Green goo or to give it its correct name 'cable greening'. Have you noticed a dark green substance, similar in appearance to Fairy Liquid running out of electrical switches and sockets? If so then read on.

In some cases it may not be obvious and will remain unnoticed until electrical work is carried out. In more severe cases you may find it dribbling down the wall beneath electrical accessories.

Why does cable greening occur?

Electrical cable requires a plasticiser to be added to the PVC insulation in order to make it pliable enough to install and use.

Without getting overly technical on the make-up of PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride) cable, what you are seeing is a decomposition of the oily plasticiser and the PVC insulation. 

Typically it's a very slow process but it can be accelerated by overheating of the PVC insulation and conductors. This is often as a result of loose connections or overloading of the circuit. 

Early PVC cables installed from the mid 1960’s to early 1970’s are the most likely to be affected by ‘greening’. Occasionally we also come across it in newer installations where poor quality cable has been used. Modern cable from reputable manufacturers now contain an antioxidant that inhibits the breakdown of the cable in this way.

Is it dangerous?

The concerns are usually around the safety of the electrical installation and is it harmful to health. 

While the plasticiser itself is not conductive the visable green goo is made up of plasticiser & copper oxide and therefore is conductive. This could present a risk of electric shock. 

Regarding damage to the wiring and accessories. The warmer the cable gets the more the plasticiser leaches out which in turn can result in the cable becoming brittle and eventually breaking down. This can cause insulation or short circuit faults and leading to circuit breakers or RCDs tripping out.

The goo substance while unsightly when running down walls and decor can also cause issues with the functionality of accessories.  As for the health concerns, contact with the green substance can cause ill effects such as dermatitis and or rashes. Precautions should be taken to prevent skin contact.

What to do...

Short and simply, it's time for a rewire. You can replace outlets/accessories but that will only serve as a temporary aesthetic solution. Unfortunately green goo also stains paint, wall paper and fabrics so wiping the excess goo away doesn’t really improve the look either.

A key point to take away from this blog is that choosing an electrician to rewire a property suffering from green goo is a little different to getting an electrician to do a normal rewire.

Ensure your chosen electrician has experience rewiring properties suffering from cable ‘greening’ and they're aware of the need to remove all existing wiring. Often electricians will just cut off old wiring and rewire over the top where cost is the customers key consideration. Unfortunately where cables are cut off entering switch and socket boxes but left plastered into walls or in inaccessible areas then they'll continue to leak & in a fairly short space of time the issue will reappear.

Concerned that your property may be affected, call now and we’ll be happy to book you in and take a look.

The post Green Goo appeared first on .

At Allied Electrical, we can provide a safe and reliable source of electricity from your home mains supply into an exterior building, as well as installing a consumer unit and any power outlets or electrical appliances you may need. Find out more about what’s possible in our latest blog post.

Power Outlets

Power outlets (or plug sockets as they are known) are the starting point of any exterior building transformation, they ensure that you can plug in all your regular appliances to make the space functional. Common uses include:

• Extending the reach of gardening equipment such as lawnmowers and strimmers without the need for an extension cable.
• Turning a garage into a utility room with a washing machine, freezer and tumble dryer.
• Installing a router to enable a Wi-Fi connection when out in the garden.
• Creating a functional office space, perfect for those who work from home that often gets distracted inside the house.
• Creating a chill-out room in the garage or outbuilding with a TV, fridge and whatever you like.
• Transforming the garden shed into a workshop.

Electric Chargers

Many electric vehicle owners who have a garage are unable to keep their cars safely inside whilst charging as EV chargers are generally installed on the exterior of their homes. As charging often happens overnight,

With a power source installed, EV chargers can be safely installed within the garage, keeping the vehicle safe from theft or vandalism and reducing car insurance premiums.

It’s not just cars that will benefit from an interior charger, we recently installed an electric charger into a shed to enable the resident to charge his electric bike without needing to leave it outside.

Lighting

Lighting is the final stage in transforming your outbuilding into a functional space. At Allied Electrical, we recommend super-efficient LED lighting – which holds many benefits in comparison to traditional fluorescent and halogen lighting including:

• Improved Durability – Particularly important in regards to outbuilding as they are often subject to harsher weather conditions.
• Cold Light – Reducing the risk of fires which is more prominent in wooden outbuildings such as sheds or summer houses.
• Instant Power-Up
• Longer life
• Lower running and maintenance costs
• Lower energy usage

What’s The Process of Getting Power To An Outbuilding?

Power supplied to your outbuilding comes directly from your mains power supply, a trench is dug to the outbuilding and a power cable (generally a steel wire armoured cable) is installed. A consumer unit is then installed to regulate and protect the circuit within the outbuilding.

Please note that supplying electricity from your house to an exterior building is something that should never be attempted without the right expertise and qualifications.

Your Friendly, Local Electrician

At Allied Electrical, we have worked with many residents in Bristol and Bath to help transform their outbuildings into a useful and functional space.

We’re Which? Trusted Traders and hold NICEIC approved contractor status, so you can be sure that any work carried out meets the relevant regulations and safety standards.

To talk to us about your next project, no matter how big or small, call us today on Bristol: 0117 303 9000 or Bath: 01225 693 056 or fill out a contact form below and we’ll get back to you.

The post Transform Your Outbuildings with an Electrical Supply appeared first on .

If you’re dreading the thought of venturing into the loft, untangling your lights and getting the step ladder out to scale the house this festive season, we can help!

We understand that you might not have the time, equipment, skills (or patience) to put your Christmas lighting up safely, so why not let one of our fully trained electricians do it for you?

Whether you’re a home or business owner, we can provide a personalised, hassle-free Christmas lighting installation service.

Our Christmas Lighting Installation Service

Unlike many dedicated Christmas decorators, we’re qualified electricians – meaning we can advise on and carry out any additional electrical work that may be required to install your lighting correctly; whether that’s an additional circuit with RCD protection or new waterproof external power outlet.

Our Christmas lighting installation service includes:   

1. Initial design conversation to discuss your requirements including the style lighting, power outlets available and where you’d like them installed. This may include a site-visit should you require a more intricate design.
2. One of our fully qualified electricians will then come to your home or commercial premises and put your lighting up – these can be your own lights or we can provide them for you.
3. In the unlikely event that any maintenance or repair is required to the lighting throughout Christmas, we’ll be on hand to help.
4. After the festive period, our electricians will come back to your property to take down the decorations.

Specialised Service for Commercial Premises

If you own commercial premises that are frequently visited by customers and clients, you’ll want to make sure you make the right impression. Commercial premises we’ve worked with before include:

• Office space.
• Shops.
• Shopping centres.
• Restaurants, bars and cafes.
• Hotels.

Whether it’s a few lights in the window or an extravagant display, we have the tools and expertise to handle any job big or small.

What’s more, we abide by all relevant Health and Safety legislation and we’re Which? Trusted Traders and NICEIC approved electricians, so you can be sure that any electrical work carried out is done to the high governing standards of these organisations.

How Safe are your Christmas Lights?

You’ve probably used the same set of bulbs in your home or business for as long as you can remember, but how safe are they?

Traditional lights such as filament or lantern lights get very hot and are prone to breakage, increasing the risk of a fire particularly if they’re wrapped around a Christmas tree. So, what’s the solution?

Modern LED lighting is recommended as a replacement for traditional Christmas lighting by the electrical safety council. Using LED lights holds a number of benefits including:

• Significantly reduced chance of getting an electric shock, this is because LEDs operate on a very low voltage.
• Using up to 90% less energy to run, LED lighting can mean significant savings on energy bills.
• Made from very durable materials, the risk of an LED breaking is much lower than traditional lighting. This is not only safer but also offers better value for money.
• LEDs produce ‘cold light’, meaning they don’t get hot in use. This reduces the risk of a fire or burn.
• LEDs are generally a lot brighter than traditional lighting, making for an even better display.
• The longer life and energy usage coupled with the fact that LEDs are usually recyclable all contribute to a reduced carbon

For more information on electrical safety, check out our blog on the importance of electrical safety awareness at Christmas.

Your Local, Friendly Electrician

If you’re dreading the thought of putting up your Christmas lights this year or want to make your commercial premises stand out with an intricate display, we can help!

For more information, or to ask a question about how to safely install your own Christmas lights, give us a call today on Bristol: 0117 303 9000 Bath: 01225 683 056 or fill out a contact form below and we’ll get back to you.

