Our advice on how to protect your home

Security installations for homes in Yorkshire

If you need advice on the best way to protect your home from intruders, you’re likely to find that the solution is to ensure is that physical security measures are as robust as possible.

Some households are more at risk of burglary than others, including those with little or no security in place, or low occupancy. The majority of burglars gain entry to a property through an unlocked or open door or window. Although there is a belief that most burglaries are carried out by professional thieves who have targeted a particular property, it is much more likely to be an opportunist.

Although there’s no doubt that security alarms and other electronic security measures such as CCTV and security lighting provide a highly effective deterrent, they should always be used alongside appropriate physical security. Here are a few tips on how to provide your home with additional protection:

  • Make sure doors and windows are locked – even whilst you’re at home.
  • If your home is to be unoccupied for any length of time, for example whilst you’re on holiday, ask a neighbour to move post away from the front door so that it isn’t visible and use timer switches on lamps.
  • All exterior locks should be fitted with British Standard deadlocks.
  • Make sure the exterior of your home isn’t obscured by tress and shrubs as they can provide places for burglars to hide.
  • Burglar alarm bell boxes should be clearly visible from the street.
  • Last and by no means least, suspicious activity should always be reported to the police.

Contact Dalec for further advice

A wide range of electronic security products are available, designed to give your home or business the protection it deserves. At Dalec we are specialist installers in security systems and CCTV and if you would like advice on protecting your home or business we’d be delighted to help. Why not get in touch today to arrange for a free, no-obligation quote?

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How to choose the best security system for your business

Security systems for businesses in Leeds

Business security is something we often discuss in our blog posts and following on from last week’s news item on the importance of security, we thought we’d offer a little advice on how to choose the best system for you. A wide range of systems are available, from monitored and bell only alarms, through to CCTV and access control so with this in mind, here’s our brief guide to selecting the right system:

  • Burglar alarms: in simple terms, investing in a burglar alarm is one of the best ways to protect your business from theft. Depending on the nature of your business, alarm systems can be made up of a range of aspects including panic buttons, motion sensors, shock sensors designed to detect broken windows or glass, sirens and perimeter detectors. Once an alarm has been triggered, depending on the type of system you choose, either the police or key holders will be alerted. Bell only systems offer basic protection but it is worth bearing in mind that it is often the sight of an alarm bell box which deters intruders. The most suitable system for your business will depend on a range of factors including the size of your business premises, the value of equipment and stock you hold and the number of staff you have. Our team are always happy to provide advice on the most appropriate system to suit your individual requirements.
  • Camera surveillance: there’s a misconception that CCTV is the preserve of big businesses. This is not the case however, and we have the expertise to help design a system to suit your requirements. The benefits of installing CCTV are clear and not only does it offer an excellent deterrent, it is also a valuable way to record and document evidence if the worst happens.
  • Access control systems: designed to provide you with an effective way to control who can and cannot enter your business premises, there are access control systems to suit all budgets and requirements. Access control systems are ideal for businesses which have a shared entrance or do not have a reception area, or for businesses which need an enhanced level of security. Installing an access control system offers a range of benefits including the elimination of keys and the creation of restricted access areas such as stock rooms.

Contact Dalec to find out more

These are just some of the ways we can help you protect your business from theft and intruders. To find out more or to arrange a free, no-obligation quote, why not get in touch with Dalec today?

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What are the benefits of building control systems?

Building control systems installed in Leeds by Dalec

Designed to make buildings comfortable, safe and secure, installing a building control system offers protection for the people who live and work there, whilst helping to cut running costs and improve efficiency.

Building management systems are computer controlled and can be used to monitor and control a number of services such as heating, ventilation, fire safety protection system, lifts, CCTV, access control and security. In addition, building control systems can also be used to monitor and control the distribution of power and energy usage.

Installing a building management system could help you make significant savings in terms of running costs as you’ll have a much clearer picture of how your building is operating, offering the capability to make adjustments to systems and improve performance. A range of other benefits are also possible including alarms designed to alert when failures occur or security is breached.

