The benefits of wireless intruder alarms

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Over recent years professionally installed wireless intruder alarms have almost replaced wired alarm systems, thanks to wireless alarms having shed their reputation for being unreliable and susceptible to outside interference.

Although wireless alarms have been available for many years, alongside a reputation for unreliability came the significant cost of wireless systems in comparison to their wired counterparts. However, over the last couple of years a number of alarm manufacturers have produced a number of extremely reliable, cost effective systems. Affordable, reliable wireless alarm systems are now available, designed to be used in domestic and small commercial buildings.

Wireless intruder alarms installed in Leeds

Here at Dalec we have many years of experience in installing intruder alarm systems across Leeds and we work closely with our clients to offer advice and guidance on the most suitable system for their property and lifestyle. Wireless alarm systems are now generally cheaper to install than wired systems and when this cost saving is combined with the enhanced reliability now available, we think wireless systems are pretty hard to beat.

If you would like to find out more about the benefits of wireless intruder alarm systems, or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote, we’d be delighted to help. Our qualified, experienced team operates throughout Leeds and we’re happy to arrange an appointment at a time to suit you. Alongside our alarm installation services, we also have the expertise to service and repair alarm systems and we also install a range of other security systems, including CCTV, access control systems and fire alarms. Why not get in touch for further information?

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Is your alarm system working as it should be?

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Whilst there’s no denying that installing a security system is one of the very best ways to protect your home or business from intruders or theft, even a state-of-the-art system will fail to provide reliable protection if it isn’t serviced and checked on a regular basis.

Here at Dalec we are a local alarm installation, servicing and repair company and our services are available to home and business owners in Leeds and surrounding areas. We have a team of highly experienced, fully-trained engineers who are on hand to provide a rapid response to alarm breakdowns and we also carry out regular servicing and maintenance on a range of systems.

Not only is alarm servicing important if you are to ensure that your system is reliable and working properly as failure to maintain a system can mean that a business or commercial premises doesn’t meet legislation or health and safety requirements. It’s also worth remembering that if your alarm system fails to work properly and you have a break-in, your insurance could be invalidated and this is something which applies to residential and commercial properties alike.

Whether you would like to find out more about alarm servicing, or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote for a brand new system, why not get in touch with Dalec on 01535 606 006?

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We install CCTV systems designed to reduce the risk of a break in

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CCTV is becoming increasingly popular with home and business owners alike; largely thanks to the significant impact it can have on reducing the risk of a break in. Here at Dalec we provide a range of CCTV systems which can be designed to meet the requirements of residential, commercial and business customers.

A visible, effective deterrent

A CCTV system will act as a highly effective deterrent and often the sight of the camera alone is enough to put off a potential intruder. In addition, CCTV systems are widely used to help prosecute crimes, with the video footage used as evidence by the police. Our wide range of experience covers the installation and maintenance of CCTV systems, so whether you would like to increase the level of security in your business premises, or to enhance the protection of your property or car, we can provide a complete design, installation, monitoring and maintenance service.

We stock a comprehensive selection of analogue and digital recording equipment and also supply and fit a wide range of cameras and monitors, designed to complement your recording equipment. In addition, our latest product range now includes an internal stand-alone covert CCTV system which uses a smart card with the capacity to take up to 1650 images which can then be downloaded onto a PC. Offering superb image quality, this user-friendly system can be used in different locations, something which would be impossible with a hard wire system.

Unbeatable protection for your home or business

CCTV offers one of the very best ways to protect your home, family or business from theft, intruders or vandalism. Thanks to developments in technology and the increased availability of broadband, it is now possible to view remote images from your mobile phone or tablet, providing you with reassurance that your property is safe and secure whilst you’re away. To find out more about the benefits of protecting your home or business with CCTV, why not get in touch with the team here at Dalec? Our services are available to customers throughout Leeds and we’re happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote at a time to suit you.

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Our advice on how to use garden lighting safely

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With only a couple of weeks to go until the clocks go forward and we move into British summer time! As the days grow longer and warmer, we’ll be spending more time in the garden and outdoor lighting is becoming increasingly popular with homeowners.

Installing lighting in your garden is a great way to add an attractive design feature and will help you maximise the time you spend outdoors on long summer evenings. However, if you’re thinking of installing garden lighting, you’ll need to spend time thinking about how you’re going to install it safely.

First things first and before you start any kind of electrical installation you must make sure that you have a transformer which is a device used to transfer voltage from one level to another. A transformer is an essential piece of kit when it comes to garden lighting; the reason for this is that garden lighting normally operates at 12 volts, whilst the power outlets in your home operate at 240 volts.