The post Allied Electrical Christmas Lighting Installation appeared first on .

Now, halogen light bulbs will become a thing of the past – with the final phase of EU energy regulations coming into force on 1^st September 2018, a move that banned halogen light bulbs from the sale.

Find out more about the ban, what it means for customers and retailers, and the benefits of LED lighting over traditional bulbs including halogen, fluorescent (CFL) and incandescent.

Why are Halogen Lightbulbs Being Banned?

The EU first set out to ban halogen light bulbs in 2016 under two directives (EC 244/2009 and EC 1194/2012) – these directives were set in place to progressively phase out less efficient light sources and cut down on CO2 emissions; the first type of light bulb banned under the directive was incandescent models.

Whilst there was some initial speculation, Britain’s planned departure from the EU had no impact on the ban, with the UK Government following this piece of EU legislation through.

How Will the Ban Impact Me?

Whilst the deadline for the ban was 1^st September 2018, retailers and consumers are unlikely to see any real immediate effects – here’s how the ban will impact:

Retailers: If you’re a retailer that sells halogen light bulbs, you will no longer be able to sell the new stock of halogen bulbs. However, his doesn’t mean you will be required to dump all your existing stock. Under the legislation, retailers are allowed to sell through any of their existing stock of halogen bulbs – they just won't be able to buy any more.

Consumers: Other than seeing halogen lightbulbs slowly disappear from shelves, the ban will not have a profound impact on consumers and you will not be required to switch out any current halogen lighting installations. Unless you particularly favour halogen light bulbs and want to stockpile more, we recommend gradually making the switchover to LED as your existing bulbs expire.

What Are the Key Benefits of LED Over Traditional Lightbulbs

Whilst many cite the higher initial cost of LEDs as a drawback, this is one of the only initial negatives of the bulbs – in comparison to halogen light bulbs, an LED offers:

• Longer life – lasting over 20 times longer than halogen bulbs.
• Reduced carbon footprint – not only do LEDs produce up to five times less CO2 than halogen bulbs - but their longer lifespan means less goes to landfill.
• Cost saving – With the factors above considered, it’s estimated by the Energy Saving Trust that the switch to LED can save up to £9 per bulb, per year in running costs alone.
• Lower maintenance costs – the longer lifespan means you’ll be changing or paying to have your bulbs changed less often.
• Increased durability – making them a favourable choice over halogen bulbs where vibrations are present such as in a warehouse, food processing plant or construction site.
• Instant power-up – if you’re fed up of waiting for your bulbs to slowly light up, you’ll welcome the instant power up that LEDs offer.
• Cold light – Unlike other bulbs, LEDs produce ‘cold light’ meaning they don’t get hot in use, this reduces the risk of burns and fires - making the bulb a safer option.

How Do I Switch My Halogen Lights to LEDs?

Switching light bulbs over is a task that can be carried out at home, we do recommend that you only attempt this if you have experience and confidence working with electrics. If you get stuck or the installation stops working after the change – call a professional electrician.

Below you will find a video tutorial from our MD, Nick Smith – running through the process of switching a halogen bulb to an LED one.

Efficient LED Lighting Installation Bristol and Bath

At Allied Electrical, we have vast experience in the design, installation and maintenance of LED lighting systems for domestic and commercial premises.

If you’re looking for a diverse, trusted and accredited electrician to help you with your next lighting project, or need expert advice on the benefits of efficient LED lighting – call us today on Bristol: 0117 303 9000 or Bath: 01225 693 056 or fill out a contact form below and we’ll get back to you.

The post Ban On Halogen Lightbulbs Lights the Way for Switch to LED appeared first on .

With the Government confirming there will be no grace period when these changes come into place; it’s important that landlords act now to ensure they are not caught out when the changes come into effect.

Find out more about the changes, the electrical safety obligations for private rental and HMO landlords and what landlords who now find themselves with HMOs as opposed to private rental properties will need to do to ensure they meet these new obligations.

What’s Changing?

The main thing that is changing is the definition of what an HMO is. Under the new rules, a property will be classed as an HMO if it is occupied by 5 or more people forming two or more separate households.

Previously, an HMO was classed as a property that was occupied by more than 5 people forming two separate households and compromising of three stories; this new regulation brings properties such as purpose-built flats with two storeys into HMO classification.

Electrical Obligations In HMOs

As a landlord, you have a number of electrical safety obligations over your property to ensure the installation is safe for the tenant, these include:

• Ensuring the electrical installation of the property is safe at the beginning and throughout the tenancy. A qualified electrician can carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to ensure the installation within your property is safe.
• Ensuring any appliances are safe throughout the tenancy. This can be achieved through annual portable appliance testing and ensuring all appliances purchased come with the CE marking.
• Ensuring that a carbon monoxide alarm is fitted in all rooms that have a solid fuel burning appliance. Both smoke and CO detectors much be in working order at the start of new tenancies.

Visit our dedicated page to find out more about your electrical safety obligations as a landlord.

If you now find yourself the landlord of an HMO, you’ll need to be aware of the following additional electrical safety obligations:

• Whilst it’s a legal obligation to ensure the electrical installation is safe in a private rented property, in an HMO, it is a legal requirement to have an EICR carried out once every five years – this inspection will need to be carried out by a qualified electrician who can provide you with a certificate following the work. Read our blog on everything you need to know about EICRs for more information.
• Provide safety certificates for all electrical appliances when requested.
• The rules regarding fire detection in rental and HMOs are relatively complex and depend on the number of storeys, the number and type of tenants and whether it includes bedsit type rooms. Full details are available on the council website at bristol.gov.uk/hmo’.

Additionally, dependant on the area you are operating in, there may be further conditions to your HMO license in regards to electrical safety – these will be defined by the local council who should be contacted to clarify.

Your, Local Friendly Electrician Bristol and Bath

If you’re a landlord or letting agency that finds yourself now in control of an HMO, we can help ensure you fulfil your electrical safety obligations. We are Which? Trusted Traders and NICEIC approved contractors meaning all our work adheres to Part P of the building regulations.

With a strong presence in Bristol and Bath for over 25 years, we’ve worked with landlords who own a single property through to some of the largest property management companies in Bristol. Call us today on Bristol: 0117 303 9000 Bath: 01225 683 056 or fill out a contact form below for more information.

The post HMO Licensing Changes October 2018 – How They Impact You appeared first on .

Unfortunately, with power sockets often in constant use for years on end with no maintenance, they are prone to damage that may be overlooked. Not addressing damage to a plug socket as it develops can result in power failures, electrical fires and expensive remedial work.

In our latest blog post, we take a look at 6 tell-tale signs it’s time to get your plug sockets replaced along with a few top tips for extending the life of your plug sockets.

Electrics Switching Off Temporarily

If appliances plugged into your outlets are sporadically switching off and back on again, you should first check that the appliance itself isn’t faulty by plugging it into a different socket. If the appliance works fine, it could be a sign that your power outlet is damaged. This can be caused by a number of issues so it’s best to have it looked at by a professional or replaced. 

Heat Scorch Marks

Corrosion, build up of dust, overloading and poor wiring can all cause power outlets to generate excessive heat when in use. If you observe any scorch marks or hot plugs and sockets, switch the outlet off at the wall before unplugging any appliances; if you don’t do this it could cause an electrical fire. Note that the socket should not be used again until it has been properly inspected.

Fuses Often Blowing  

Fuses constantly blowing can be very frustrating and can be caused by a number of things. If you have a fuse that keeps blowing, try plugging the appliance into a different socket, if it doesn’t blow, then there is most likely a problem with the socket.

Cracks To The Power Outlet Plate

Over time, the plastic plates that cover plug sockets can become worn down and crack. Cracks not only expose live wires but can also pose a serious fire risk through the dust that harbours within them. If you notice a crack, you should discontinue the use of that power socket until it is fixed or replaced.

The Green ‘Goo’

This stuff has many names, but can be characterised by its green appearance and high viscosity. The goo is degraded ‘di-isotyl’, a result of the reaction between the copper and insulation found in wiring made from 1965 and 1971.

If you do notice this unwanted goo then you need to get in touch with a qualified electrician as soon as possible, dependant on the severity and scale of the issue, it could be that a rewire is needed.

