The post Considering Electrics when Buying a New Home appeared first on ETR Electrical.

Wiring a UK Plug

Stripping cables to the bare wire can be very tricky and dangerous, but we’ve got some ETR Electrical top tips to keep you on track with this one.

Nick the cable at the end and gently pull the bare wire through the insulation. Then, join the live red/brown to the plugs live terminal.

Next, the neutral black/blue to the neutral terminal and finally the bare or green/yellow wire to the earth terminal.

The live electricity has to pass through the fuse before it gets into the cable leading to your appliance. If anything is wrong, the fuse will blow.

For a fuller explanation of this complex job, why not give us a call on 079 0705 8858? Let us help you.

Replacing a light bulb

Ah, the age old joke: how many (insert name) does it take to change a lightbulb? Btt did you know, this job is more complex and dangerous than you might have initially thought.

Make sure to get a good, new replacement bulb from a reputable seller. Take a photo of your old bulb and use it to help you match the wattage and size.

We suggest purchasing an LED bulb because of the reduced risk of electrical shock and the amount of energy and therefore money they save.

When you go to change it, be aware of the trip switch, a sensitive safety device on your fuse box that disconnects the electricity in the event of a fault. To check if you have one installed, look at your fuse box and see if you have a device with a button marked “T” or “Test”.

Electrical jobs can be more difficult and dangerous than anticipated. These top tips and instructions for DIY Electrics in Lockdown from us here at ETR Electrical Ltd should guide you along the way.

The post DIY Electrics in Lockdown appeared first on ETR Electrical.

Extension leads:

As simple as this sounds, always beware of where you place your extension leads. These handy features can take the power from one room to another, but don’t overlook them as a hazard. 

Water + Electricals:

We all know that this is a terrible pair, but we need water and electricals in kitchens and bathrooms. So how do we get around it? Introduce a ground fault circuit interrupter or an RCD. These ground out the socket if water is introduced and will keep your family and your home safe. You should note that these outlets can detect an abnormality within the outlet. This means that they will shut off when a child’s fingers or toes are introduced – so you can keep your little ones safe. 

Replace smoke alarms:

Smoke detectors can be your saviour in the case of an electrical system going awry. By checking and testing your smoke alarms, you can protect your house from all fires and keep you and your family safe. 

Energy Efficient Appliances-

It’s 2021. Time to start saving on electric bills and install energy efficient appliances. 

Surge Protectors –

Why not invest in a surge protector to keep you safe?  An overloaded circuit can cause a power surge and the sparks created can lead to a fire.  

Damaged cords –

A kink on your electrical cord might be enough to cause a fire. It is important to inspect all visible chords. Electrical wires are required to be taped properly and inspected by an electrician to ensure there are no kinks.

So, why not incorporate these handy tips and tricks into your resolutions for 2021? Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe is a top priority, so let’s get started. 

The post Electrical Resolutions for the New Year  appeared first on ETR Electrical.

What are thermal imaging cameras?  

Did you know that thermal radiation was discovered by Sir William Herschel in 1800? His son Sir John Herschel went on to develop the revolutionary first thermal camera using carbon suspension in alcohol. Today, thermal imaging cameras are thermographic cameras that are used to render infrared radiation as visible light, allowing you to find differences in wave speeds and temperature. They can detect faults such as loose connections, overloaded circuits and transformer cooling faults and induced currents. 

How do thermal imaging surveys work?

Thermal imaging surveys are quick and easy methods to detect and rectify issues with electrical and mechanical equipment or moisture leaks and insulation deficiencies in your home or business. For example, thermal imaging of a wall could show dark spots, which are colder areas and indicate heat being transmitted outside. 

Benefits of Thermal Imaging Surveys

1. With thermal imaging surveys, issues with poor connections can be identified. Often these would be missed by electrical testing and inspection. 
2. There is no disruption to your business when you choose to have a thermal imaging survey carried out. Our team here at ETR will have it done quickly and safely. 
3. The surveys give excellent insight into the operational effectiveness of equipment. This will enable the identification of opportunities to make energy savings and increase the operational life cycle of equipment. 
4. You will notice a reduction in the cost of breakdowns, as a thermal imaging survey will identify faults before a breakdown happens. It is cheaper to pay for repairs rather than breakdowns!

Thermal imaging surveys are highly recommended and a commendable investment for any property owner to make. The implications of the results, in terms of finance, environmental integrity and safety, can be life changing! If you are keen to organise a thermal imaging survey, get in touch with us today. We will be happy to help.

The post Thermal Imaging Surveys appeared first on ETR Electrical.

What are electric vehicles? 

An electric vehicle may be powered through a collector system by electricity from off-vehicle sources, or may be self-contained with a battery, solar panels, fuel cells or an electric generator to convert fuel to electricity. They first came into being in the 19th century but have only become more advanced and popular since the late 2000’s. 