Intelligent building management systems offer an enhanced level of control as they are designed to collate information and controls relating to a number of systems operating using different software applications, enabling you to control them through just one interface. Not only does this make analysis and monitoring easier, it also allows information from one system to control others.

Building control systems for buildings of all shapes and sizes

In the past building control systems were mainly used in large commercial buildings. However, as monitoring and detection have become cheaper, equipment easier to control and wireless systems more readily available, building control systems are now being installed in a wider range of buildings. A range of cost-effective benefits are possible including:

  • Enhanced control of conditions and systems – ideal for use in commercial, industrial and office premises.
  • Operating costs can be allocated within a business or amongst tenants in a residential building.
  • Problems are detected early.
  • Safety is improved.
  • Productivity is increased.
  • Resources and equipment can be targeted to where they are needed most.

Contact Dalec for further information

Here at Dalec we are registered installers of net10, a state of the art building control system which delivers exceptional access control, IP video management and building automation. If you would like further information on building control, or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for further information.

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Going on holiday? Make sure your home is protected with a security alarm

Security alarm installations in Leeds

The holiday season is here, the schools have broken up for the long summer break and the chances are that you’ll soon be setting off on holiday! Whether you’re planning on staying here in the UK or will be travelling further afield, going on holiday means leaving your home unattended and at risk of burglary.

Installing a security alarm is the single most effective step you can take to ensure your home and possessions are protected from theft and although other security measures such as timer switches and window locks help, a security alarm provides a highly visible, effective deterrent.

Security alarms for homes of all shapes and sizes

At Dalec we have decades of experience in designing and installing reliable, cost-effective security alarms in homes throughout Leeds and West Yorkshire. Regardless of whether your home is a spacious detached, compact terrace or third floor flat, our team has expertise to install a system designed to suit your lifestyle and match your budget.

We offer a range of security alarm systems including the latest wireless systems which are quick and simple to install. In addition we also install CCTV and access control systems which are ideal solutions if you are looking for an enhanced level of security.

Start protecting your home – contact Dalec today

If your home has an old burglar alarm that is unreliable or doesn’t work at all, or you don’t have a system, why not contact us today to arrange for a free, no-obligation quote? Installing a burglar alarm is the best way to protect your home and possessions so please get in touch for further information.

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Electrical safety and installation services for landlords in Leeds

Your safety responsibilities as a landlords

Being a landlord involves certain responsibilities if you are to ensure the safety of your tenants. Here at Dalec we offer a range of electrical installation and maintenance services, designed to help landlords meet their obligations with the minimum of fuss and disruption.

Electrical services for landlords

When it comes to electrical safety, as a landlord you must ensure the electrical system in each property is safe. Everything must be checked on a regular basis, including power sockets, light fittings and switches. Regular visual checks are important whilst the Electrical Safety Council now recommends that the electrics in rented accommodation undergo periodic inspection and tests by a qualified electrician at least every five years, or every time a tenancy changes. However, in rental properties which are multi-occupancy, including shared houses, there is a statutory requirement to carry out periodic inspections and tests every five years regardless.

In addition to regular tests and checking, any appliances you supply with your properties should also be safe to use. Cookers, fridges and kettles etc. must undergo regular electrical safety inspection, carried out by a qualified electrician.

Fire safety for landlords

As a landlord you also need to take into consideration the importance of fire safety. A number of regulations must be followed if you are to comply with the law, including the provision of a smoke alarm on each floor of each property, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room which has a solid fuel appliance such as a coal fire or log burning stove.

You must also ensure that your tenants are able to access escape routes at all times, whilst all furnishings you supply must be fire safe. Large, multi-occupancy houses should also have fire alarms and extinguishers.

Contact Dalec for further advice

We have a range of electrical services which have been specially designed to help landlords in Leeds meet their safety obligations. From periodic inspections and visual condition reports, through to fire alarm installation and maintenance, our services help ensure property management is as straightforward and stress free as possible.

To find out more, or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote, why not get in touch with Dalec by calling 01535 606 006 or email sales@dalec.co.uk?

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Fire safety advice for businesses in Leeds

Is your business protected from the risk of fire?

