Homeowners in Leeds: don’t tempt burglars by leaving your windows open

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.

Security advice from experienced electricians in Leeds

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.

Electrical services in Leeds from Dalec

There’s no doubt that a security alarm is one of the most effective ways to help protect your home or business premises from the risk of theft. However, even the most expensive, state-of-the-art system can prove to be unreliable if you fail to ensure that it’s checked and maintained on a regular basis.

Here at Dalec we’ve been providing alarm installation and maintenance services for customers in Leeds for decades and we have the expertise to provide an efficient, reliable response to any problems you might be having with your alarm system. Whether your alarm is fairly new but could do with servicing, or you have an old system which needs replacing, we can help.

It’s important to bear in mind that alarm servicing isn’t just a good way to make sure your system is reliable; a well-maintained system is an essential requirement if you run a business. Ensuring that an alarm is regularly serviced is often a clause which appears in insurance policies and if you run your own business, this will also be a requirement of health and safety regulations.

Contact Dalec for further information

If you would like to find out more about our alarm installation and maintenance services for residential and business customers in Leeds, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling Dalec on 015353 606 006.

Electrical installations for business and residential customers in Leeds

Dalec is an established and fully accredited electrical installation company based in Leeds and we have many years of experience in installing fire alarm systems and smoke alarms for residential customers, businesses and organisations.

By installing even the most basic of smoke detectors is an effective step to take in protecting your home or business from the risk of fire. However, the only effective type of smoke detector is one that actually works and so it is very important that you carry out regular checks to ensure that the battery is fully charged and the alarm is working properly.

A range of smoke alarms are available and optical smoke detectors are designed to detect even the tiniest particles in the air, regardless of whether they are visible to the naked eye. A single smoke detector is sufficient to protect one room in an average sized house; however larger spaces and rooms in schools or business premises often require more than one detector to provide full protection.

Legislation dictates that heat detectors must now be installed in all kitchen areas; used to detect a sudden rise in temperature in rooms which tend of have a higher ambient temperature, heat detectors provide efficient protection.

Contact Dalec for further information

Here at Dalec we’re happy to provide free, no-obligation quotes for residential and business customers throughout Leeds. To find out more or to arrange a quote at a time to suit you, why not get in touch today?

Electrical services in Leeds

Spring seems to be on the way at long last and hopefully in just a couple of months’ time we’ll be able to get outside and enjoy sitting in the garden! Installing garden lighting is an excellent way to help get maximum use from your garden and there is now a wide range of beautiful garden lighting available, from lights designed to be recessed into patios, decking or paths, through to solar powered lights to highlight planting and borders.

Garden lighting can look absolutely stunning and there’s nothing lovelier than sitting outside on a warm summer evening enjoying a nice glass of wine. However, any outdoor lighting must be installed correctly if it’s going to be safe. Water and electricity don’t mix under any circumstances and if badly installed lighting comes into contact with rainwater, water from a hose or even dew, the results can be deadly.

Before installing garden lighting it’s vital that you check whether the lighting you want to use is safe and designed for use outdoors. Don’t be tempted to use indoor fairy lights, for example, and if you’re in any doubts as to the suitability of your chosen lighting, then don’t use it.

Contact Dalec for further information

As registered, qualified electricians in Leeds, here at Dalec we recommend that all garden lighting is installed by experienced electrical specialists such as ourselves. Our services are available to customers throughout Leeds and whether you’d like to obtain a quote or safety advice, we’d be delighted to help. Why not get in touch today?

Advice on fire protection for business and home owners in Leeds

Even a very basic smoke detector or fire protection system can prove highly beneficial when it comes to protecting businesses or homes from the risk of a fire. We are approved and accredited installers of fire and smoke alarms in Leeds and we work with residential and business customers to provide them with the protection they need.

A number of different types of smoke alarms are available, including optical smoke detectors, designed to detect tiny smoke particles. When installing smoke alarms it’s important to remember that although smoke detectors can detect smoke within a radius of just over seven metres, large rooms will need to have several detectors in order to ensure an efficient overlap.

Heat detectors are ideal for rooms where there tends to be a higher ambient temperature such as kitchens or utility rooms. Building regulations now dictate that heat detectors must be installed in new kitchens, and as with smoke detectors, large rooms or commercial kitchens are likely to require more than one detector. Rate of rise detectors will detector as soon as a room’s temperature begins to rise, triggering the alarm.

Contact Dalec for advice

Here at Dalec we’re experts in all aspects of fire prevention and safety – if you would like advice on installing smoke alarms or heat detectors in your home or business, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to arrange for a free, no-obligation quote.

Our advice on electrical safety for homebuyers in Leeds

Around two million homes change hands in the UK every year but according to research carried out by the electrical safety charity Electrical Safety First, only 37% of home buyers arranged to have the electrics checked before going ahead. One in five buyers said that they though electrical checks were part of the recommended home survey report whilst just under 50% were unaware that any checks were need at all.

More than 30% of home buyers then discovered that they hadn’t been aware of before proceeding with their purchase – a situation which could have easily been avoided if a registered electrician had carried out an inspection and issued an Electrical Installation Condition Report.

An electrical safety survey could save you thousands

The cost of fixing electrical problems varies wildly according to the type of problem but the average cost is £1,700. However, electrical problems can be far more expensive than this and when you consider thousands of people are injured by electricity and around 70 die each year, getting the electrics checked in a property could literally save your life.

When viewing properties the majority of prospective buyers concentrate on looking for obvious problems such as mould, damp or cracks in the walls. However it’s also important to identify hidden dangers such as faulty or old wiring which can be incredibly hazardous and costly to repair.