Arcing Sounds

A cracking, popping or buzzing sound coming from your socket indicates that there is something severely wrong. This is called arcing and is usually caused by damaged or loose wires. Without being inspected, this could result in a blown out plug or a more severe electrical fire.

Top Tips For Preventing Damage To Your Power Sockets

There’s plenty you can do to reduce the risk of damage to your power sockets - here are a few of our top tips:

• Never buy appliances from unreputable shops or sellers. For example, cheap knock-off phone chargers have been known to damage outlets and cause electrical fires.
• Visually inspect your sockets monthly for any of the signs listed above.
• Always remove plugs from outlets carefully, avoid pulling on the wire. This is something children may do unintentionally, so make sure your children understand the dangers of electricity.
• Avoid overloading any sockets with power extension cables. You should also never plug one extension cable into the other, also known as ‘daisy chaining’, as this can cause overheating.
• Only use plugs that have the British Standard safety mark.

Your Local Friendly Electrician Bristol and Bath

At Allied Electrical, we’re happy to quote for smaller jobs such as power outlet/plug socket replacements as well as more extensive jobs such as full home rewires. In addition to regular power outlets, we can install modern outlets such as USB and HDMI.

If you need a power outlet replacing, new ones added, or require some advice on whether it’s time you had yours replaced  – call us free today on Bristol: 0117 303 9000 or Bath: 01225 683 056 or fill out a contact form below and we’ll get back to you.

The post 6 Signs Your Plug Socket Need Replacing appeared first on .

The dangers of using a rogue tradesman are very real, not only can botched jobs cost you hundreds more than initially quoted, but they can also be very dangerous; particularly those carried out by electricians and gas engineers.

So, how do you ensure that the tradesman you trust to carry out work isn’t going to sting you? We’ve come up with our top tips for spotting a rogue tradesman, with warning signs that definitely indicate something could be wrong.

The Dangers Of Electrical Work Carried Out Incorrectly

There are an estimated 20,000 unregistered electricians operating in the UK, these electricians often quote lower than most, attracting customers through cheaper pricing.

Unfortunately, jobs are often completed to a poor standard and can be very dangerous – electrical work carried out incorrectly can pose a number of threats in your home including:

Fire – Fires destroy homes and lives, anything from an overloaded circuit to a faulty connection can cause one. Read our guide to preventing electrical fires in the home for more information.

Electric Shocks – Poor electrical work increases the risk of receiving an electric shock. If you receive an electric shock from an appliance after electrical work has been carried out, call another electrician to inspect the installation as soon as possible.

Invalidated Insurance - For extensive electrical work such as home rewires, homeowners and landlords must be able to prove that all work meets the requirements of Part P of Building Regulations.

If a rogue trader completes work that does not meet this standard, your insurance could be invalidated and you will have trouble if you ever want to sell your home. Additionally, you will have a hard time finding another reputable electrician to come and assess the work for sign off.

Expensive Repairs – Once problems with a botched electrical installation start to occur, it can be very costly to rectify; we often find ourselves called out to jobs to rectify work done by unqualified tradesman. The price of these remedial works are dependant on the extent of the problem.

Double Check Any Accreditations

Just because an electrician lists themselves as ‘NICEIC Approved’, it doesn’t mean they actually are. Don’t be afraid to ask your tradesman to show their qualifications and accreditations before they carry out work, you can also check the following websites to verify any accreditation the electrician claims to have:

• NICEIC
• Electrical Safety Register
• Which? Trusted Trader

Read Company Reviews Beforehand

As with any product or service, you should read up on other reviews before choosing a tradesman. Whilst testimonials are often displayed on websites, you should do a little more research to ensure these are legitimate. Consider checking the following 3^rd party review platforms:

• Which? Trusted Traders – every verified trusted trader will have their own profile with reviews, you can view ours
• Google Reviews – Reviews here can be left by anyone, so there is the chance of fake reviews. Simply search for the tradesman on Google to find these; you can read ours
• co.uk – People will need to be verified customers to leave a review here, so you can be sure they are legit. You can read our reviews on this platform here.
• Checkatrade – Similar to reviews.com, reviews are more likely to be legit here as only verified customers can leave one.
• Social Channels – Perhaps less important, but it’s always worth a look on social media channels to see how the business is performing there and how they interact with customers.

Be Aware Of These Common Warning Signs

Even if you’re certain the electrician you’re about to hire is genuine, you should be aware of any of these common warning signs that could lead to expensive remedial work down the line:

• Suspiciously cheap quote – If it sounds too good to be true..
• No quotation provided – Consumers should expect a fully costed, accurate quote.
• Lots of additional charges – Dodgy tradesman have been known to draw customers in with low original prices, then make their money through ‘essential’ additional extras. If they want to charge for more work, ask why and consider phoning another electrician for a second opinion.
• Pushy or urgent sales tactics – Rogue tradesman often rely on pushy sales tactics to force customers into sales before they do their research into the company.
• Cash only – Paying a tradesman in cash is always a bit dodgy. If you cant avoid it, make sure you get a receipt/proof of purchase.
• Your friends knows a guy from the pub – He might be a great guy, but electrical work is best left to the professionals.

Your Local, Friendly Electrician

At Allied Electrical, we’re proud to provide an exceptional level of service to our customers. We are Which? Trusted Traders, all our work conform to British Standard and meets the requirements of Part P; we’ve got some pretty good reviews as well.

If you’re looking for an electrician you can trust, need advice or are concerned that a tradesman has made a mess of your electrics, we can help. Give us a call today on Bristol: 0117 303 9000 Bath: 01225 683 056 or fill out a contact form and we’ll get back to you.

The post Don’t Get Caught Out – How To Spot a Rouge Tradesman appeared first on .

Fires devastate homes; valuables and possessions are destroyed, families left homeless, people injured or worse. To prevent the worst occurring in your home; here are our top tips for preventing electrical fires in the home.

Check The Condition Of Your Fusebox / Consumer Unit

In some houses, consumer units (or fuse boxes, fuse boards, electrical boxes) may have been in place for years without an obvious fault, leading homeowners to believe they are safe. Unfortunately, there are a number of issues that can occur with older consumer units:

• Some older consumer units are constructed of wood making them highly flammable.
• Some older consumer units may not be fitted with an RCD (Residual Current Device) - a life saving device that cuts off the power in the event of an electrical fault.
• Live parts of older consumer units may become damaged exposing live parts to touch resulting in the risk for electrical shocks and being a major fire risk.

If you're unsure of the condition of your consumer unit, watch the video below covering some common older models of consumer unit and the faults they are prone to. If you’re still not sure, feel free to give one of our team a call on 0117 303 9000 and we’ll be happy to advise.

How to trip test your RCD

If you have a modern consumer unit, it should be fitted with an RCD – it's important that you test the RCD every so often to ensure it is working properly.

Trip testing your RCD is quick, easy and could prevent an electrical fire in your home. It's as simple as pushing a button; watch the video below for step by step instructions on trip testing your RCD.

Don't Overload Extension Cables

Sometimes referred to as 'daisy chaining', this is the action of plugging one extension cable into another to create more outlets. It's not a sensible thing to do, and can result in leads and plug sockets overheating and catching fire.

Hardware stores and large supermarkets will often sell larger extension cables that have the capacity for 6 plugs instead of the regular 4. This is preferable to joining two together as it is then protected by a single 13Amp fuse.

Is It Time For A Rewire?

Rewiring a home is an extensive job that involves replacing some or all of the wiring in a property. Because it’s seen as disruptive and potentially messy, it is something that may be avoided by homeowners; however, living in a home with unsafe wiring can result in a loss of electric, electric shock and electrical fires.

As well as a having a rewire carried out every 30 years, you should have an electrician come to inspect your wiring if you notice any of the following:

• Intermittent lighting or power.
• Fuses repeatedly blowing.
• Wiring or switches & sockets in poor condition or damaged.
• Green sticky substance on wiring or accessories.
• DIY or poorly installed wiring or accessories.

Ensure Your Appliances Are Safe

Appliances can also cause fires in the home. Some of the most common include, tumble dryers, washing machines and cheap phone chargers. To ensure you don’t end up with an electrical fire in your home – shop smart:

• Always buy chargers in line with manufacturer's recommendations.
• Avoid buying appliances from abroad (cheap replicas on eBay).
• Research the manufacturer first – Which? Has a list of the brands most associated with electrical fires here.
• Ensure your appliances have the CE marking.
• Don’t leave items such as hair straighteners or portable heaters unattended.

