Burglar alarm monitoring systems – which is right for you?

Protect your home with a security system installed by Dalec

A burglar alarm or home security system is a great way to ensure that your home is safe, secure and protected, offering peace of mind around the clock.  However, choosing to have a burglar alarm installed in your home is just the first step and once you’ve decided to buy a home security system, you’ll need to decide how you would like to have your alarm monitored.

There are three main options when it comes to burglar alarm monitoring: a speech dialler, a designated key holder contract or a police contract.  Monitoring contracts are available for wired or wireless alarms, but the installation process and the alarm itself has to conform to certain standards.

Speech diallers, sometimes also called text alerts, are basically a device that is either built into or connected to a wired or wireless alarm system.   When the alarm is triggered, the speech dialler device will call or text a pre-programmed set of phone numbers – this could be your mobile phone, a neighbour or family member – until an answer is received.  If the speech dialler doesn’t get an answer, it will leave an automated message.

Speech diallers provide an economical alternative to professional monitoring systems which require a monthly fee.  Speech dialler systems are normally free of charge as they are connected to a phone line.

Key holder monitoring offers another level of protection in comparison to speech dialler systems.  This type of alarm monitoring is done via a company or receiving centre which will either contact your designated key holders (you, friends, neighbours etc).  Many key holder monitoring companies also offer alarm maintenance and servicing packages which can include remote troubleshooting in the event of problems.

Key holder monitoring systems require nominated key holders to living within a 20 minute radius of your home and must only be people who are able to drive and who have access to your property.  It is the responsibility of the householder to keep the alarm monitoring company up to date with any changes or contact details and to supply alternative key holder contacts if key holders are away.

Speech diallers and key holder monitoring systems have their pros and cons and many security specialists feel that key holder monitoring isn’t any better than a speech dialler because additional costs are involved.  On the other hand, the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your home is being monitored 24/7 is hard to beat.

Police monitoring  can offer the best of both worlds as this type of alarm monitoring contract means that the police will be contact by a monitoring centre when your alarm is activated.  A word of caution though: before taking out this sort of contract, it’s essential to check that the alarm installation company you have chosen is registered with your local police force.

Police monitoring systems have a built-in backup to ensure that police time isn’t wasted by false alarms.  To warrant a police call out, two indicators within the property must be activated and this could be a door contact sensor plus an additional sensor.  Three false alarms within 12 months will mean that your alarm is removed from the police system so it’s well worth ensuring that your alarm is well maintained!  In addition, having a police monitored alarm is no guarantee that the police will go to your home; whether they do or not will depend on their resources at that time and which other incidents may be happening.

Contact Dalec

If you would like further advice or information on security systems, why not get in touch with us today?

 

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Advice on the choosing burglar alarms and home security systems

Alarm installation services in Leeds

Studies have shown that when a property is protected by a well-maintained and professionally installed security system, it is much less likely to be broken into.  Choosing the best security system for your home can be a little daunting so in this article I’ll aim to cover the different alarm systems available.

Selecting the most appropriate system for your home depends on a range of factors, including where you live, your budget, the level of protection you need and the layout of your house.  One of the first considerations is preferences as to what will happen when your alarm sounds.  The reason for this is that the simpler, bell-only systems just make a noise when activated, whilst alarms with built-in speech diallers will automatically contact either you or a nominated friend or neighbour.  It also possible to purchase monitoring contacts: alarms that are covered by a monitoring contract will automatically call the police when the alarm is triggered.

Unsurprisingly the cost between different alarm systems can vary hugely so it really is worth shopping around and getting several quotes from reputable alarm installers to find the best deal.

Alarm systems fall into two main categories: wireless or wired burglar alarms.  Wireless alarms are often easier to install and because they don’t have any fixed wires, can be taken with you if you move house.  Wireless alarms use battery-powered sensors which are linked by radio signals to a central control panel.  Although wireless alarms can be cheaper to install, the actual systems are often more expensive than the wired equivalents. Wired alarm systems need to be installed by a home security professional because the wires need to be hidden which leads to additional labour costs.