Why do we love them? 

Electrical vehicles are becoming less expensive and there are a wide variety of benefits for drivers making the switch. From environmental benefits to financial positives, these vehicles have it all.

Reasonable price

There is an electric vehicle for every budget. Like its petrol and diesel run counterparts, the price depends on the make and model of the vehicle. In the long run, they prove to be a brilliant investment and a better way to get around. 

Cheap to maintain

Throughout the entire life of your electric vehicle, you will spend far less than you do on your current car. There are tax incentives and special government grants, as well as enhanced fuel efficiency and a lower cost of electricity and maintenance. Sound good? 

Environmentally friendly 

Electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions making them greener, cleaner and better for the environment than any other cars. Less emissions mean reduced greenhouse gasses, and so we can begin to move towards greener and more renewable sources of energy. 

Home charging

Did you know that you can have a compact, all-weather home charging unit installed outside your home and you’ll be eligible for a £350 government grant to cover installation. This is called the OLEV Grant and we work alongside it. 

Electric vehicles are not only environmentally friendly, they’re friendly to your bank account too! Here at ETR, we are proud to offer an electric vehicle charger installation service to keep your process as simple and easy as possible. Interested in chatting? Contact us today.

The post Electric Vehicles appeared first on ETR Electrical.

Who can carry out electrical inspection and testing? 

A competent, registered electrician with the correct experience is the only person who should carry out electrical inspection and testing. 

Why do you need an EICR? 

It is vital to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report for your business because it keeps track of the safety of your installations. Over time, electrical installations can deteriorate and problems can go undetected. It is important to identify whether your electrical installations are satisfactory and safe for continued use. Remember, business owners can be prosecuted under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 for failing to comply with the Electricity at Work Regulation.

How often should my business undergo an electrical inspection? 

The answer to this question depends on the work premises. As a rule, domestic premises that you own should be tested every ten years. However, if you are renting these premises, electrical inspection and testing should be carried out every five years or with every change in tenancy. Commercial premises should be tested every five years and industrial premises every three years. 

What does electrical inspection and testing involve? 

When you organise for electrical inspection and testing to be carried out, your electrician will discuss with you and agree on the extent and limitations of the EICR before starting. They will walk through the installation with staff and carry out a visual inspection prior to installation. They will also test and inspect any circuits available and highlight any faults; any C1 defects will be reported and fixes immediately.  Finally, you will be issued with an electrical safety certificate also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

Electrical inspection and testing is a regular thing in the life of a business and it is important to stay on top of it and be aware of the requirements of your premises. This process will keep yourself and your staff safe and save you the huge fine and possible jail time if rules are not complied with. 

Related Articles: http://etrelectrical.co.uk/how-to-prevent-electrical-burns/

http://etrelectrical.co.uk/emergency-lighting/

The post Electrical Inspection and Testing appeared first on ETR Electrical.

Electrical or thermal?

When you are burnt, it’s important to make the distinction between thermal and electrical burns. They are obtained in different ways and require different treatments. It’s easy to overlook a burn and wait for it to heal, but always remember that an electrical burn can do significant damage to blood vessels, nerves, muscles, tendons, fat and bones throughout the body. 

Symptoms of electrical burns 

Symptoms will depend on the amount of electricity that passed through the body and length of time the current was in contact with the body. A couple of symptoms to keep in mind are:

• Severe muscle contractions
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness
• Visible burns on the skin
• Headache
• Feeling disoriented
• Low blood pressure which can lead to lightheadedness and weakness
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

What should I do?

If you think you have been electrically burnt, our advice is to seek medical treatment and advice as quickly as you can. If you are with someone who has been electrically burnt, ensure that they are not in contact with the current before you touch them. Try not to move them until medical assistance has arrived. 

Avoiding electrical burns

There are lots of ways to prevent electrical burns, especially at home. Here are a few of the most obvious and effective ways. 

1. First of all, ensure all outlets accessible by children are safe by covering them to prevent wet hands going near them!
2.  Avoid putting any wires or electrical items in a place where water could reach it, for example beside the kettle or sink. 
3. Also, make sure you have a working RCD fitted in your home to protect you from leaking currents. 
4. It is important to keep electrical wires away from infants because if they chew on them, they could obtain an oral burn. 
5. Finally, make sure you don’t have any counterfeit electrical appliances in your home as these are often cheaply made and will bypass certain safety requirements to reduce costs. Only buy from reputable retailers or straight from the manufacturer.

There are lots of ways to prevent an electrical burn. They are easily done and can have a world of negative effects, so it’s important to approach electrics with caution and knowledge. With ETR’s top tips for How to Prevent Electrical Burns, you can’t go wrong.

The post How to Prevent Electrical Burns appeared first on ETR Electrical.

