We all know water and electricity don’t mix and if you’re considering installing a hot tub in your garden, the electrics for your new tub must be prepared by a qualified electrician.

Whilst hot tubs don’t require a permanent water supply, they do need a permanent suitable electricity supply. Hot tubs fall into the same category as swimming pools when it comes to installation regulations and whilst they are a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors throughout the year, they do need to be installed and cared for correctly.

If you’re considering buying a hot tub it’s important to remember that you really do get what you pay for. It can be tempting to go for a bargain, but a poor quality hot tub will at best be unreliable or downright dangerous in the worst cases. Buying a cheap hot tub can end up costing more in the long run in repairs but when it comes to safety, finding a bargain really isn’t worth it.

Before your hot tub is installed you will need to ensure that it will have an adequate electricity supply via an RCD circuit breaker. This is an incredibly important piece of kit, especially if you’re going to use electricity outdoors, and the electricity supply to your tub should always be installed by a qualified electrician.

A professionally installed hot tub should give you years of pleasure but to ensure that it is reliable and safe to use, it must be regularly serviced. Again a qualified electrician should do this and any repairs, no matter how minor, must always be carried out by a professional.

Here at Dalec we have a team of highly qualified engineers how all have many yeas or experience in a wide range electrical installations. Our services are available to homeowners throughout Leeds and if you would like to arrange a free, no-obligation quote, we’d be delighted to help. Why not get in touch today on 01535 606 006?

Security lighting for businesses in Leeds

Security lighting is widely recognised as an effective deterrent to potential intruders, however here at Dalec we still come across many business premises that are completely unprotected.

A wide range of security lighting is available and before investing in a system, you’ll need to think about why your business needs protection. Some businesses use security lighting as a way to improve employee safety as they enter or leave the building in the dark, whilst others use it to protect the outside areas of their business at night time. However you decide to use security lighting, it’s worth bearing in mind that it is highly effective deterrent and that most burglars will move on if they see that a building is protected.

Not only can security lighting be used to protect the outside areas of a building, it can also be prove to be very effective when used to protect entrances and exits, stairways, corridors and reception areas. In addition, some systems can be set to switch on and off automatically at certain times of day – ideal for when the building is unoccupied at the weekends or at night – or to switch on when movement is detected. It is also possible to design security lighting systems so that they work in conjunction with CCTV systems – an unbeatable way to protect your business around the clock.

Night time protection for businesses of all shapes and sizes

Security lighting systems can be designed to suit a wide range of business premises and whether you own a small shop or office building, or your business is housed in a large factory or industrial plant, security lighting can be tailor made to meet your requirements.

Here at Dalec we are specialists in installing security systems for businesses in Leeds and if you would like to find out more about our services, or to arrange a free, no-obligation quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

As office premises are often the target of burglars and intruders, it makes sense to ensure that yours is adequately protected with a reliable intruder alarm system. However, installing alarm systems in offices can present a unique set of challenges such as the layout of the building, the value of the assets stored inside it and the number of people working there.

Here at Dalec we have worked with businesses across Leeds, helping them find effective security solutions designed to meet their requirements and budget. For us the first stage of any new office security system installation is to carry out a thorough assessment of the security requirements of the business; taking into account an existing security system and its strengths and weaknesses. We will also consider how existing security measures are implemented and enforced, how often they are reviewed and who is responsible for security.

Offices can be challenging places to install an alarm as many businesses have a significant number of staff, possibility working in large open-plan areas at different times of the day and night. In addition, some office premises have areas which can be accessed by the general public, alongside other areas which must be kept highly secure.

Our team of alarm engineers are highly trained and have experience of alarm systems in offices and businesses of all shapes and sizes. By choosing us for your office alarm installation you’ll have the reassurance of knowing that your new alarm system is being installed with skill, care and attention to detail.

If you would like further information on protecting your offices with an alarm system, or to arrange a free, no-obligation quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

In next week’s post we’ll be covering easy ways to protect your office or business premises from theft or unwanted intruders.

Although spring definitely isn’t here yet, it won’t be long until the days start getting longer and we start to think about tidying up the garden.

There’s no denying that electricity makes gardening much easier and it’s difficult to imagine managing without a lawnmower or electrical hedge trimmer, however the risk of injury (or worse) from electric shock is much greater than when using electrical equipment indoors.

It goes without saying that electricity and water just don’t mix so regardless of whether there’s a torrential downpour or heavy dew, never use electrical equipment outdoors until the ground has dried up.

However, provided you follow a few simple safety rules every time you use electricity in the garden, avoiding a serious accident is straightforward.

The best way to protect you from electrical shock and the risk of electrical fires is to fit a residual current device or RCD. Without an RCD, if you accidentally cut through an electrical lead, something as simple as mowing the lawn could kill you.

If you’re using a lawnmower or hedge trimmer it is very important that you make sure the cables, plugs and connectors are in good condition and free from damage. Always buy the best quality mower or hedge trimmer that you can afford and make sure you choose one that it made by a well-known brand. In addition you should read and follow the instructions carefully and check that the plug socket you use is protected by an RCD.

When you’re mowing the lawn make sure the grass is completely dry and that you wear shoes and not sandals or flip flops. Gloves and goggles are a good idea when using a hedge trimmer and make sure children and pets are kept well away from the appliance.

Come back next week to see our follow-up post which will offer more advice on using electricity safely in the garden.

Following on from our post last week on electrical safety in the garden, we thought we’d offer some more advice on using electricity safely in the garden.

Garden ponds make a great feature, especially with the addition of a water fountain, but when water and electricity are in close proximity, risk of electric shock is multiplied. Using a water pump that has been incorrectly installed or with a damaged main, has the potential to cause serious injury or even death.

If you decide to install a mains supplied electric water pump in your garden it’s important to buy one from a well-known reputable retailer and to buy the highest quality one that you can afford. Mains supplied water pumps must be protected by an RCD that it is tested every three months and installed according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Once the pump is installed, you should ensure that it is maintained so that it’s in good working order and if a problem arises, the pump must be disconnected immediately.

Extension leads and cables are an essential part of most peoples’ gardening kit and it’s almost impossible to mow the lawn or cut the hedge without one. However, before using an extension lead outdoors, you must make sure that it designed to be weather-resistant with moulded connections that will prevent moisture from seeping in.

Extension leads should always be uncoiled during use to prevent them from overheating and if you find any damage, the lead must be replaced.  Last and by no means least, always make sure your extension lead is stored in a dry place and that you follow the manufacturer’s’ safety instructions.