Are your home electrics safe?

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It’s worrying to think at every year in the UK, around 70 people die and are 350,000 are seriously injured as a result of electrical accidents in their homes.

At Dalec we are specialists in all aspects of electrical safety and electrical installations and our services are designed to ensure that the electrics in your home are up to scratch.

Almost half of the accidental house fires in the UK are caused by electrical fires and around nine out of ten of these fires are caused by the misuse of electrical products.  We’re happy to offer advice and guidance on keeping your home safe and if you are in any doubt as to the quality and reliability of the electrical wiring in your home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Our electrical services for homeowners in Leeds include complete property re-wiring, through to minor repairs and safety checks.  We know that electrical safety in the home is vitally important and all our work is carried out by qualified, experienced electricians who work to the highest standards.

So whether your home needs re-wiring, or you simply need a new cooker socket, why not get in touch with us today?

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Welcome to the Dalec website!

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Here at Dalec we aim to give our customers great quality service at keen prices. We’re here to form a relationship with our clients rather than just be seen as the company that services your alarms every year. You’ll find all of our alarm fitters and electricians are personable and happy to help with any issues that you have. Call us on 01535 606006 with any issues that you have and we’ll be happy to help in the best way that we can!

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Residents of Leeds! Home security is important over Christmas!

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With just four weeks to go until Christmas, you’re probably starting to get your preparations well under way!

When you’ve finished your Christmas shopping – if you’re anything like us you’ll probably leave it until the last minute! – and the house is full of presents for family and friends, you may want the added reassurance and protection of a reliable burglar alarm system.

A home security alarm system really is the best way to ensure that your home is adequately protected – not only during the festive season but throughout the year.  Burglary rates always tend to increase at this time of year with criminals taking advantage of homes stocked up with the latest tablet computers, gadgets, jewellery and accessories.

Deterrent is one of the most effective forms of crime prevention and many intruders are put off simply by the site of a burglar alarm.  At Dalec we install a wide range of burglar alarm systems – from basic wired alarms, through to high-tec comprehensive wireless intruder and fire protection systems.

Government crime statistics show that 30% of burglars enter properties through unsecured windows so don’t be tempted to feed extension cables from outside Christmas lights into partially open windows.  Security lights that are triggered by a sensor also provide an effective deterrent against intruders and our team can install various types of security lighting, with systems designed to protect homes of all sizes.

 

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Christmas electrical safety tips for homeowners in Leeds

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There’s no denying that Christmas lights look very pretty and at this time of year most of us will be digging out illuminations from lofts and dusty storage spaces, ready to decorate our homes for the festive season.

However old electrical decorations and lights that have been poorly stored, and lights that are plugged into overloaded sockets, can present potential electrical hazards that can be easily avoided.

My top tip is to replace any lights or electrical decorations that are old, have been exposed to damp when not designed to be or that don’t meet the latest rigorous standards.  This is the safest and the most sensible solution as good quality Christmas lights and decorations can be bought at great value prices from reputable suppliers.

Christmas lights are designed to operate at extra-low voltage (usually around 12-24 volts) or at mains voltage (230 volts).  Extra-low voltage lights are definitely the safest option as they will significantly reduce the risk of an electric shock, even if the lights are faulty or if one of the lamps has broken.  Look on the product packaging to find out the rated voltage of the lights – this info should be clearly marked.

Some simple safety precautions to take when using Christmas lights and electrical decorations:

  • Never use lights outside unless they’re designed for outside use – this will be clearly marked on the packaging
  • Always follow the instructions and never connect the lights to a mains supply whilst they’re still in the packaging
  • Don’t try and repair faulty lights – it’s always best to replace them
  • Turn lights off at night and if you go out
  • Keep lights away from flammable decorations and other flammable materials
  • Never overload sockets and try to avoid using extension lead and plug adaptors

So enjoy your Christmas lights and stay safe during the festive season!  For further advice on rewiring and all aspects of electrical work, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

 

 

 

 

 

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Fire protection for homeowners in Leeds

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Candles make lovely Christmas decorations and at this time of year many people light candles to create a festive, cosy feel in their homes.

However candles are responsible for increasing numbers of house fires each year so it’s important to know how to use candles safely to keep your home and family safe.

Here are a few simple tips for using candles safely:

  • Always use a specially designed candle holder that has a stable base to ensure that it won’t fall over.
  • Never put candles near curtains or other fabrics.
  • Candles should always be placed on a heat resistant surface; however a TV or other electrical equipment is NOT heat resistant!
  • Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
  • Never move candles whilst they are burning.
  • It goes without saying that candles should never be left burning when you go to bed or go out – double check that a candle is out before leaving it unattended as candles that have been put out can go on smouldering and start a fire.