We are ETR Electrical Ltd. We understand electrics back to front, inside out, so we’ve written an overview of what emergency lighting is, how it works and why you need it.  Picture this. A power cut or fire has caused all the lights in your apartment block, university workplace to shut off. Most people’s initial reaction could be pure panic. It’s easy to stumble, fall and possibly injure yourself in the dark.

Where you’ll find them

Have you ever noticed that every escape route is illuminated by emergency lighting? Usually, you can find it above the door. What about stairwells? These can be dangerous in the event of an emergency so every stairwell is lit by at least two emergency lights. 

During the construction stage, it is very common for emergency lighting to be installed in new buildings. The building will be designed in accordance with current Building Regulations and any local authority requirements.

Types of Lighting

There are lots of different types of emergency lights. However, usually you have a choice of two to keep you safe and well lit. 

Maintained lights are controlled in the same way as all other lights in the building. These lights will still work if the power fails, but at a lower lux level.

Non-maintained lights will be switched off usually, but they will remain fully charged at all times. The battery supply will turn on automatically if a power cut were to happen. If you’re unsure about how to install or maintain emergency lights, that’s what we’re here for. Email us at sales@etrelectrical.co.uk to chat about it. 

Qualified Engineer

Bear in mind, it is absolutely vital that emergency lighting is tested by a qualified engineer. It requires the simulation of a mains power failure on the regular lighting circuit. The results will be logged into a fire safety logbook.

A little green light above a door can seem so unimportant. But in the event of an emergency, they can possibly mean life or death. That’s why it’s important for us as  electrical testing and repair experts, to think of every eventuality. We need to cover all bases and understand what emergency lighting is and how it works. 

The post Emergency Lighting appeared first on ETR Electrical.

A legal requirement?

PAT Testing itself is not a legal requirement; it’s a method used to identify if maintenance is required. It helps to identify defects that come with usage. However, The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will expect you to perform PAT testing to make sure that you are complying with certain regulations. Some of these include:

Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974, The Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989, The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations of 1998 and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999. 

To ensure that all electrical equipment that is classified as ‘portable’ is safe for use, PAT testing is done. The legislation deems that any competent person can perform it by using a PAT instrument or tester. 

What happens if I don’t comply?

Non compliance can result in fines up to £5,000 and/or six months in prison. Offences heard in the Crown Court have carried sentences of more than 2 years imprisonment and unlimited financial penalties. It is worth keeping these penalties in mind, because PAT Testing is not legally required but could save you a lot of money and time. PAT testing is a critical part of your company’s health and safety and should be considered part of a solution to your safety concerns. It is also recommended that you keep an up to date EICR.

What’s an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report identifies any damage, deterioration, defects and/or conditions which may give rise to danger along with observations for which improvement is recommended. It is strongly advised to keep an up-to-date EICR at your premises to keep you right. Homeowners often ask for, or obtain a condition report as part of a house sale to keep them in the loop. It is recommended to carry out an EICR every 10 years, or when there is a change in occupancy. 

PAT Testing itself isn’t a legal requirement, however, in order to avoid violations of the laws surrounding electrical appliances, it is in your best interests to have these performed. Contact us today to discuss testing for your premises. 

Related articles: http://etrelectrical.co.uk/staying-safe-at-christmas/

The post Is PAT Testing a legal requirement? appeared first on ETR Electrical.

Christmas Decorations

Your decorations are used for a short period of time every year, so it is good to start by testing them prior to use. Also, if you store them in a damp, uncovered place such as your garage, you may want to consider grabbing a few new lights for this year. 

Have a read over ETR’s top tips for safety putting up your decorations. 

• Always read the instructions and retain them for future use
• Replace failed lamps immediately, make sure you only use replacement lamps of the same type and rating – if lamps are not replaceable, the whole unit may need replacing.
• Make sure your outdoor lighting is connected to an RCD protected socket, this reduces the risk of electric shock and fires. 
• Check any electrics outside are plugged into weatherproof sockets.
• Don’t overload power sockets, this can lead to overheating and fires
• Switch your lights off when you are asleep or out of the house.

Christmas Tree Fires

Christmas tree fires are usually caused by bad electrics on dry trees. Here’s how to prevent them. 

• If you have a fake Christmas tree, make sure it is fire resistant
• Check your smoke alarm once a month to ensure it is working properly 
• Water your tree daily; dry trees are more likely to catch fire. 
• Check your Christmas tree lights for frayed wires
• Switch your Christmas tree lights off before leaving the house or going to bed

Use LED lights

We recommend you use LED lights on your tree. Not only do they operate at a very low voltage, they reduce the risk of electric shock and use 80-90% less electricity to run. They are also made of more durable materials.

Staying safe this Christmas just got ten times easier. We use a lot of electrical appliances that we wouldn’t normally use during the festive season, but with our quick guide for safely decorating your house, you can’t go wrong. 

The post Staying Safe at Christmas appeared first on ETR Electrical.