Running your own business comes with a range of responsibilities including protecting your employees, clients and customers from the risk of fire.

It is your responsibility for fire safety at work if you are the owner, an employer or a landlord. This responsibility also applies to anyone else who has control of a business premises, such as a building manager, for example. If your role falls into any of these categories, where fire safety regulations are concerned, you are known as the ‘responsible person.’

Fire safety at work is your responsibility

If you are the person responsible for fire safety, you must ensure the following:

  • a risk assessment of your premises must be carried out and then reviewed on a regular basis
  • staff need to be made aware of any risks you’ve identified
  • organise and then maintain proper fire safety measures
  • make an emergency plan
  • ensure your staff have information on fire safety and provide relevant training as required

Fire risk assessment

A fire risk assessment is designed to help you identify what you need to do to minimise the risk and prevent fire. Here’s what you need to do:

  • identify potential fire hazards
  • identify who might be at risk from those hazards
  • once you’ve evaluated the risks, you need to reduce or remove these risks
  • you must record your findings, whilst providing training and preparing an emergency escape plan

Fire safety solutions designed and installed by Dalec

Here at Dalec we offer a range of fire safety system installation services, designed to help businesses in Leeds ensure their staff and premises are safe, secure and protected. Our team have the expertise to design and install a range of systems which can be tailored to meet your requirements, regardless of the size of your business premises.

If you would like to find out more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Dalec by calling 01535 606 006 or emailing sales@dalec.co.uk

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Electrical engineering services for businesses in Leeds

Dalec – experienced Leeds’ electricians

Thanks to our three decades of experience in the provision of electrical engineering services for commercial, business and industrial clients throughout Leeds, we have the expertise to handle projects of all shapes and sizes. Covering everything from power and lighting installations, through to the installation of security and fire protection systems, along with lighting and cooling, our cost-effective services are designed to provide an efficient solution.

We provide a wide range of electrical engineering services, including the diagnosis of faults, electrical maintenance, servicing, repairs and PAT testing. We are also happy to provide advice and guidance on security solutions for your business, including the installation of alarm systems, CCTV and security lighting.

Regardless of the size of your project, we’ll begin by creating detailed plans whilst working with you to develop a mutually agreed project brief. Our highly experienced installation team will then begin work on your project and thanks to their wide ranging experience of working in business, industrial and commercial environments, you’ll have the reassurance of knowing that your business is in safe hands.

We have worked with a diverse range of clients, from blue chip multi-national corporations, through to heavy industry, construction companies and SMEs. We have experience of work with clients on installation projects in occupied and non-occupied buildings throughout West Yorkshire and United Kingdom, providing services such as mains distribution, lighting, fire and security system installations.

Get in touch with Dalec to find out more about our electrical engineering services

We know that when considering a major construction or refurbishment project, it is vital that you find a contractor with the experience and skills to ensure everything is completed to a high standard, on time and on budget.

To find out more about how we could help you, why not get in touch to find out more.

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The danger of buying counterfeit electrical goods online

Electrical safety advice for homeowners in Leeds

Although there’s no deny that it’s possible to grab a bargain and make savings by buying goods online, when it comes to electrical safety, that low price item could end up being deadly.

UK consumers put an awful lot of trust into online shops and marketplace. Many people assume that buying online will protect them from counterfeit goods. However, there have long been reports of sub-standard and fake electrical items appearing on popular online shopping sites, with investigations uncovering dangerous electrical goods such as hair dryers, hair straighteners, phone chargers and even tumble dryers. Not only is this a con, it can also prove extremely dangerous when it comes to electrical safety.

Fake or counterfeit electrical goods are not only more likely to go wrong and break down, they can also pose a serious risk to your safety. Electrical fires can start without warning, putting your family and home in danger. So how do you protect yourself?

  • First and foremost, the very best way to protect yourself is to only buy electrical goods from a reputable retailer. Yes, you are likely to pay more but we think it’s impossible to put a price on safety.
  • If it seems to good to be true it probably is! The old saying ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ is definitely true and it really is worth paying a bit more for a branded product from a reputable retailer.
  • Don’t put your trust in online reviews. Remember that many of the people who leave reviews might not be aware themselves that the item they are reviewing is fake. In addition, bear in mind that some sites even pay sellers to leave positive reviews.
  • For further advice on avoiding counterfeit goods and what to do if you if you think you’ve bought something fake, the Electrical Safety First website has a very useful page on their website.

