Whilst spring seems to be finally well, springing, we know that the temptation can be to leave windows open whilst you go out.

Letting fresh air into your home is, of course, a great idea especially after such a long, wet winter, but by leaving even small windows open, you are leaving your home susceptible to intruders.  Here at Dalec you’ll find that we install a wide range of home security options with solutions to suit all budgets and styles of property.

Window locks are the most effective way to safeguard your windows and whilst UPVC window frames are fitted with window locks, older frames and non-UPVC windows can prove to be very easy for thieves to prise open.  We can offer advice on securing your windows and our range of security alarms are designed to offer additional protection and peace of mind that your home and its contents is safe.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for further advice or information.

We find that many of our customers are unaware of the variety of different fire alarms available – not just the ones that detect smoke!

There are three main types of fire detectors, with some detectors designed to operate in conjunction with your burglar alarm. Ionisation detectors are best for quickly detecting fast flaming fires, optical detectors are best for picking up slow smouldering fires, whilst heat detectors are ideal for picking up fires in kitchens and garages.

A wide range of fire alarm systems are available, with different types being suited to different kinds of buildings. Fire alarm systems can vary hugely in complexity and price and here at Dalec we’re happy to offer advice on the best system for your home or business.

A fire alarm system can mean anything from a single panel with a trigger device and sounder – ideal for use in homes or smaller commercial buildings. More complex systems are obviously more suited to larger commercial or industrial properties. It is essential that a fire alarm system is designed to fit the property in which it is fitted, with a range of issues taken into account such as the number of people who live or work in the building.

If you would like advice on protecting your property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for further information.

If you run your own business, it’s very important to remember that the premises you run your business from is one of your most important assets. The place where you keep everything you need to run your business – from computer equipment and potentially sensitive documents – your business premises deserve protection.

At Dalec we specialise in the installation of security alarm systems for commercial properties; we can design and install a system that will ensure your business is protect around the clock. Our range of commercial alarm systems, all specifically developed to protect commercial and business premises.

We understand the importance of commercial security and before we install a security system we’ll talk through the best options to suit your business. A security system that isn’t fit for purpose is pointless and well ensure that we find the best system for your commercial property.

We’ve all been there: being woken up in the middle of the night by the beeping of a smoke alarm with a low battery!

Of course it’s natural to want to a decent night’s sleep and most of us will get up and remove the battery.  However, it’s essential to make sure that you replace the battery as soon as possible – preferably the next day!  It’s also important to test your smoke alarms regularly – we recommend once a week – as this is the best way to ensure reliability and give peace of mind.  Not only does the alarm need to be tested, it’s also a good idea to make sure that the alarm is clean and free from dust.

Having a smoke alarm that isn’t working simply isn’t worth the risk.  Sadly people are killed in fires in their homes every year and these are deaths that could have been prevented with smoke alarms.  Here at Dalec we’re professionals in all aspects of fire protection and if you would like information on protecting your home from fire – whether through smoke alarms or a more complex fire protection system – we’re happy to help.

If you’re anything like the team here at Dalec, you’ll be looking forward with great anticipation to the World Cup.

As the venue for the World Cup is Brazil, there is the challenging issue of a big difference in time zones, which means that most of us will be faced with the prospect of some very late nights in the pub, or watching the games at home.

Each World Cup sees a huge rise in TV sales and if you’re planning in investing in a new, larger TV, there are a couple of things you’ll need to bear in mind.

Firstly a bigger TV is going to be heavy and if you’re planning on mounting it on the wall, you’ll need the right kit to make sure it’s secure.  Secondly, you won’t want to look at unsightly cables hanging out the back and spoiling the look of your living room!

This is where professionals such as Dalec can come in.  We’re specialists in all aspects of electrical installations and by using a registered electrical company such as ourselves; you’ll know that your new TV has been installed safely.  If you’d like advice on our electrical services for homeowners in Leeds, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

A security system is the best way to protect your home or business from theft and intruders but even the most expensive security system can prove reliable if you don’t ensure that it’s checked and serviced regularly.

As a local alarm installation company, here at Dalec our team of highly-trained engineers are on hand to provide an efficient response to any problem and we’re skilled in the servicing of all kinds of security and fire alarm systems.