A bell-only or audible alarm is designed to make a loud noise when triggered, with the intention of alerting someone in the area to scare away the intruder.  Alarms of this type don’t have the capability to alert the police or a contact and so don’t provide any guarantee that action will be taken.  Bell-only burglar alarms better suited to some neighbourhoods than others and this is worth taking into consideration when choosing an alarm system.  If you are friendly with your neighbours and live in an active area with lots of people about, this type of alarm can prove a cost effective option.  However if your home is in a remote spot, bell-only alarms are best avoided.

Whichever type of system you choose, it is best to have your alarm installed by a specialist alarm company.  Professional alarm installers are experts in the best types of alarms for different properties and areas; provided you choose a reputable company – recommendations from friends and neighbours can prove useful – they should offer sound, impartial advice.  Don’t forget that once your alarm system has been installed, it will require annual checks and maintenance so it’s important to ask about the additional cost of this.

Contact us for further advice

Here at Dalec we are a team of professional security alarm installers. To find out more about the most suitable type of burglar alarm system for your property, why not get in touch with us today?

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Stay safe in the kitchen

Kitchen safety from electrical installation specialists in Leeds

We thought we’d use this week’s blog post to give you a reminder about electrical safety in the kitchen.  Now you may not have realised it but the kitchen has the potential to be the most dangerous room in the house.  It’s alarming to think that over 50% of house fires begin in a kitchen; with fires starting for a variety of reasons but mostly due to faulty wiring, pans left unattended or electrical sockets coming into contact with water.  However, provided you follow a few simple electrical safety rules, your kitchen will be a much safer place to be!

Simple steps to ensure your kitchen is safe

The majority of contemporary kitchens include an alarming number of electrical appliances and gadgets, and with this in mind an adequate supply of electrical sockets is essential.  Never overload sockets and regardless of how small your kitchen may be, it is vital that sockets are positioned well away from taps and any other sources of water.

Even if electrical kitchen appliances meet current British safety standards, they can still be potentially dangerous if used incorrectly.  Smaller kitchen appliances such as toasters, microwaves and kettles should always be turned off when not in use and it’s important to ensure that electric cords are kept well away from hot surfaces such as cooker hobs.  It goes without saying that small appliances should never be positioned under or near curtains or blinds. If a small appliance breaks, the cheapest and safest option is to buy a replacement as repairs often cost more than the value of the item and you should never try to fix an appliance yourself.

Whether you’re moving house or are considering having a new kitchen fitted, it’s vital that you contact registered safety professionals such as Dalec for advice on the electrical wiring in your kitchen.  As specialists in all types of electrical installation, we can offer guidance on the best places for plug sockets and can carry out safety checks on electrical wiring of any age.

Contact Dalec for further advice and information

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to arrange a free, no-obligation quote at a time to suit you.

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Switching on to bathroom lighting safety

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Bathroom lighting installations in Leeds

Following on from our recent post on garden lighting and on the subject of the dangers of combining water and electricity, we thought we’d offer some advice on bathroom lighting.

Water and electricity simply don’t mix under any circumstances and with this in mind, when selecting lighting for a bathroom it’s very important that you choose lights which have been especially designed to cope with a high moisture environment.

Create the right mood with bathroom lighting

Bathroom lighting can be used to great effect to create the right mood but remember that if the lighting is too bright your bathroom will seem cold, but if there’s not enough light you’ll find it difficult to see what you’re doing! The best way to avoid extremes of lighting is opt for a layered approach to lighting by installing spotlights over the shower and bath, with wall lighting and task lighting around the mirror to create a warm, relaxing ambience.

A huge variety of different types of bathroom lighting is available these days; from LED spotlights designed to be installed in flooring, through to spotlights and stylish wall lights. It’s also possible to create a range of lighting moods by fitting all the lights to different switches.

Be safe – seek the advice of a professional

There are regulations covering the safe installation of lighting in bathrooms and it’s important that any sources of electricity are situated out of reach of sources of water. When it comes to installing bathroom lighting, we recommend using the services of a certified electrical installer such as Dalec and if you would like further advice or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote, we’d be delighted to help.