The next thing to do is to work out how many garden lights you can safely operate from one transformer: to do this you’ll need to look at the wattage of each individual light and then multiply that by the total number of lights you want to use. If each one of your lights operates at 20 watts, for example, and you want to use eight of them in your garden, you will need to use a transformer of at least 160 watts.

The cabling for garden lighting can be as long as you want but you’ll need to bear in mind that the longer the cable, the less power it will have. It is much better to use as short a cable as possible and, depending on how big your garden is, you might end up needing several transformers.

Any electrical installation can be daunting, especially when working with electricity outdoors. Here at Dalec we are specialists in domestic electrical installations and if you would like further advice or a free, no-obligation quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. No job is too small for us and as our team are available throughout Leeds, we’re happy to visit you at a time to suit you.

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Running a business in Leeds? We can help!

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Here at Dalec our electrical services are available to business and domestic customers alike and whether you run a commercial or industrial business, we can help.

We know that carrying out any kind of renovation or installation work can prove to be very costly for business owners, not only in terms of the cost of the work, but also as a loss of productivity and disruption to the working day. We take great pride in the efficiency and reliability of our electrical repair, installation and maintenance services and our work is carried out with the minimum of fuss and disruption.

We can help will all types of electrical installations for businesses, including the design and installation of fire protection and security systems, lighting, rewiring, general repairs or routine maintenance.

Our services are available throughout Leeds and surrounding areas and if you would like to find out more or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote, we’d be happy to visit you at a time to suit you. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for further information.

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Is your garage or shed protected from theft?

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There’s been a recent spike in bike thefts, particularly from garages and sheds in Wharfedale, with Ilkley, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Addingham and Ben Rhydding being particularly hard hit. Wharfedale has become incredibly popular with cyclists over recent years – thanks in part to the Tour de France back in 2014 – and it’s very possible that this is why burglars are targeting this area.

Although many homes are protected with a security alarm, garages and sheds tend to be overlooked and left unprotected. However, when you stop to consider that your garage can be home to some pretty expensive kit – bikes, cycling equipment, golf clubs, power tools or even the lawn mower – protecting the garage or shed starts to seem like a very sensible idea!

Our expertise covers all aspects of home security and our team are more than happy to provide advice on the best ways to ensure your garage, shed our outbuildings are safe and secure. Many of the homeowners we meet simply don’t realise that it’s possible to protect a shed or garage with an alarm and if you already have a security system, one option can be to incorporate your outbuildings into the existing system.

Another practical, yet relatively cost-effective solution to protecting the garage or shed is security lighting. Dusk-to-dawn lights are designed to switch on and off automatically when it goes dark and the sun comes up, whilst motion sensor lights are triggered by movement. Another good way to protect your garage or shed, security lighting is very low-maintenance and easy to install.

If you would like to find out more about protecting your shed or garage, why not get in touch?

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Outdoor electrical installations in Leeds

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We all know water and electricity don’t mix and if you’re considering installing a hot tub in your garden, the electrics for your new tub must be prepared by a qualified electrician.

Whilst hot tubs don’t require a permanent water supply, they do need a permanent suitable electricity supply. Hot tubs fall into the same category as swimming pools when it comes to installation regulations and whilst they are a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors throughout the year, they do need to be installed and cared for correctly.

If you’re considering buying a hot tub it’s important to remember that you really do get what you pay for. It can be tempting to go for a bargain, but a poor quality hot tub will at best be unreliable or downright dangerous in the worst cases. Buying a cheap hot tub can end up costing more in the long run in repairs but when it comes to safety, finding a bargain really isn’t worth it.

Before your hot tub is installed you will need to ensure that it will have an adequate electricity supply via an RCD circuit breaker. This is an incredibly important piece of kit, especially if you’re going to use electricity outdoors, and the electricity supply to your tub should always be installed by a qualified electrician.

A professionally installed hot tub should give you years of pleasure but to ensure that it is reliable and safe to use, it must be regularly serviced. Again a qualified electrician should do this and any repairs, no matter how minor, must always be carried out by a professional.

Here at Dalec we have a team of highly qualified engineers how all have many yeas or experience in a wide range electrical installations. Our services are available to homeowners throughout Leeds and if you would like to arrange a free, no-obligation quote, we’d be delighted to help. Why not get in touch today on 01535 606 006?

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How much does a new burglar alarm cost?

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‘How much does a new burglar alarm cost?’ is one of the questions our customers ask us most frequently. This question is difficult to give a precise answer to as there are a number of different systems available. However, there are a number of factors which will affect the price of a new alarm system.