Test and Maintain Your Smoke Detectors

Regularly testing and maintaining your smoke detectors won’t prevent electrical fires, but it will ensure you are alerted in the event of a fire starting.

You should aim to test your smoke detector once a week, with a quick clean being carried out once every 6 months. Watch the video tutorial below to find out how easy it is to test your smoke detector; along with how to change the battery.

Your Local Friendly Electrician

Many houses in Bristol and Bath were built over 100 years ago and the electrical installations within many of them are often out-dated and in need of work to keep them safe for continued operation. We come across so many electrical faults that with the specialist knowledge and experience that we have, can be quickly and easily fixed at a cost-effective price.

If you think you have an issue with the electrics in your property – please don't hesitate to call us on Bristol: 0117 303 9000 Bath: 01225 683 056 or fill out a contact form below and we'll get back to you.

The post A Guide To Preventing Electrical Fires in the Home appeared first on .

Failure to protect your tenants can result in huge fines, invalidated insurance policies and most importantly, an increased risk of harm to your tenants.

Find out more about your responsibilities as a landlord and how to ensure you stay compliant and keep your tenants safe.

Electrical Obligations For Landlords – What The Law Says

By law, you must ensure that:

• All electrical installations in your rental property are in a safe condition at the beginning and throughout the duration of the tenancy.
• Any appliances provided to tenants are safe and have the CE marking. Appliances include things like cookers, kettles, toasters etc.
• An electrical condition report is carried out every five years by a qualified electrician. This only legally applies to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
• You must fit a smoke alarm on every story of a rental property.

Note - From 1st October 2018, new licensing schemes are coming into place - find out what this means for your electrical safety obligations here.

Do Landlords and Letting Agents Need An Electrical Safety Certificate?

Officially called an ‘electrical installation condition report’ or EICR, these reports may also be referred to as electrical safety certificate, landlord safety test, periodic inspection report or homebuyers test.

As stated above, the law says that an EICR must be carried out once every five years in a House in Multiple Occupation, this is a property occupied by three or more people who form more than two households; this could be a student house, professional house share or similar.

However, whilst landlords of single occupation rental properties are not legally required to have an EICR carried out, they are required by law to ensure that electrical installations in the rental property are in a safe condition at the beginning and throughout the duration of the tenancy.

For this reason, an EICR is recommended to be carried at least every 5 years, by a registered electrician. You can find out more about EICRs here.

Do Landlords and Letting Agents Need PAT?

Again, PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) is not a legal requirement, but the law does state that all electrical equipment within a rental property must be safe to use.

It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure this throughout the tenancy and they will be liable should an accident occur due to an electrically unsafe appliance.

To ensure your appliances are safe to use throughout the tenancy, we recommend annual PAT of all moveable equipment in the property, this includes items like fridges, toasters, kettles and microwaves. Find out more about our electrical testing services.

Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarms In Rental Properties

As of 1^st October 20165, all private landlords in England must fit a smoke alarm on every story of their property. The alarms must be tested and working before the start of each tenancy. Check out our video guide to testing and maintaining your smoke detector below.

Additionally, a carbon monoxide alarm must be fitted in every room that has a solid burning appliance such as an open wood fire.

Other Electrical Safety Recommendations For Landlords

Here are a few other recommendations to ensure you’re not leaving your tenants at risk of electrical injury:

• Ensure that your property has adequate RCD protection. Check out our video guide to trip testing your RCD.
• Encourage your tenants to report any common electrical problems they may notice throughout their tenancy.
• Have a full electrical installation condition report carried out by a registered electrician in-between tenancies. For shorter tenancies, a visual inspection may be more appropriate.
• Use a registered electrician to carry out any electrical work in your property (even the smaller jobs), this ensures you comply with Part P of the building regulations.

Your Local, Friendly Electrician

Every landlord needs an electrician they can rely on, whether it’s a quick socket change, electric installation condition report or full property rewire – we can help you stay compliant and keep your tenants safe.

We are NICEIC approved contractors and Which? Trusted Traders, well known in the Bristol and Bath areas for over 25 years. Give one of our friendly team a call today on 0117 303 9000 or fill out a contact form below and we’ll get back to you.

The post Landlords – What Are Your Electrical Safety Obligations? appeared first on .

Take a look at a few of the benefits you get when choosing us over a one-man band or a large commercial electrician.

We’re Not Faceless

Unlike some larger electrical companies, we don’t hide behind automated phone systems – we’re local and friendly. We’re easily contactable across opening hours and are more than happy to give free advice, without the hard sell.

If you have a question or need advice, you can call us on 0117 303 9000 Monday – Friday 0:830 – 18:00 or drop us an email outside of opening hours and we’ll get back to you. We also have a playlist of DIY electrical work video tutorials for the more adventurous of you out there

Our Pricing Is Clear and Transparent

Where others inflate their prices because they don’t want small jobs, we stick to a clear, robust pricing system. Before any work is undertaken, our hourly rates and methods of payment will be clearly explained. For larger, fixed price jobs an accurate and itemised quotation will be provided that won’t be altered at the point of payment.

Following completion of the work, you’ll be sent a clear, itemised invoice for your reference; along with any necessary advice from your engineer. We’re also VAT registered, giving you the assurance that we are successful at what we do.

We Have The Staff

Having a small, experienced team of qualified electricians gives us flexibility when organising and attending jobs. You won't be put on a waiting list, in fact, and we can attend generally have an electrician out to your property within 24 – 48 hours – even for short notice emergency callouts.

We’ll be there when we say we’ll be there and unlike smaller electricians, we have the resources to get the job done straight away should any additional work be required.

No Job Too Small

Sole traders can find it difficult to cater for the smaller jobs, particularly when they could be spending their time on more profitable jobs such as rewires. On the flip side, larger companies simply won't cater for small jobs where transport costs cut their profit margins.

At Allied, we stick to the saying that no job is too big or too small, whether it’s changing a lightbulb, installing new sockets, or rewiring your entire property.

We Have The Accreditations To Ensure A Good Job Well Done

Part of our commitment to our customers comes in the form of the various schemes we are part of and accreditations we hold:

NICEIC Approved Contractors – We have held NICEIC accreditation for over 18 years, under this accreditation, we are assessed on a regular basis to ensure we are competent and capable of meeting various technical and safety standards set out by NICEIC.

Which? Trusted Traders – We became Which? Trusted Traders back at the start of 2017. You can find out more about the trusted trader status and what it means to our customers here.

TrustMark Scheme – We are registered for the TrustMark scheme through NICEIC. To achieve this accreditation, contractors are put through vetting and on-site inspections to ensure standards are high.

Independent Reviews – We don’t shy away from feedback, you’ll find independent reviews from customers on Which?, Reviews.com, Facebook, Google and other directories.

Why not read our testimonials to see what our customers had to say about our service.

Your Local, Friendly Electrician

We won't butter ourselves up anymore, so why not see for yourself? If you require any electrical work undertaking in the Bristol area no matter how big or small, or just need some expert advice; give your local, friendly electrical experts a call on 0117 303 9000 or fill out a contact form below and we’ll get back to you.

The post Why Use An Established Electrician? appeared first on .

To help ensure you’re never left in the dark again, we’ve come up with a handy jargon buster. If you need any further explanation on the terms in this post – don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Accessories – You may hear this term or see it referenced on your bill – this is a general term used for any additional extras such as sockets, switches, adapters and connectors.

Amp (A) – ‘Ampere’ is the unit of measurement for the flow rate of an electric current.

Apprentice – Hide your biscuits from these.

BS 7671 – ‘British Standard (7671) The Wiring Regulations’, this document details the British Standard that all electrical installation work must adhere to.

Building Regulations – The building regulations are minimum standards for design, construction and alterations of almost every building – electrical work falls under ‘Part P’ of the building regulations.

Capping – Capping is a thin metal or plastic covering that is used to make it easier for several cables to follow the same route. It also protects fixed wall cables during plastering.

Circuit Breaker – A circuit breaker is a device that stops the flow of current in an electric circuit, should there be a fault.

Competent Person Scheme – Being part of a competent person scheme such as NICEIC allows electricians to self-certify work carried out without needing to get building regulations approval.