Alarm servicing is not only important if you are to ensure that your system is working properly; a well-maintained system is essential if a business or commercial premises are to meet current all security and fire regulations, along with health and safety regulations.  It’s also well worth bearing in mind that if you’re alarm system isn’t working as it should, your insurance policy could be invalidated in the event of a claim and this applies to both residential and commercial premises.

If you would like information on our alarm services in Leeds, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

When water and electricity mix the results can be deadly which is why your bathroom can potentially be the most dangerous room in the home when it comes to electricity safety.

It’s important to remember that sockets are not allowed in bathrooms or shower rooms unless there is sufficient space for them to be fitted at least three metres away from a shower or bath.  This does not apply to shaver supply units.

Bathroom lights should, ideally, be enclosed ceiling lights and not light fittings that hang down.  A ceiling-mounted pull-cord switch is the safest way to turn on and off bathroom lights; ordinary light switches are dangerous if used by damp or wet hands.

The safest way to keep the bathroom warm is with a central heating radiator but if you do have to have a bathroom heater, it’s essential that it is fitted (it should be fixed) at a safe distance from the shower or bath.  Electrical showers must be supplied on a circuit directly from the fusebox.

It goes without saying but any mains-supplied appliances – hairdryers, radios etc – must never be used in the bathroom as this can result in serious injury or even death.

Bathrooms have special requirements for electrical installations as any electrical work has to comply with Part P of Building Regulations.  If you are considering having electrical installation work carried out in your bathroom, it is essential to use a registered company such as Dalec.  We are registered members of the ECA – the Electrical Contractors Association – which means that we have to undergo regular, rigorous technical assessments to ensure that our work is safe and installations meet industry standards.

We’ve read a great article on the NSI (National Security Inspectorate) website, offering top-tips on some very useful ways to protect your property.

There are many things you can do to safeguard your home and whilst some of them sound very obvious, they can be overlooked.  For example, if you go out – even for a short period of time – you should always close and lock your doors and windows.  Or are you one of those people who labels their house keys?  If you are – don’t! If you lose them they could fall into the wrong hands and with your address on them, they’ll act as invitation to an intruder!

Some security tips are less obvious but are well worth remembering.  A good example is to keep all valuables out of sight when you go out.  As simple as this seems, many burglaries happen because an intruder has just happened to see an ipad or laptop lying on a sofa…  Marking or etching your property with your postcode and/or house name or flat number is a great idea, whilst cancelling milk deliveries whilst you’re on holiday can help to reduce the risk of a burglary.

Finally, don’t forget to set your alarm when you go out as this could be an insurance requirement – you’ll need to read the small print to check this.

If you’d like more information on home security systems, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and to read the NSI article, please visit their website.

At Dalec we’re specialists in all aspects of electrical installations and our services are available to commercial, business and residential customers.

If you are planning an office or commercial refurbishment, new build or renovation, we can help you keep your business running at maximum efficiency.  We understand that if you run your own business then time means money, and our electrical services are designed to offer efficiency and reliability.

We can help with all aspects of electrical installations for businesses, including security and fire protection systems, lighting, rewiring, general repairs and maintenance.

If you’d like advice on any aspect of our electrical services for business and commercial customers, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Now summer is here the chances are you’ll be spending more time in the garden.  Although electricity can help make gardening a lot easier – most of use a lawnmower, electrical hedge trimmer or pressure washer at some time or other – using electricity out of doors poses a much a greater risk in comparison to using electrical equipment inside the house.

Providing you follow a few simple safety rules when using electrical equipment outdoors it’s easy to avoid a serious accident.  The main thing to remember is that water and electricity do not mix: never, ever use electrical equipment outdoors if it’s raining or even if there is still dew on the ground.

Installing a residual current device or RCD can potentially save lives.  RCD are designed to protect against electric shocks to reduce the risk of electrical fires; if you don’t have an RCD, cutting through the power lead whilst mowing the lawn can kill you.

Here at Dalec we’re experts in all aspects of electrical installation and if you would like further information on RCDs and using electricity outdoors, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.