Always use a reputable electrician

Last and by no means least, always make sure you use a reputable electrician if you’re having electrical work or repairs carried out in your home. Our team have the qualifications and expertise to ensure repairs and installations are carried out in line with safety legislation and regulations. If you would like to find out more, or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote, why not get in touch with Dalec today?

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Now is the time to review business security

Security installations for businesses in Leeds

Unfortunately thousands of UK businesses fall victim to crime each year. With this in mind, the security of your business should be one of your top priorities, helping to protect you from becoming yet another statistic.

Here at Dalec we provide security installations for businesses of all shapes and sizes, from offices and shops, through to warehouses, factories and industrial units. Ensuring your business is protected from the risk of crime is vital and in this blog post we’ll give you a few ideas of how you can ensure yours is safe and secure.

Our advice on securing your business

It is important to carry out regular security reviews as this is the best way to identify problems and ensure that they are rectified as soon as possible. If you have a security alarm, for example, it should be tested on a regular basis to make sure it’s working properly. It’s also important to carry out checks on possible entry points such as windows and doors to make sure that they close properly and have locks etc.

Installing a security alarm is probably the single most effective step you can take to protect your business from theft and intruders. The latest systems are easy to install, with very little wiring required. Our team have the expertise to install an alarm that’s right for your business, designed to meet your individual requirements and provide you with the protection you need.

If you already have a burglar alarm but it is old and/or unreliable it could be well worth installing a new system. It is sometimes possible to install a new system using existing cabling etc, but if this is not possible we will provide you with advice on the best way forward. We also offer a range of alarm servicing and repair services, designed to provide you with peace of mind that your system is working as it should be.

Access control systems can help you monitor who has access to your business premises and will help to deter intruders. Here at Dalec we can install a stand alone access control system, designed to help you monitor who’s coming and going, whilst providing further protection for restricted areas.

CCTV offers yet another way to provide effective protection and when combined with a security system, will give you reassurance that your business is safeguarded around the clock. We have the expertise to install HD CCTV cameras, designed to provide crystal clear images whilst helping to deter thieves from entering your business premises.

Get in touch with Dalec for further advice

If you would like more information on how to protect your business and enhance security, we would be delighted to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote. To find out more or to arrange an appointment at a time that’s convenient for you, why not get in touch with us?

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Student accommodation in Leeds – our advice on electrical safety for landlords and tenants

Electrical services for landlords in Leeds

There’s not long to go before the start of the autumn term and whether you are landlord, responsible for providing student accommodation, or are a student looking for somewhere to live, it’s important to be aware of electrical safety.

Here at Dalec we offer a range of electrical services, specially designed to help landlords in Leeds ensure their properties are safe for tenants. From electrical testing through to maintenance, repairs and appliance installations, we take care of all aspects of electrical safety for landlords.

As a landlord, it is your responsibility to ensure that your properties are safe for your tenants to live in. Electrical inspections must be carried out on a regular basis, whilst electrical testing must also be undertaken. This type of work must be carried out by a certified electrical contractor such as Dalec and once work is completed, we can provide you with documentation to help you meet current legislation and ensure certification is up to date.

Safety advice for tenants in Leeds

If you’ve never lived in a rental property before, choosing a property can seem daunting! We know that there is huge demand for high quality student accommodation in Leeds but no matter how stylish or spacious a property is, the first priority is to ensure that it is safe to live in. Reputable landlords and properties let through letting agencies will be able to provide you with evidence that a property has been properly maintained and is safe. However it also worth looking out for the following when viewing properties:

  • old fashioned electrics such as light switches and plug sockets
  • scorch marks on plugs or sockets
  • frayed wires

If you spot any of these signs – walk away!

Contact Dalec for further information

If you would like to find out more about our electrical services for landlords in Leeds, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for further information.

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