Consumer Unit – Often referred to as a fuseboard or fusebox, this unit is where the electricity in your premises is controlled and distributed. Many units we come across are old, outdated and dangerous – take a look our blog for five signs it's time to upgrade your consumer unit.

Cuppa – White and one, if you would.

Daisy Chaining – This refers to the act of plugging several extension leads into each other – this can cause electrical fires – if you're stuck for socket space, buy a larger extension cable or have new sockets installed.

DC – ‘Direct Current’ – In a DC, the current is only flowing in 1 direction, you will find a direct current in batteries and cells. In an AC (alternating current), the current is constantly changing direction – mains electricity in the UK is an AC supply.

Earthing – Earthing is done to prevent electric shocks by providing a path to earth for the current should there be a fault. Earthing also causes the protective device such as fuse or RCD to switch off the current in the event of a fault.

EIC – ‘Electrical Installation Certificate’ – This is a declaration of any new installation, alteration or electrical addition is safe at the time it is put in service.  You will receive one of these upon completion of electrical work in your home.

EICR – ‘Electrical Installation Condition Report’ – this is an official document that is produced following a periodic assessment of a premises’ electric installation. You can find out more about EICR’s and the recommended frequencies for different types of properties here.

Flush Fitted – Electrical accessories such as switches or sockets are often ‘flush fitted’ to look nicer – this means that their back boxes are contained in the wall and only the front plates are visible. You may find that electrical accessories in rooms such as the garage are not flush fitted.

Fuse – Almost everyone will have experienced a ‘blown fuse’ at some point. This safety device consists of a strip of wire that melts to break the electric circuit should the current exceed a safe level.

Fusebox / Fuseboard – See ‘Consumer Unit’.

Generator – A general term given to a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Grounding – See ‘Earthing’.

HMO – House in Multiple Occupation – a property or residence occupied by 3 or more people who form 2 or more households. An HMO should have an EICR carried out every 5 years.

HV – High voltage

Incandescent Lightbulb – This type of lightbulb contains a wire filament heated to such a high temperature that it glows – they are a lot less efficient and more expensive to run than other types of electric lightbulb and thus have been phased out.

IR – ‘Insulation Resistance’, this is the measurement of how well an electrical circuit or piece of electrical equipment can handle the leakage of electricity.

Junction Box – A junction box is a box containing electric wires and cables, often used to extend circuits and direct power to additional electrical outlets. These boxes are usually made from plastic to protect the wiring inside.

Kilowatt (kW) – A measure of Watts in increments of 1,000. 1kW = 1,000 Watts.

Kilovolt (kV) – A measure of Volts in increments of 1,000. 1kV = 1,000 volts. Did you know that a single bolt of lightning can contain up to one billion volts of electricity!

LED – ‘Light Emitting Diode’ – LED lighting is a lot more efficient than halogen, CFL and incandescent bulbs, the bulbs cost more to purchase – but savings are made through lower energy bills and extended lifespan. Find out more about the benefits of LED here.

Live Wire – In a mains powered electrical appliance, the live wire (brown) carries the current to the appliances at a high voltage.

Live Conductors – Wires with an electrical current running through them.

LV – Low Voltage

mA – ‘Milliamp’ this is the equivalent of 1/1000 of an amp.

MCB – ‘Minature Circuit Breaker’. An MCB automatically switches off the electrical circuit if there is a fault such as an electrical overload.

MEIWC – ‘Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate’ – This is an EIC for minor electrical works where no new circuits have been added.

Neutral Wire – In a mains powered electrical appliance, the neutral wire (blue) completes the circuit and carries current away from the appliance.

NICEIC – ‘National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting’, well that's certainly a mouthful.  Contractors that are registered under NICEIC (like us) are assessed regularly to ensure that they are competent in adhering to various standards set out by NICEIC.

Overcurrent – An electrical overcurrent may damage insulation within cables that can cause electric shocks and pose a fire risk – an overcurrent occurs when an electrical current exceeds the maximum limit of a circuit.

Part P – ‘Part P of the Building Regulations’ states that anyone carrying out electrical installation work must ensure that the work is designed and installed to protect from fire and electric shocks. All electricians carrying out work in England and Wales must comply with Part P of the building regulations.

Portable Equipment – This term entails electrical equipment that is designed and capable of being carried or moved. This includes common household appliances such as fans, toasters, kettles etc.

Portable RCD – A portable RCD is a temporary solution that plugs into a socket that’s not already protected by an RCD. You should test your portable RCD before and after every use.

PAT – ‘Portable Appliance Testing’ this is the inspection and testing of electrical equipment to ensure that it is safe to use. Whilst PAT is not a legal requirement, landlords and business owners are legally required to ensure that their electrical equipment does not pose a danger to those they are responsible for.

Quote – As Which? Trusted Traders – we’ll stick to our quoted prices.

RCD – Residual Current Device – this life-saving device can be found inside your consumer unit designed to prevent fatal electric shocks – they work by cutting off the electricity when a fault such as a surge in electricity is detected. You should aim to test your RCD every 6 months - watch our handy video tutorial to find out how to trip test your RCD.

Rewire – An electrical rewire of a premises is the process of removing and replacing all accessible old wiring and accessories with new ones. We recommend a rewire if your home hasn’t been rewired in the last 30 years.

Socket Outlet RCD – These are RCD’s designed to protect 1 power outlet – these are often used in outdoor sockets for protection should a wire be cut when using electrical appliances for gardening or outdoor DIY.

Sparky – Slang for electrician.

Spur – An additional connection, often taken from an existing socket in order to provide a supply to a new socket.

Tripping – If your electricity is constantly tripping out it can be a sign of faulty wiring or an appliance causing a fault in the circuit.

VIR cables – ‘Vulcanised Indian Rubber Cables’, are an older type of cable that may still be present in some homes. These cables deteriorate over time especially when disturbed – if you spot them, don’t touch them and give an electrician a call immediately.

Volt (V) – Volt is the electrical unit of voltage or potential difference – we use specialist equipment to measure voltage when carrying out EICR’s.

Watt (W) – The energy consumed by an appliance or lightbulb per second is measured in watts.

Which? Trusted Trader – The Trusted Trader scheme from Which? is set up to protect consumers from rogue tradesmen. Traders must go through a rigorous assessment of their business and processes to become recognised. You can find more about the scheme and its benefits to customers here.

Xmas – Christmas is a wonderful time for all, but we see a surge in the number of electrical fires caused by fairy lights and overloaded power sockets. Take a look at our top tips for staying safe from electric faults this Christmas.

Zzz – The only noise you’ll hear from an electricians room after long days work.

More Help and Advice

So there you have it, we hope you found the jargon buster useful. If you’re confused about any of the above terms or are looking for a reliable electrician for your domestic or commercial premises; don’t hesitate to give one of our team a call on 0117 303 9000 or fill out a contact form below and we’ll get back to you.

The post Allied Electrical Electrical Jargon Buster appeared first on .

Find out more about staying safe from electricity this summer including guidance and tips if you are looking to carry out electrical work in your home by yourself.

The Dangers Of Electrical DIY

We’re all for a bit of DIY around the house, but without proper equipment and adequate knowledge, it can be very dangerous (and expensive!) with NAPIT reporting that one-third of electricians said they spend around 25% of their working time correcting botched DIY jobs.

Additionally, for extensive jobs such as rewiring, you will legally need to prove that all the work done meets the requirements of Part P of the Building Regulations. Not doing so is a criminal offence, can result in expensive remedial work and will make the process of selling or renting out your home in future very difficult.

Whilst it is possible to have a qualified electrician come and certify your electrical work after it is completed, it can be difficult to find a reputable electrician that offers this service due to the risks involved to them on a minimal return.

Electrical DIY Work You Can Do At Home

That being said, there are plenty of DIY electrical jobs you can carry out easily and safely around your home Including:

• Changing light bulbs
• Replacing a blown fuse
• Cleaning and maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Changing the battery of your burglar alarm
• Trip testing your RCD
• Checking the condition of your fuse board/consumer unit
• Visually inspecting cables, sockets and appliances for any damage

Check out our video tutorial gallery below with walkthroughs on basic jobs you can do in your home:

Replacing an intruder alarm battery

21,600 views

68    5

If you do experience problems whilst carrying out electrical work, don’t hesitate to call us for advice on 0117 303 9000.

