Electrical safety advice for landlords and tenants in Leeds

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Are you a landlord in Leeds?

Here at Dalec we work with a number of landlords in Leeds, providing them with electrical installation services and advice on electrical safety. Although the landlords we work with are all aware of their obligations when it comes to electrical safety, according to the charity Electrical Safety First, there are many landlords who continue to put their tenants at risk of serious injury or via through badly installed or poorly maintained electrical installations.

If you’re a landlord you’ll be all too aware of just how complex the legislation surrounding electrical safety in rental properties can be so with this in mind, we’ll give a brief outline of what is required. Landlords are required by law to ensure that all electrical installations in a property are safe BEFORE a tenant moves in and for the duration of the rental agreement. Rental properties which are occupied by multiple tenants – flats, shared houses etc. – must be inspected by a qualified electrical every five years. Although properties which are occupied by a single tenant are not required by law to be inspected, it is recommended that a registered electrician inspects the property every five years.

It goes without saying that all appliances which are provided by landlords must be safe and in good working order and will ideally carry the CE marking; it’s also important that regular safety checks are carried out on appliances.

Contact Dalec on 01535 606006

 

Landlords should only use registered electricians such as Dalec to carry out work on their rental properties and if you would like further information on our electrical services for landlords in Leeds, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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Alarm maintenance services for residential and business customers in Leeds

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Local Leeds alarm repair services

There’s no doubt that one of the very best ways to protect your business or home from the risk of theft. However, even the most expensive, state-of-the-art security system can prove unreliable or ineffective if you fail to ensure that it is serviced on a regular basis.

Here at Dalec we are a local alarm installation company and we have a team of high qualified, trained engineers who are specialists in the maintenance and repair of security systems. Regardless of whether we installed your system or not, we’ll use our expertise to ensure that your alarm is reliable and provides you with the protection you need.

It’s also important to remember that alarm servicing is not only an important way to ensure that your system is in good working order, a reliable system is essential if your business or commercial premises are to meet security, fire and health and safety regulations. Don’t forget that if your alarm system isn’t in good working order, your insurance policy could potentially be invalidated if you have a break in and this is something which applies to both commercial and residential properties.

Alarm services in Leeds

To find out more about our alarm services in Leeds, why not get in touch to arrange a free, no-obligation quote?

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Are you using your tumble dry safely?

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Tumble dryer safety advice for homeowners in Leeds

Recent news reports covered a horrendous fire, caused by a faulty tumble dryer, which caused huge amounts of damage to several flats in a tower block in London. Whilst house fires of this scale are, thankfully, relatively unusual, this particular incident just goes to show just how dangerous faulty tumble dryers can prove to be.

Although many of us can’t manage without a washing machine and tumble dryer, these appliances have very powerful motors and moving parts which can get very hot whilst the machine is operating and by not maintain your appliance, there is a very real danger that it could catch fire.

These are our top-tips for using a tumble dryer safely:

  • Always make sure you read and then follow the manufacturer’s safety advice before you use the machine for the first time. If you’ve already had your appliance for a while but haven’t got round to doing this – make sure you do as soon as possible!
  • Tumble dryers should never be left unattended whilst they’re running and this also applies to machines which are running overnight.
  • Never overload a washing machine or tumble dryer: make sure you know what the maximum load capacity is – don’t forget that this can vary from programme to programme – and always stick to it.
  • Fabric which has come into contact with flammable liquids should never be tumble dried.
  • Clean your tumble dryer vent every time you use it: blocked vents are the cause of many tumble dryer fires.
  • Tumble dryer vent pipes should be checked regularly to make sure that they are free of blockages, kinks or damage.
  • Never try to repair a faulty appliance yourself – always call in a qualified engineer and contact the manufacturer for advice.

Electrical advice throughout Leeds

Here at Dalec we are team of qualified, experienced electricians whose services are available to customers in Leeds. If you would like advice about any aspect of electrical safety in the home, or for a free, no-obligation quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling 01535 606 006.

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Thinking about putting up Christmas lights? Read this first!

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Safety advice for homeowners in Leeds

Although it still seems very early to start talking about Christmas, we know that many of our customers start thinking about outdoor Christmas lighting in plenty of time before the festivities begin!