Audible vs response alarms

Burglar alarms are designed to react in different ways if they are activated. Audible alarm systems are the most basic type and will sound if an intruder is detected. Key holder response alarms can be described as ‘middle level’ systems and alarms in this group will contact a designated list of contacts who have access to the property and inform them that the system has been triggered. The highest level of response alarms available are systems which will contact the police if the alarm is triggered.

Wireless or wired?

The cost of a new burglar alarm will depend on whether the system you choose is wired or wireless. Wireless systems have a reputation for being more expensive than their wired counterparts; however this is not usually the case as wireless alarms can be cheaper to install as less cabling is required.

System size

The size of a burglar alarm system will naturally have implications on the overall cost of the system. An average system with 4 or 5 zones will be much cheaper to buy and install in comparison to a larger system with 15 or more zones.

Home insurance

If you’re thinking of investing in a new or upgraded burglar alarm system, it can be well worth speaking to your home insurance provider first. Many insurers specify certain types of system and the type of system you choose could affect the price of the quotations you receive.

Contact us on 01535 606 006

Because every home is different every alarm system is different and if you would like an exact price for installing a new system, we’d be delighted to give you a free, no-obligation quote. Our alarm installation services are available to homeowners throughout Leeds and by choosing us to install your system; you’ll have the reassurance of knowing that you are working with a reputable, qualified team of alarm specialists.

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Could your business benefit from the protection offered by security lighting?

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Security lighting for businesses in Leeds

Security lighting is widely recognised as an effective deterrent to potential intruders, however here at Dalec we still come across many business premises that are completely unprotected.

A wide range of security lighting is available and before investing in a system, you’ll need to think about why your business needs protection. Some businesses use security lighting as a way to improve employee safety as they enter or leave the building in the dark, whilst others use it to protect the outside areas of their business at night time. However you decide to use security lighting, it’s worth bearing in mind that it is highly effective deterrent and that most burglars will move on if they see that a building is protected.

Not only can security lighting be used to protect the outside areas of a building, it can also be prove to be very effective when used to protect entrances and exits, stairways, corridors and reception areas. In addition, some systems can be set to switch on and off automatically at certain times of day – ideal for when the building is unoccupied at the weekends or at night – or to switch on when movement is detected. It is also possible to design security lighting systems so that they work in conjunction with CCTV systems – an unbeatable way to protect your business around the clock.

Night time protection for businesses of all shapes and sizes

Security lighting systems can be designed to suit a wide range of business premises and whether you own a small shop or office building, or your business is housed in a large factory or industrial plant, security lighting can be tailor made to meet your requirements.

Here at Dalec we are specialists in installing security systems for businesses in Leeds and if you would like to find out more about our services, or to arrange a free, no-obligation quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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Just a few simple steps can help you improve the security of your home

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Security advice for homeowners in Leeds

Regular readers of our blog will know that we often discuss the importance of having a burglar alarm and although there’s no denying that you’ll be better protected with a security system in place, there are several very simple things you can do to improve the security of your home.

Lock your doors!

Although it sounds obvious, the most important step you can take to improve security is to lock your doors. It’s such a quick and simple thing to do but you’d be surprised at the number of homeowners who still leave the doors unlocked when they go out. Remember that an unlocked door presents the ideal opportunity for an opportunist thief to enter your property so don’t give them the chance: make sure you always lock your doors, even if you’re just popping out for five minutes.

Invest in decent locks

Buying cheap locks simply isn’t worth it so always buy the best that you can afford. If you’re tempted to buy a cheap lock, remember that you get what you pay for and it won’t seem like such a bargain if your TV and laptop are stolen.

Secure your windows

Never leave downstairs windows open at night as burglars find windows much easier to open than doors. If your downstairs windows have been fitted with locks you should use them – especially at night or when you go away – and never leave windows open when you leave the house unattended.

Keep door keys hidden

Always keep your door keys hidden from view and although it can be tempting to hang them up near the front or back door, it’s much safer to keep them well away from prying eyes and certainly never in reach of the letter box

Keep the lights on

Ensuring your house is well-lit whilst you’re out or away is a really effective deterrent to intruders. Timer devices are pretty cheap these days and it’s well worth buying a few to make your house look occupied around the clock.

Going on holiday? Take extra precautions

If you’re going away on holiday it’s important that you don’t advertise the fact. Piled up post, milk on the doorstep will send a signal to burglars that you’re away so make sure you let your neighbours know you’re going on holiday and try to mow the lawn just before you go.

Use your alarm

If you’ve got a burglar alarm then you must always use it when you go out or on holiday. If you’re worried that your alarm isn’t working properly or doesn’t meet your requirements, why not get in touch with a local alarm specialist such as Dalec? We’re happy to provide further information or a free, no-obligation quote.

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