Electrical Safety Considerations When Carrying Out Electrical Or General DIY

To ensure that you are working in the safest possible way when undertaking DIY jobs - here a couple of things to consider whilst doing electrical or general DIY around the home:

• Be cautious of drilling into your walls, this could result in a drill going through your wiring unless you know exactly where it is.
• Switch off the power before carrying out any DIY work near lights, wiring or other electrical fittings.
• Be sure that your children know about the dangers that come with electricity, check out our top electrical safety tips for adults and their children for steps on how to do so.
• Ensure that your RCD is operational before carrying out any DIY work –use a plugin RCD if necessary.

Staying Safe Whilst Doing Work In The Garden

In addition to work in the home, you may do some gardening or carry out other work in the garden, here are our top tips on staying safe whilst doing so:

• Use a plug in RCD for any appliances such as lawnmowers being used outdoors, this will prevent injury should you accidentally cut through the wire.
• Visually inspect the condition of your electrical tools before switching them on.
• Switch off any drills or other power tools before cleaning or adjusting them.
• When shopping for water feature pumps, follow manufacturers instructions during installation, call an electrician if you’re unsure.
• Consider investing in waterproof sockets in sheds and out buildings.
• Ensure that you store your equipment in a dry place when putting them away.

Advice When Going Abroad

If you’re heading out on holiday for the summer, you’ll need to ensure that you are carrying a plug that is compatible with the power outlets where you are going. You can find a full list of the different types of plugs and sockets and the countries they are used in here.

Your Local Friendly Electrician

If you’re planning any extensive electrical DIY projects this summer and need advice, or have a botched DIY job that needs repairing – we can help. As NICEIC approved contractors, all of our work conforms to British Standard 7671 and is Part P Compliant.

Give us a call on 0117 303 9000 or fill out a contact form below and we will get back to you.

The post Top Electrical Safety Tips To Prevent Injuries This Summer appeared first on .

Your fusebox, or more accurately your consumer unit, could be thought of in much the same way as the engine in your car. All of your homes lighting, power and heating runs through and relies on the consumer unit for its continued safe operation – yes, even your gas boiler requires electricity in order to work. If the fuse blows then not only will you be sat in dark room with no TV or Internet, but you may also be left without heating or hot water.

Now Is The Time For Your Replacement Fuseboard 

A new fuseboard, or consumer unit as they are technically called, may not be the most glamorous of things to spend your money on. Tucked away in that dark cupboard under the stairs makes it all too easy to ignore. 

Many people assume that because it’s been there for thirty years without a problem, it must be okay. It’s only when other works are required, such as an extra socket, that it comes to light that it’s not suitable for continued use. The technology in modern consumer units, as in many other products has moved on substantially in thirty years. For example, when rewireable fuses were in general use it was perfectly acceptable for them to take anything up to 5 seconds to blow. In comparison, modern circuit breakers and Residual Current Devices (RCD’S) trip in less than 0.4 of a second - clearly the improvement in safety is enormous! This is particularly important in older installations where wiring faults could potentially lead to fire.

Talking Of Fire, Did You Know That All New Consumer Units Are Also Fire-Rated?

Did you also realise that some older consumer units are constructed from wood? It’s not always obvious at first glance. Take a look at the photos above.  Both of these consumer units have wooden backing and are fitted with Bakelite type covers. Have a look in your electric cupboard and if yours looks anything like these, call us now.

Now with the pictures of the wooden backed consumer units above in mind take a look at this picture...

Whilst this one is not a fire-rated consumer unit - had this been an older wooden backed consumer unit the outcome could have been quite different.

Is There Anything Else That I Should Consider?

How about ease of use? Do you have a rewireable consumer unit like the one pictured below?

This is typical of the consumer units that you might find in a property that was rewired or built up to the mid 1980’s. Now imagine you had just come home, switched your lights on only to find nothing was working. Would you know what to look for or would you know which fuse to check?

If you do found which fuse had blown, would you have the correct fused wire to hand and would you actually be able to replace it (it’s incredibly fiddly believe me!). You’d be surprised to know how many call-outs we receive simply to replace fusewire.

Now compare that with the picture of the modern fire–rated consumer unit in the section above with its circuit breakers and RCD trip switches. Instantly you can see which circuit has tripped and as simply as operating a switch the circuit breaker is back on.In the event of an issue with your electric, the difference between the old and new really is like night and day. A potentially expensive call-out saved and a safe home as well!

Check Out The Four Indicators That You May Need An Upgrade..

1- Age- If your fuseboard has not been changed in twenty years then it is likely not compliant with current standards and may not provide you with basic protection. Technology and safety associated with consumer units has also moved on massively in the last thirty years from both the perspective of shock and fire protection and also the ease of use for the homeowner.

2- Does your consumer unit have an RCD or Residual Current Device? Most modern consumer units should have and this single device massively increases the safety of your home electrics.

3- Live parts exposed- Are the working parts, fuses, or circuit breakers enclosed or are parts of the board exposed? It’s surprising how many fuseboards we come across with fuseholders or blanking plates missing leave live parts exposed to touch.

4- Fire risk- As mentioned above, is your fuseboard constructed of wood or plastic? If it is then it may not meet fire regulations. Should the worst happen, would the location of your fuseboard impede your escape in the event that it caught fire? Many consumer units are located either in an under-stairs cupboard or by the front door and many of these cupboards are also used to store potentially flammable objects.

Go And Check Your Fuseboard Now

If it looks like any of the ones you have seen in this blog or if you are unsure or unhappy about it then..

The post Do You Know The Condition Of Your Fuseboard? Most People Don’t Until It’s Too Late appeared first on .

Not only does checking your RCD regularly help keep you safe and save you money, but it is one of the easiest electricity checks you can carry out yourself.

In our latest blog, we’ll run through RCD’s, how they work and how you can test yours - along with a video tutorial.

How Does An RCD Work?

Your RCD is constantly monitoring circuits for earth leakage faults. If it detects a fault on a circuit it will very quickly switch that circuit off, reducing any risk of injury or electrical fire.

Official research has found that RCD’s are about 97% reliable, but this figure would likely be higher if they were tested more often by homeowners. We recommend testing your RCD once every 6 months:

How To Test Your RCD 

As mentioned, testing your RCD is one of the easiest electrical safety checks you can carry out yourself:

1. Lift the flap up on your consumer unit.
2. Identify the RCD switch – it may be labelled as ‘RCD’ and should have a button marked ‘T’ or ‘Test’ above it.
3. Push the test button – this button will check the mechanism operates freely and should cause the RCD to turn the electricity off.
4. Switch off the circuit breakers associated with the RCD, reset the RCD and then turn the associated circuit breakers back on.

If the RCD fails to operate or you are feeling unsure about testing it yourself give your friendly, local electrician a call for further information and advice at 0117 303 9000.

Why Does My RCD Keep Tripping?

It can be a nuisance when your RCD trips out, particularly if you are coming home to a half defrosted freezer when you go away. Here are a couple of common causes for excessive RCD tripping and what you can do about them:

• Faulty appliances – This could be anything from your bedside lamp to your washing machine. We suggest that you unplug every appliance, reset the RCD and then plug them back in one at a time checking to see if any cause the RCD to trip out.
• Moisture – Humidity and moisture in electrical wiring will cause your RCD to trip. Seal any leaks in your bathroom or where rain water is getting in to prevent this.
• Outdoor equipment – This can be a moisture issue again, but can also be caused by a faulty pump in your pond or pool - be sure to unplug any outdoor electrical appliances when you go away.
• Older appliances – Older appliances can develop earth faults over time. Items with heating elements can be particularly susceptible.
• Damaged wiring – This could be caused by DIY work. Have any screws or nails been used to hang shelving up recently?

If you are having trouble identifying the cause of your RCD’s continual tripping, it’s always best to call an electrician to inspect it as it could be the RCD itself that is faulty.

Different Types Of RCD and Their Uses

The RCD in the video above was a fixed RCD in a consumer unit or fuse box. These are the most common types of RCD’s and should be present in all modern consumer units. There are two other main types of RCD’s that are designed for other applications:

Socket outlet RCD’s - These are RCD’s designed for 1 power outlet, and can also be found in extension cables. The most common use for these is for outdoor appliances such as lawnmowers and hedge trimmers. If you cut through the wire, the RCD will operate, preventing serious injury to the user.