With this in mind we thought we’d take the opportunity to highlight the importance of installing Christmas lights safely. Outdoor Christmas lights are more popular than ever before and stunning displays, covering entire houses are no longer such an unusual sight. There’s no denying that outdoor Christmas lights can look absolutely fantastic but installing and using them can prove to be very dangerous indeed unless you follow safety guidelines.

As qualified electricians in Leeds, here at Dalec we believe that if you have even the slightest doubt about your ability to install outdoor lights safely, the best option is to call in the experts. Installing outdoors lights is dangerous: whether in terms of working high up on a ladder or your electrical expertise.

One of the most important things to remember is that you must only use lights which have been specially designed for outdoor use. Check the packaging carefully and if in doubt don’t use them – buy new outdoor-specific lights instead.

Electrical installations in Leeds

Our quotes are always free and if you would like to talk to us about installing Christmas lights at your property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for further information.

 

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Advice on securing your home in the run up to Christmas

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Home security advice from Dalec

During the run up to Christmas our homes are at their most susceptible to burglary as intruders work on the basis that many of us have bought electrical items or jewellery to give as gifts to our loved ones.

Take the time to review home security

At this time of year it’s a very good idea to review the security of your home and whilst ensuring that you have a reliable, working burglar alarm, there are other steps you can take to help secure your home against the risk of theft.

Whilst many burglaries are carried out by opportunistic thieves there are cases where thieves will scope out a property in advance and with this in mind, the importance of ensuring your home looks occupied at all times shouldn’t be underestimated. There are lots of easy ways to do this, such as using timer switches set to turn lamps on and off, leaving the radio on and installing dusk until dawn lights over your front and back doors and patio doors if you have them. If you go away don’t leave your curtains closed and if you can, ask one of your neighbours to move the post out of sight of your front door or hall windows.

Ensure your burglar alarm works

A burglar alarm will always prove to be a highly effective deterrent so make sure that the bell box of your alarm can be clearly seen from the road. If it’s covered by climbing plants then cut them back! If your alarm is unreliable or faulty, make sure you have it repaired or replaced but if your budget doesn’t run to an alarm system, a fake burglar alarm box can also prove to be an effective, low-cost alternative.

Don’t forget the garage and shed

Remember that sheds and garages are also susceptible to break-ins at this time of year and there are now simple alarm systems available that can be used to secure any outbuildings you have. In addition, it’s worth remember that built in garages etc. can be incorporated into your home’s security system.

Contact Dalec for security advice

Dalec are specialists in all aspects of home security including security lighting and burglar alarm systems. Our alarm installation, repair and maintenance services are available to homeowners throughout Leeds and if you would like further advice, or to arrange a free, no-obligation quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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Safety information for students and landlords in Leeds

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This is the time of year when students return to their university courses after the long summer break and whether you’re starting university for the first time or resuming your studies, understanding the importance of electrical safety in a rental property is very important.

Electrical safety in the home is incredibly important and whether your university accommodation is in halls of residence or in accommodation rented from a private landlord, it’s something you should be aware of. There’s lots of advice out there, designed to outline the responsibilities of landlords when it comes to electrical safety and the Citizens Advice Bureau is a particularly useful source of information. Things to consider include the safety of any electrical appliances supplied with a rental property and what to do if a landlord disconnects the electricity supply. Further details can be found by visiting the Citizens Advice Bureau website. www.adviceguide.org.uk

The Safer Houses website is also useful and provides lots of helpful information on the laws ensuring the safety of tenants in rental properties. Safer Houses also outlines landlords’ responsibilities for providing safe electrical installations, fire safety protection including fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and heat detectors. For further information please visit the Safer Houses website. www.saferhouses.co.uk

Here at Dalec we work with a number of landlords in Leeds and whether you are a landlord yourself, or are a student living in rented accommodation, we’d be happy to provide further advice on electrical safety. Our qualified, experienced engineers operate throughout Leeds and our quotes are always free and without obligation – why not get in touch today to find out more?

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Kitchen appliance safety for homeowners in Leeds

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We are an established electrical installations company in Leeds and our services are designed to meet the requirements of residential and business customers. If you’re considering buying a new kitchen appliance – either as part of an entire kitchen re-fit or as a one-off purchase – you’ll find that our appliance installation service is reliable, efficient and cost-effective.