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Welcome to Dalec’s brand new website!

Brand new website for Dalec electricians in Leeds

Welcome to our brand-new website! We hope you like it as much as we do – we’re absolutely delighted with it and the way in which it showcases our wide range of services.

As you’ll see we now have dedicated areas of the site covering our commercial fit out services, our services designed for landlords, our engineering services and our home security and CCTV services. We also have a new section covering case studies and recent projects we’ve worked on and reading this section of the site is a great way to find out more about what we do. Client testimonials are in a dedicated section and if you’re reading this you’ll also know that we have brand new news section!

As regular readers of our blog will know, we enjoy keeping our news section updated with news, views, insights and safety tips so please keep coming back to find out more!

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Now is a good time to assess the security of your office

Security solutions for business owners in Leeds

The UK economy seems to be slowly but surely improving and whilst we’re still on the long road to recovery, things are definitely looking a little better than they were a year or so ago! With this in mind, now is a great time to take a good look at the security of your business premises with possibility of investing in upgrades to your security systems.

Make sure your staff and assets are protected

It goes without saying that protecting your business assets is something which is of huge importance to business owners. However, security protection has changed an awful lot over the past decade or so and if it’s been some time since you last reviewed the security of your business premises, this could be the ideal time. Don’t forget that your business will have changed too; the chances are that you have more employees than you once did and don’t forget all that state-of-the-art IT equipment, smartphones and tablets etc.

Employees and equipment need protecting from the risk of the theft and the potential danger posed by intruders and here at Dalec we provide a wide range of cost effective security solutions for businesses of all shapes and sizes in Leeds. From security systems and access control systems, through to fire alarms, heat detectors and CCTV cameras, we’ll help you put in place systems designed to meet the unique requirements of your business.

Contact Dalec for security advice for businesses

To find out more about our security solutions for businesses and organisations in Leeds and throughout Yorkshire, why not get in touch to discuss your requirements? Our quotes are free and without obligation so please call us to arrange a time to suit you.

 

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Shining a spotlight on kitchen lighting

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Our advice on the options for kitchen lighting

Planning a new kitchen can seem like a daunting task, especially if it’s something you decide to take on yourself. With so much to think about kitchen lighting is often overlooked by the novice kitchen planner but get the lighting right and it can make all the difference to the end result.

The range of kitchen lighting used to be pretty limited and there’s no doubt that you’ll be glad to hear that the days of unattractive fluorescent tube lighting are over. A huge choice of kitchen lighting is now available and this variety makes it much easier to get it right.

Create lighting zones in the kitchen

Thinking of kitchen lighting in ‘layers’ can be very helpful – this means is that you plan your lighting in terms of ‘zones.’ Lighting should be planned according to how you’re going to use it with different lighting for when you’re working (cooking), dining, relaxing or feature lighting. Thanks to the wide choice of options for kitchen lighting it’s now possible to light a kitchen successfully without having to rely on ceiling lighting alone. From spotlights and down lighters, through to lighting strips and uplighters, a huge range of lighting is available, designed to be placed, under, over or on top of kitchen units.

Don’t forget kitchen task lighting

One of the most important types of lighting to get right is task lighting. This is the light you’ll need when working i.e. cooking and preparing food. It goes without saying that adequate lighting is required when using sharp knives, for example, or when using the hob or sink. The best option here is under mounted lighting but make sure you choose recessed or semi-recessed fittings as exposed lighting can trap dirt and grease.

Open-plan kitchens need a range of lighting options

If you’re planning an open-plan kitchen which includes an area for dining and relaxing, you’ll need different forms of lighting. Alongside task and spotlights, for example, you could also consider an overhead pendant light above the dining table, with a floor or wall lamps next to any comfy seating areas.

Contact Dalec – electricians in Leeds

Dalec are specialists in all aspects of electrical installations and if you would like further advice or a free, no-obligation quote please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our electrical services are available throughout Leeds and our quotes can be arranged at a time to suit you. Why not contact us to find out more?