Portable RCD – These are a temporary solution to socket outlet RCDs. Instead of having a socket fitted with an RCD, this portable RCD simply plugs into any socket. They are a useful safety measure in scenarios where an RCD is not present in the property.

Allied Tip: Portable RCD’s should be tested every time you use them.

What Are The Dangers Of Not Having An RCD?

If you are reading this blog only to discover you don’t have an RCD in your consumer unit, it's time to update your consumer unit. In the event of a fault, a newer RCD unit will switch the power off within a maximum 0.4 seconds. In an older consumer unit, circuit breakers can take anything up to 5 seconds before cutting off the electric – this is enough time to sustain severe injury and even death.

Contact Your Local, Friendly Electrician

If you are having trouble testing your RCD, fear it may be faulty, or have an outdated consumer unit, we can help. We are trusted, local electricians offering a range of commercial and domestic electrical services for customers in the Bristol area for over 20 years.

To get in touch, give us a call on 0117 303 9000 or fill out a contact form below and we’ll get back to you.

The post Trip Testing Your RCD At Home appeared first on .

Find out more about the schemes available and how they benefit electric vehicle owners.

The Electric Vehicle Home Charge Scheme

The electric vehicle home charge scheme (EVHS) is a scheme that provides a grant funding of up to 75% up to £500 towards the cost of having an electric vehicle charging point installed in your home.

These funds are claimed on your behalf by us here at Allied Electrical once the job is complete - so there’s no need to mess around with any paperwork or forms.

The scheme covers one charging point per eligible vehicle with a maximum of two charging points per household – meaning you can get up to £1000 off your total bill.

Check Your Eligibility

There are a few conditions to be eligible to take advantage of this rewarding grant:

• You must own an eligible vehicle – and be able to provide proof of ownership.
• You must have purchased said vehicle on or after 1^st April 2015.
• You have not claimed against any previous domestic charge point schemes.
• The vehicle should not be valued at more than £60,000.
• You must be a UK resident.

In addition, you will be able to claim the grant for the chargepoint if you have been assigned an eligible company vehicle for at least 6 months, or you have been leasing an eligible vehicle for 6 months.

If you are unsure of your eligibility for the scheme please contact us or OLEV.

How Much Does Charging An Electric Car At Home Cost

Electric vehicles, on the whole, are a lot cheaper to run and maintain in comparison to their petrol and diesel counterparts. In your home – charging your electric car (dependant on your tariff) will cost a fraction in comparison to regular fuel:

• Approximately £3.00-£5.00 for a full charge dependant on your tariff, time of day and vehicle.
• This equates to around 2-3 pence per mile, again dependant on your vehicle range and use.
• Based on the UK average mileage of 7,900 miles, this equates to £158 - £237.
• This is a saving of almost £400 even when compared to a reasonably fuel efficient petrol car.

The Workplace Charging Scheme

The workplace charging scheme is set up to encourage workplaces to adopt charging points at their business premises for employee use – the intention of this scheme is to see more workers adopting low-emission forms of transport.

The scheme is voucher based and businesses will be eligible for up to £300 per socket up to a maximum of 20 sockets (10 double sockets). Any business, charity or public authority is eligible to claim through this scheme so long as they have dedicated off-street parking for staff or fleet use.

To apply, simply fill out the online application form. You will then be emailed a voucher code if successful that is valid for 4 months – you can present this to claim your money off.

Benefits Of Having An EV Charging Point In Your Business Premises

There could be over 250,000 EV drivers on the roads by 2020, being early adopters of this scheme can hold many benefits for you as a business:

• Higher employee satisfaction rates – EV charging points can be considered ‘perks of the job’ and will go down well with your employees that are EV drivers.
• Company values – Investing in low emission technologies displays your commitment to the environment as a company.
• RFID tag – You can issue employees with a RFID tag/card to use the charging point – this tag makes it possible to automatically charge employees or visitors for use of the charging point.
• Benefits customers – Visitors to your business are likely to visit and stay longer if they have a place to charge their vehicle.

Have A Charging Point Installed In Your Home Or Business Today

Allied Electrical have been operating in the Bristol and Bath areas for over 20 years and are proud to be NEICIC approved and Which? Trusted Traders.

We are OLEV accredited and approved EV installers meaning all our employees are trained and qualified to carry out the installation in line with the IET Code of Practice for EV Charging.

If you’re interested in having a plug-in point installed at your home or workplace or want to know more about the scheme, please give us a call on 0117 303 9000 or fill out a contact form below and we’ll get back to you.

The post Electric Vehicle Charging Point Installation With Government Grant appeared first on .

Do I need an Electrical Condition Report? The simple answer is yes, whether it’s your home, a business or a property you rent out, your electrical installation should always be covered by an in date Electrical Condition Report. Although it’s not a legal requirement to have an Electrical Condition Report many legal documents refer to an Electrical Condition Report as a way of satisfying their requirements- The Electricity at Work Act as one example.

Do you know that if you rent out a property and your tenant is electrocuted due to unsafe electrics then you can be prosecuted? Claiming that you were unaware of the condition of the electrical installation is not a suitable defence by the way. In many areas, the local council will insist on a Condition Report for licencing rental properties.

What about the subject of insurance? Many insurers require an Electrical Condition Report before providing cover, especially where workers or the public are concerned. How would you feel about being taken to court for electrocuting a customer or employee only for your insurer to tell you that you’re not covered and you’ll have to cover the costs?

What Is Inspected In An EICR?

During an EICR, the consumer unit (or fuseboard), wiring and electrical accessories are thoroughly tested and inspected for faults or deviations from the Wiring Standards. Throughout the test, the following will be inspected and tested:

• The adequacy of the earthing and bonding.
• Devices for protection against fire and electric shock.
• Any damage or wear and tear that might affect the safety of the properties inhabitants.
• Identification of any damaged electrical fittings and accessories.
• Identification of any exposed live wires that could cause a fire or injury.

Many faults can’t be seen simply by looking and are only picked up during testing. The image to the right is showing nearly 87 volts on a metal shower enclosure. This was found after a tenant was electrocuted in a Buy To Let property in Bristol.

It would have saved the landlord a considerable amount of money and paperwork if it had been picked up during an EICR.

An EICR should only be carried out by a skilled and competent registered electrician with the experience to know what they are looking for. Believe it or not, all electricians are not the same! EICRs require a high level of skill and these skills are only gained after considerable additional training and years of experience.

Recommended Frequencies for Electrical Installation Condition Reports 

The recommended frequencies for having electrical testing carried out will vary depending on the type of premises, the recommended frequencies are as follows:

Homeowners –BS7671 (17^th Edition Wiring Regulations) recommend having an EICR carried out at least every 10 years. It is also important to have one done if you are moving out or into a new home, if your insurance requires one – or if you suspect your current electrics are old, faulty or have been subject to poor quality additions.

The only exception to this is if the property has a swimming pool – this should ideally be tested once every year.

BTL or Rented Homes - Under the ‘Landlord and Tenants Act (1985) landlords must ensure that the electrical installation in a rented property is maintained safely throughout a tenancy. To ensure this, BS7671 recommend an EICR test at change of tenancy or at least every 5 years. We also recommend annual PAT testing.

Businesses – Whilst it is not a legal requirement to have an EICR, as an employer you are responsible for the welfare of your employees. Under the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act stating that employers are ‘responsible for the health and safety of their employees’ and the ‘Electricity at work regulations’ which required that precautions must be taken against the risk of injury from electricity used as part of work activities. BS7671 recommend having an EICR undertaken at least every 5 years.

How Much Will It Cost & Is There Anything I Need To Be Aware Of?

Good question and a bit of a tricky one! BS7671 (the 17^th Edition of The Wiring Regulations) give guidance on testing and sample testing in particular. In larger installations, it is acceptable to just test a sample of the final circuits (lighting and socket circuits, for example, are final circuits). This sample can go as low as 10%, obviously, this can give a misleading view of an installation and is not recommended.

Typically this can lead to one contractor pricing to test 10% of the circuits whilst another more thorough contractor may test 75-100% of the circuits. For this reason, it is important to check what percentage your chosen contractor will be testing when comparing prices. A third scenario that we also frequently come across is contractors who will price an EICR at a loss on the basis that they will inflate the costs of the remedial works to make up for the initial low cost of the test (and often a considerable amount more). Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to quote for remedial works from another contractors test certificate, this is what the more unscrupulous contractors count on.

