Security systems for homes and businesses in Leeds

,

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.

/by

Electrical safety is vital for bathrooms

,

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.

/by

Simple home security tips

,

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.

/by

Electrical installation services for commercial customers in Leeds

,

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.

/by

Are you using electricity safely in the garden?

,

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.

/by

Are your integrated appliances installed correctly?

,

Whether you’re having a brand-new kitchen installed or are considering updating a kitchen appliance, electrical safety is incredibly important.

Many kitchens now feature ‘integrated’ appliances and these can include fridges, freezers, ovens, dishwashers and microwaves.  Integrated appliances must be installed correctly if they are to work efficiently and safely and we’re always amazed at the number of appliances that we come across which have been badly installed.

Integrated or built-in freezers and fridges are often the worst culprits.  Sufficient airflow is vital for a fridge of freezer to work properly and if a refrigeration appliance has been installed incorrectly, it can take months for problems to come to light, leaving the fridge or freezer beyond repair.

Fridges, freezers and fridge freezers all work on the same principle: cool air needs to be drawn in to cool the interior cavity of the appliance.  Airflow and a constant supply of cool air is essential and once cool air has been heated, it then needs to be expelled.

Built-in refrigeration appliances must be mounted in a purpose built kitchen unit which has been designed to allow air to be safely expelled.  If the vent has been blocked, heat can build-up in the appliance which leads to increased running times (leading to higher electricity bills) and a danger of the appliance over-heating.

As experts in all electrical installations, we’re happy to offer further advice and information on installing and using kitchen appliances safely – please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you require further information.

/by

Fire protection for businesses in Leeds

,

If you run your own business you’ll understand the importance of having an adequate fire protection system.  Essential for not only protecting your customers, clients or staff, fire protection is an essential requirement when it comes to insurance and meeting health and safety legislation.

Whether you are an employer, business owner, landlord or occupier of business premises, it is your responsibility to ensure that those who use the building are safe from the risk of fire.  At Dalec we are specialists in providing fire protection for business and commercial clients throughout Leeds.

Our expertise covers everything from small commercial premises and single offices, through to multi floor office buildings which require complex, multi-zone systems.

It’s very important to remember that regardless of the size or age of your fire protection system, it will require expert maintenance to ensure that it continues to work safely and offers the protection you require.  We offer a range of fire protection maintenance services, designed to offer the peace of mind that your system is reliable, but to also limit unwanted system failures, helping you to meet legislation and insurance requirements.

/by

Access control systems for extra peace of mind

,

Installing an access control is a great way to improve the security of your home or business premises.  At Dalec were specialists in all aspects of security installations in Leeds and re able to supply and fit a range of access control systems to suit all budgets and and requirements.

Access control systems can be used on any doorway, or multiple doorways, to offer added protection and peace of mind.  Ideal for use in shared occupancy hallways, apartment buildings, first floor offices and commercial buildings, an access control system offers as simple way to help you to monitor visitors.

Our expertise covers everything from simple access control systems for single doorways, through to fully networked systems that can be installed across multiple sites.  We’re happy to offer further advice on the most appropriate systems for your requirements – please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like more information.

 

/by

Is your garage or shed secure and protected?

,

We’ve heard reports of a dramatic increase in the number of bike thefts from garages and sheds in Ilkley, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Ben Rhydding and Addingham.  Whilst many homeowners ensure that their home is protected with a security alarm, garages and sheds are often left un-protected and at risk from burglars.

When you stop to consider that your garage can be home to some very valuable equipment – whether it’s expensive bikes, power tools, sports equipment or even a lawn mower – protecting outdoor buildings seems like a very good idea indeed!

Here at Dalec we’re specialists in all aspects of home security and are happy to offer advice on protecting your shed or garage.  Many homeowners don’t realise that many home security systems can be installed to incorporate out buildings and if you already have a home security system, we’re happy to offer guidance on the best way to incorporate your shed or garage into the system.

Security lighting can also prove to be an effective deterrent to burglars and by installing dusk-to-dawn security lighting or motion sensor lighting is yet another great way to protect your shed or garage.

Why not get in touch for details of our security services and alarms in the Ilkley area?

/by

More advice on home security

,

Last week’s blog post was on protecting your garage, garden shed or outbuildings from burglaries and whilst we’re on the subject of home security for homes in Leeds, I thought I’d cover a few simple ways to protect your home or business from theft.

Effective home security can be largely down to effective deterrents: if a burglar sees that your home is well protected, the chances are they’ll think twice about targeting your property and move on elsewhere.   At Dalec we install a wide range of home security systems: from simple security lights to protect the outside of your property, through to comprehensive state-of-the-art systems.

If you live in Leeds, Ikley, Burley-in-Wharfedale or Addingham and have a home security system that you don’t tend to use – it may be old or unreliable – why not contact us for advice?  We’re happy to call at your home at a time to suit you – we’ll asses your current security system and give you a no-obligation quote or advice on upgrading, replacing or servicing it.

Security lighting can prove to be a highly effective deterrent against intruders and our range of security lighting includes options to suit properties of all shapes and sizes.  Security lighting can be particularly useful if your property is remote or if you have a large garden; motion sensor lighting, for example, will not only put-off potential burglars, it can also help you find your way to the front door at night!

If you’d like further information on any aspect of home security, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re happy to offer more advice and guidance.

/by