Once you’ve had an offer accepted on a property it’s important to have a survey carried out to identify any underlying issues which you might not have spotted yourself but which could come with a sizeable repair bill. If anything significant does arise from the survey, this could provide scope to negotiate on the price. However, a property survey won’t cover the condition of the electrics so the best thing to do is to arrange for a certified electrician to carry out an Installation Condition Report. This will ensure your new home is safe and that you’re not left with a huge bill.

Ensure your new home is safe with our electrical services in Leeds

Here at Dalec we are certified, experience electricians whose services are available to homeowners throughout Leeds. If you would like to find out more about our services, or to arrange for an Electrical Installation Condition Report, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Security advice for homeowners in Leeds

Whether you’re buying the kids new bikes for Christmas or already use your shed or garage to store valuable cycles and equipment, it’s really important to ensure that they are adequately protected from the risk of theft.

Although many homeowners go to great lengths to ensure that their home is safe and secure, sheds and garages are often left unsecured putting the contents at risk of theft. Sadly burglars are all to aware that sheds and garages are often used to store valuable items such as bikes, power tools and golf clubs, making outside storage areas a prime target.

Security systems installed by Dalec

Protecting a shed or garage is, in fact, relatively simple. Here at Dalec we are specialists in all aspects of home security and we are happy to give advice on the best ways to protect the outside storage areas of your home. It may be possible, for example, to incorporate your garage into your existing storage system and if you currently don’t have a system, we’re happy to give advice on this too.

Security lighting is another highly effective way to help protect your shed or garage. A wide range of security lighting systems are available, from simple dusk until dawn lights, through to sensor lights and lighting which can be integrated into a security system.

Contact Dalec for advice

If you would like to find out more, or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote, why not get in touch with us today?

As regular readers of our blog will know, we’re passionate about the importance of electrical safety. Whether you need a general rewire or electrical testing, the team here at Dalec are highly experienced and qualified in all aspects of electrical services.

Our services are designed to keep your business running smoothly and your home a safe and secure place to be. Our expertise covers installations of all shapes and sizes, from a new plug socket through to a complete commercial new build.

Domestic electrical services in Leeds

The importance of safe and reliable electrics in the home should never be underestimated and our team of professional engineers work with our domestic customers to provide high-quality, affordable services, regardless of the size of the job.

Electrical services for businesses in Leeds

Our team operate throughout Leeds and West Yorkshire, providing reliable, qualified electrical services for a huge range of different businesses. We have many years of experience on working on diverse projects such as supermarket refurbishments, office refurbishments and electrical installations in schools and colleges.

Contact Dalec for advice

Whether you’d like to find out more about our electrical services or to arrange a free, no-obligation quote, we’d be delighted to help. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling Dalec on 01535 606 006.

Home security advice for customers in Leeds

Many people go away over the Christmas holidays and whether you’re planning on visiting family for a couple of days, or are lucky enough to be jetting off to somewhere lovely and warm, don’t forget to make sure your home will be safe and secure whilst you’re away.

Home security is, of course, vital throughout the year but unfortunately the Christmas holidays often see a spike in burglaries as intruders take advantage of the fact that many homes will be left unattended. A reliable security alarm is one of the best ways to keep your home safe so if you have an alarm, make sure you use it! There are lots of simple steps you can take too, such as using timer switches to switch lamps on and off automatically and asking a neighbour to make sure your post isn’t left where it can be seen on the doormat.

Domestic electrical services from Dalec

Here at Dalec we provide a wide range of security services for residential customers and whether you’re considering installing a new alarm system, or would like to obtain a quote for security lighting, we’d be delighted to help.

Contact Dalec on 01535 606 006

Our quotes are always free and can be arranged without obligation – to find out more or to book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Electrical safety advice in Leeds

As the cold winter weather arrives, many of us think about using an electric blanket. However, whilst electric blankets are a great way to ensure you stay warm and toasty and night-time, it’s essential that they are maintained and cared for properly if they are to be safe.

It’s worrying to think that electric blankets can pose a real fire risk – they’re responsible for over 5000 house fires every year – and with this in mind we thought we’d offer some on advice on how to use them safely.

Electric blanket warning signs

Whether you use your electric blanket throughout the year, or only during the winter, it’s important to check it regularly for wear and tear. The danger signs include:

  • Scorch marks
  • Exposed wiring or heating elements
  • Damp patches
  • Frayed fabric
  • Soiled areas
  • Damaged or missing tapes
  • Worn or damaged cable

If your electric blanket is showing any of the above, or is old or damaged in any way, it’s essential that you have it checked before you use it.

If in doubt, buy a new blanket

If you’re concerned about the age, condition or safety of your electric blanket the easiest option is to buy a new one. Buying a new blanket is often cheaper than having an old or damaged one repaired and when you take into account the safety of your family and home, this seems like a small price to pay.

Regardless of how frequently you use your electric blanket it should be replaced at least every ten years. Never, ever buy a second hand electric blanket and make sure the one you choose is from a reputable supplier and displays a safety certification symbol.

Safe electric blanket storage

Electric blankets should be stored carefully if they are to be safe. Never fold an electric blanket: if you need to store yours in a box or drawer etc. it’s much better to roll it up or, even better, store it flat on a spare bed.

Contact Dalec by calling 01535 606 006

Electric blankets should always be tested by a qualified electrician and if you have any safety concerns over yours, we’d be happy to help. Our Leeds electricians operate throughout West Yorkshire so please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.