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Find out more about Dalec’s electrical engineering services

Electrical engineering services provided by experienced Leeds electricians

Here at Dalec we have more than thirty years of experience in providing high quality electrical engineering services for commercial clients in Leeds and throughout West Yorkshire. Our expertise covers everything from lighting and power installations, through to the design and installation of fire alarm and security systems, lighting and cooling.

Complete electrical engineering service provided by Dalec

Whether you are looking for qualified advice on the most suitable fire alarm system or a reliable installation service, we can help. We also provide fault diagnosis, maintenance, PAT testing, servicing and repair services for existing installations so by choosing us, you’ll have the reassurance of knowing that your project is in safe and experienced hands.

When working on an electrical installation service, we’ll begin by creating detailed plans whilst working closely with the client to agree a project brief. The installation phase of a project will be carried out by our highly experienced installation team who have worked in a wide range of commercial and industrial environments. Our previous clients have ranged from construction companies and SMEs, through to blue chip, multi-national corporations and heavy industries. We’ve worked on diverse refit projects in both occupied and non-occupied buildings across Yorkshire and the UK, providing electrical engineering services including lighting, mains distribution, and fire and security alarm installations.

Contact Dalec to discuss your electrical engineering project

If you would like to find out more about our electrical engineering services in Leeds, or to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. All quotes are provided free and without obligation and we’re happy to arrange an appointment at a time to suit you.

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Our guide to using electrical items safely

Safety advice from qualified electricians in Leeds

Unfortunately the misuse of electrical products is the main cause of accidental house fires in the UK and this number has increased significantly over the last decade.

Our increasing reliance on technology means that our homes are full of electrical items and appliances. Time passes very quickly and it’s surprising to think that just twenty years ago the average home would probably have had just one TV, a video and a music system. These days the average home is likely to contain at least two TVS, a DVD player, games console, set-top box satellite receiver, laptop, smart phones…the list is almost endless! This huge increase in the number of electrical items we own means that the risk of electrical accidents in the home is far higher than it was before.

Simple electrical safety tips from Dalec

As regular readers of our blog will know, here at Dalec we’re keen to get the electrical safety message across and with this in mind; we thought we’d give you a few simple tips on how to stay safe when using electrical items at home:

  • Always register new electrical items with the manufacturer – they should contact you in the event of a product fault/product recall. If you have an item which has been recalled, stop using it immediately!
  • Always buy electrical items from a well-known reputable supplier and look for the safety kite mark.
  • It’s essential that you ensure that the electrics in your home are up to scratch. If you see burn marks on electrical sockets, or smell burning, seek professional advice immediately.
  • Never overload sockets! If you don’t have enough sockets ask a professional, qualified electrician to install some for you.
  • Never try to repair electrical items yourself. Small items such as irons, kettles, hairdryers etc. are often cheaper to replace than to repair.
  • If the wiring in your home is very old, or you are concerned about its condition, seek professional advice immediately.

Contact Dalec for further information

Here at Dalec we offer a wide range of electrical services for residential and business customers throughout Leeds. If you would like to find out more, or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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Commercial fit out services in Leeds

Electrical services for commercial, business and industrial clients

Here at Dalec we provide a wide range of electrical services throughout Leeds and West Yorkshire. Our commercial fit out services form a significant part of our business and over recent years we’ve worked with a diverse range of businesses based in Yorkshire including Leeds City College and the NHS.

Working in close partnership with construction companies, heavy industry and blue chip corporations has given a wide range of experience in commercial fit out projects; however we’re pleased to report that we’ve still managed to keep out commitment to attention to detail. We’ve worked on commercial fit out projects of all shapes and sizes, completing lighting, mains distribution, small power, data and fire alarm installations to name but a few.

Our dedicated project managers have the expertise to work closely with our clients, ensuring we deliver an efficient, cost-effective solution that will meet or exceed the standards set by Part L building control requirements.

Contact Dalec for further information

If you would like to find out more about our commercial fit out services in Leeds, or to talk through your requirements we’d be delighted to help. Why not get in touch with Dalec by calling 01535 606006 today?

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