supplied with the property should be in good working order and not show any signs of wear or damage.  Look out for old-fashioned, non-standard plugs and any signs of overheating or scorching.
• It is a legal requirement for your landlord to ensure that any electrical installations in your property are repaired and in good working order.  Watch out for fuses which constantly trip, scorch marks around sockets or lights which flicker.

Here at Dalec we are qualified, experienced electricians in Leeds and our services are available to landlords.  If you would like further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The simple answer is yes, they do matter! Electrical safety in the home or workplace is essential and regardless of the size or usage, electrical items can cause injury, electrical shock or worse. However, many people still believe that it’s OK to use electrical items which aren’t up to the job and don’t meet the minimum UK safety standards.

Regardless of whether we’re talking about a washing machine or a phone charger, either has the potential to cause a house fire or significant injury. This why product recalls can be so important and although the number of product recalls are actually fairly low, the number of recalled products which are returned by consumers is also very low.  This means that there are potentially unsafe electrical items being used in households across the UK.

So how do you find out if the electrical items in your home are safe to use? The electrical safety charity, Electrical Safety First has a very useful list of electrical items which have been recalled since 2007. Checking their list against the electrical items in your home is a very sensible precaution to take.

Alongside checking for products recalls, the best way to protect yourself from sub-standard electrical items is to only buy from reputable retailers. Never, ever buy second hand electrical items and remember if the price looks too good to be true, then it probably is!

Here at Dalec our services are available to homeowners and business customers throughout Leeds.  If you are concerned about any aspect of electrical safety, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for advice.