Before rushing out and buying a new appliance, don’t forget to check whether the electrics in your home can cope with the extra strain. When you stop to consider that according to official figures, more than half of the house fires in the UK start in the kitchen, it’s important to ensure that your electrics are safe and reliable.

There are several things which must be considered when fitting kitchen appliances. It’s very important to ensure that all electrical sockets are located a safe distance from any sources of water. In addition, all appliances fitting under worktops should ideally be controlled by a switched fuse connection unit which is mounted above the worktop

Electrical safety in the kitchen is very important and if you would like further advice on the importance of electrical safety in the home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our quotes are free and if you would like to arrange a quote for installing a kitchen appliance, we’d be delighted to help.

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Which security lighting should you choose?

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Autumn is here and now the nights are getting longer, this is a great time of year to think about protecting the outside areas of your home or business with security lighting.

The majority of burglaries are carried out on an opportune basis and buildings which provide cover in the darkness are much more likely to be targeted that those that are well lit. Whilst easy access in the form of an open window or unlocked door is always going to be very tempting to burglars, a major deterrent to your property is to install some form of security lighting.

Which security lighting?

A wide range of different types of security lighting are available; varying in price from low-cost porch or bulkhead lights through to powerful floodlight-style lighting designed to be integrated with a security alarm system. Whichever type of lighting you choose, it’s important to position it carefully so that the light doesn’t shine directly into neighbouring properties. Specialist security lighting companies such as Dalec can help with this as we have the expertise to fit security lights and will adjust the direction of the beam if required.

Contact Dalec

If you would like further advice on installing security lighting in your home or business please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our quotes are always free and we’re happy to arrange to visit you at a time to suit you.

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Safe candle burning for customers in Leeds

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Candle safety advice for homeowners in Leeds

Christmas is coming and at this time of year it’s natural to want light a few candles to create a warm and cosy feel in the home. Although candles are now an incredibly popular accessory and the soft light they cast is undeniably beautiful, it’s very important to remember that they should always be used safely if you are to safeguard your home and family from the risk of fire.

Candles are, unfortunately, responsible for a significant number of house fires each year and with this mind, we thought this would be a good time to give you some tips on how to enjoy candles safely:

  • Never place burning candles near fabric such as curtains, cushions, blinds or upholstered furniture.
  • Always use specially designed candle holders, ideally with wide, flat, stable bases. Candle sticks should be avoided as these can be easily knocked over.
  • Only ever place burning candles on heat resistant services – use a heat resistant mat if in doubt.
  • Keep candles out of reach of children and animals.
  • Never move candles whilst they’re burning.
  • Most importantly, candles should never be left burning when you go to bed or go out – even if you just pop out of the house for five minutes.
  • Last and by no means least, make sure you have working smoke alarms!

The importance of working smoke alarms should never be underestimated and if you don’t have any alarms at the moment, please arrange to have some installed – or fit them yourself – as soon as possible.

Domestic electrical services in Leeds

Here at Dalec our electrical services are available to homeowners throughout Leeds. No job is too small for us and if you would like to arrange for a free, no-obligation quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

 

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Make sure you recycle old electrical items!

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Electrical advice for homeowners in Leeds

Christmas is coming and if your wish list has any electrical items on it – whether it’s a new hairdryer or a fridge freezer – it’s important to make sure that you always recycle any old electrical items you’re getting rid of.

Old electrical items and electronics are responsible to taking up huge amounts of space in landfill sites but one of the best ways to counteract this electrical mountain is dispose of them in an environmentally friendly way. Any electrical items you want to throw away – regardless of how large or small it is – should never be thrown in the bin with the rest of your household rubbish. Electrical items must always be disposed of properly and the best way to do this is to take them to your local recycling centre where you’ll find that they have special containers, designed for the disposal of electrical goods.

Contact Dalec for advice on 01535 606006

If you’re thinking of buying any new appliances in the run up to Christmas, don’t forget that it’s incredibly important that they are installed correctly and that the electrics in your home can cope. If you would like advice or a free, no-obligation quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

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