At Dalec we offer a range of fire protection services for homeowners and business in and around Leeds.  From simple smoke alarm installations, through to fire alarm systems for large buildings, our team are happy to offer further advice and information on staying safe this Christmas.

 

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Security lighting offers unbeatable protection for homes or businesses

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If you’re anything like the team here at Dalec, you’ll be fed up of the long dark nights and short days that we have at the time of year.

Security lighting is an excellent way to not only protect your home or business against theft or vandalism, it can also prove a valuable asset in helping navigate around the exterior of your property at night.  Before installing security lighting at my home, I’d lost count of the number of times I arrived home at night and struggled to locate my keys in the dark, or answered the door without being able to see who was standing on my front step. However security lighting will effectively illuminate your driveway and doorways at night, whilst providing an excellent deterrent against intruders.

At Dalec we install and fit security lighting systems to homes and businesses throughout Leeds, Keighley and Yorkshire and can offer advice on the most effective lighting for your property.  From a simple motion sensor security light to protect your back garden, through to programmable lighting solutions to designed to protect large buildings, our team will happy to talk through the various options available.

When fitted in conjunction with a security system, security lighting offers the reassurance of complete protection from intruders and at Dalec we have many years of experience in the design and installation of security systems.

For extra protection for your home or business throughout the year, why not get in touch for further information on installing security lighting?

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Happy Christmas and safe New Year!

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The team here at Dalec would like to take this opportunity to wish all our customers a very happy Christmas and New Year!

We’re taking a well-earned break for a few days over Christmas but will be back in January with more top-tips and advice on electrical safety, electrical installations and security for home or business.

Whatever you’re planning this Christmas, remember to stay safe and above all have fun and enjoy yourselves!

Merry Christmas from all at Dalec!

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Electrical safety in the kitchen is vital

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Happy New Year to all our customers!  We hope you’ve had a happy and relaxing Christmas and if you’re anything like the team here at Dalec, you’ll be looking forward to a busy 2014!

We thought we’d kick off this year’s blogs with a reminder about electrical safety in the kitchen.  Now you may not have realised it but the kitchen is the most dangerous room in the house.  More than 50% of house fires begin in a kitchen.  Kitchen fires can start for a variety of reasons but most are due to faulty wiring, pans left unattended or when electrical sockets come into contact with water.  However by following a few simple electrical safety rules, you can help make your kitchen a safer place to be!

Now most modern kitchens boast an alarming number of electrical appliances and gadgets so having 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 chords 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 you’ve moved house or are considering having a new kitchen fitted, it’s important to 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.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions about electrical safety in your home.  We’re specialists in electrical safety and electrical installations – our services are available to homes and businesses throughout Leeds and West Yorkshire.

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WHY USE DALEC UK LTD, AN SSAIB REGISTERED INTRUDER COMPANY?

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WHY USE DALEC UK LTD, AN SSAIB REGISTERED INTRUDER COMPANY?
When it comes to protecting your property from the potentially devastating impact of crime or fire you can’t afford to take any chances. The correct choice of fire or security protection system and service provider is vital.

Having a fire or security systems provider in whom you can trust will ensure peace of mind for you and demonstrate to your insurer that you have acted responsibly to protect your home or business. This need not be a matter of luck; it can be an informed choice if you select an SSAIB certificated firm.

Confidence
SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) only certificate companies that can demonstrate technical and managerial competence through an inspection of the processes and procedures they operate.

SSAIB certification means that you can be confident in the quality of service provided to protect your business from the potentially devastating consequences of fire or crime.
Increasingly insurers require evidence that all reasonable steps have been taken to mitigate risk and ensure the safety of personnel and assets within the workplace. SSAIB certificated providers will meet or exceed your insurer’s requirements.

For increased confidence when buying a fire or security system you should:

· Use only SSAIB certificated companies.
· Always agree a written specification.
· Ascertain what repair or call out cover is provided.
· Ensure that you are given a Certificate of Conformity for your system. This confirms that the system has been installed to all relevant standards.
· Confirm whether you have bought or leased the system.
· Have your system regularly maintained; this may be a condition of cover.
· Seek and follow up references.
· Ensure that your Intruder Alarm System provider obtains a police unique reference number for monitored installation as this will be used to verify the alarm and initiate a Police response. Only certificated providers are able to obtain Police URNs.
If you are in doubt and would welcome advice when purchasing a fire or security system, contact SSAIB on 0191 296 3242

SSAIB Manned security from Andrew Brown on Vimeo.

SSAIB Security Systems from Andrew Brown on Vimeo.

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Buying a new TV for the World Cup?

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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.

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