So, back the original question, how much will it cost..

Prices for a Domestic Electrical Condition Report start at £200 plus vat for up to six circuits with additional circuits charged at £20 plus vat per circuit. A typical three bedroom property will take around four hours to complete. Call us now on BRISTOL: 0117 303 9000 or BATH: 01225 683 056 to find out more.

Electrical Checks You Can Carry Out In Your Home

The best way to prevent costly remedial work down the line is to spot electrical problems early. Here are a number of easy and risk-free visual checks you can carry out at home:

• Ensure your extension leads are being used correctly. If you find yourself ‘daisy chaining’ (plugging one extension lead into another) rearrange your plugs or buy a larger extension cable.
• Check the casings of your sockets and light switches for any cracks, discolouration or burn marks.
• Ensure that electrics in your bathroom are situated at least 3 metres from your bath or shower.
• Testing your RCD, this can be done by pressing the ‘test’ button – when pressing the button all the appliances protected by the RCD should switch off. If they don’t, call an electrician.

In addition many remedial works we encounter occur as a result of poorly installed electrical work. Always use a registered electrician for your electrical works.

Stay Safe and Compliant With Allied Electrical

Finally, a lot of properties in Bristol are over 100 years old and may still have black rubber VIR cables (Vulcanised Indian Rubber). If you come across these then do not disturb them and call your local electrician for immediate advice. If you’re concerned about the safety of the electrics in your home, rental premises or business – get in touch with Allied Electrical today.

We are NCIEC approved contractors and Which? Trusted Traders operating in the Bristol and Bath area for over 25 years. Give one of our expert team a call today on 0117 303 9000 or fill out a contact form below and we’ll get back to you.

The post Electrical Installation Condition Reports Explained appeared first on .

Not only does carrying out your own maintenance on your smoke detector keep you safe, but it can also prevent premature failure - saving you a bit of money. In our latest blog, we’ll run through some smoke detector maintenance essentials along with a video tutorial from our owner Nick Smith:

How Often Should I Test My Smoke Detector?

Whilst every different manufacturer has their own recommendations, as a rule of thumb, you should aim to test your smoke detector weekly. If you have an elderly neighbour or relative, it’s always nice to offer to check theirs for them if they are unable to.

To test your alarm, locate the button marked ‘test’. Push and hold this button and the alarm should start ringing, along with any other detectors on the same circuit.

How Do I Change The Battery On My Smoke Detector?

Even if your smoke detector is mains powered, it will most likely have a backup battery in case of power failure, we recommend changing your battery once every 6 months – the method of changing the battery varies from model to model:

1. Switch your circuit breaker off before changing the battery.
2. If your detector has a sliding draw, simply pull the draw out and replace the battery with a new one – these are usually 9V batteries.
3. If you have a smoke detector that detaches from the base – insert a screwdriver into the marked slot and twist the base off as shown in the video.
4. Whilst you're changing your battery, remember to check the ‘use by’ date to ensure your smoke detector doesn’t need replacing.

Allied Tip: As Nick states, you may hear a ‘chirping’ noise coming from your detector – this indicates your battery is starting to run low.

How Do I Clean My Smoke Detector?

We recommend cleaning your smoke detector once every 6 months – it is essential that smoke detectors are kept clean as a build up of dust and other substances can act as an isolative layer over the sensors and reduce the effectiveness of the alarm.

To clean your smoke detector simply go over the smoke detector with a vacuum cleaner fitted with a soft brush attachment. Remember, as Nick points out in the video – it’s never wise to use any kind of spray or liquid cleaning product on anything electrical.

How Often Should I Replace My Smoke Detector?

The UK fire service recommends you replace your smoke detector once every 10 years or when the alarm reaches its ‘use by’ date – new smoke detectors can be purchased at most hardware stores, online or through your local electrician. Unless you have the required tools and know-how, we recommend calling an electrician to fit your new smoke detector.

Trusted Domestic Electricians For Over 20 Years

If it’s time for you to replace your smoke detector or you are struggling with any of the steps mentioned in the video – get in touch with Allied Electrical. We are trusted, local electricians operating in the Bristol area for over 20 years. Have a look at all of our other domestic services.

To get in touch, give us a call on 0117 3030 9000 or fill out a contact form below.

The post Testing and Maintaining Your Smoke detector At Home – Video Tutorial appeared first on .

Energy and Financial Savings

LED’s are extremely efficient when it comes to electricity usage, and with electricity prices constantly rising, it pays to make the switch, particularly if you have a large lighting system. In addition to this, whilst the initial investment is greater, an LED light has a life expectancy of 50,000 hours – over 50 times longer than a traditional incandescent light bulb, 20 times longer than a Halogen light bulb and 10 times longer than a typical fluorescent (CFL) bulb.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Many organisations have taken steps to become more conscious of and try and reduce their carbon footprint to improve their corporate image. Switching to LED lighting is a great way to not only reduce CO2 output, but also reduce the amount of waste going to landfill due to their longer lifespan. LED’s do not contain mercury that is found in fluorescent bulbs, meaning they do not need to be disposed of using specialist equipment when they do stop working.

Increased Durability

LED’s are small and robust and unlike other Lightbulbs, they are not made of glass and do not have a filament, this means they are much less likely to smash or crack under vibrations, temperatures or shock – this makes them the ideal solution for warehouses, storage units, food processing plants and other industrial or outdoor environments.

Instant Power Up

Unlike other bulbs such as eco-friendly fluorescent lights, LED’s do not take time to brighten – they instantly power up. Unlike other bulbs, they can be switched on and off constantly without shortening their life expectancy, making them ideal for busy environments. They can also be fitted to be made dimmer dependent on your requirements.

Potential Reduced Insurance Costs

LED’s produce ‘cold light’ this means the bulbs do not get hot when they are in use, unlike other bulbs. This greatly reduces the risk of burns and fires in the workplace, and therefore some insurers will lower insurance costs for offices that have LED light bulbs installed.

At A Glance: LED vs. Halogen vs. Incandescent vs. Fluorescent (CFL)

Should Traditional Incandescent Bulbs Be Removed?

Incandescent bulbs are generally unheard of in premises anymore after being phased out by an EU regulation in 2012, they are still sometimes found in restaurants and pubs for decorative effect. If you do have incandescent bulbs in your home or workplace, we recommend replacing them with newer bulbs; these bulbs are much safer, and switching will, in turn, reduce your energy bills.

Bespoke LED Lighting Solutions from Allied Electrical

In businesses that rely on their lighting, the potential savings of switching to LED bulbs are huge. If you require a trusted, diverse electrician to provide a bespoke LED lighting solution in your commercial, industrial or domestic premises, we can help.

We are Which? Trusted Traders and have been operating for over 25 years, give one of our expert team a call on 0117 303 900 or fill out a contact form with your requirements below and we will get back to you.

The post The Benefits of Installing LED lighting Over Conventional Bulbs Explained appeared first on .

What Does It Take To Become A Which? Trusted Trader

To achieve our Which? trusted trader status, we were put through the 5 step assessment process that all tradesman must go through to become recognised trusted traders:
1. Credit Check – This was to validate the financial stability of Allied Electrical Services and included a credit check to ensure our business wasn’t facing any financial issues.
2. References – This part of the assessment involved random customer reference checks from the Which? Team to ensure the level of service we provided made the grade.
3. Business Procedures – This included an examination of our business and administrative procedures.
4. Interview and Assessment – At this stage, we were visited by an assessor from the Which? trusted traders team for an interview.
5. Code of Conduct - We then became an endorsed trader by agreeing to abide by the code of conduct set out by Which?.

“Becoming a Which? Trusted Trader has given our customers’ peace of mind when we are undertaking work for them and although we have always operated to the highest possible standards, receiving this endorsement has strengthened the level of trust for all our past, present and future customers”

“We look forward to starting the New Year off as Which? Trusted Traders, and assure our customers that the high-level of service we have always provided will remain just as high”.

Nick Smith – Owner

Why Use A Which? Trusted Trader

As well as guaranteeing a high-level of service, there are several other benefits of using a Which? Trusted Traders to carry out work for you:
• Safety – Which? trusted traders and only able to undertake work that they are competent to do so, assuring customers that the person carrying out their electrical work is capable of doing so
• Transparency – This has always been at the forefront of our business philosophy, and as we always have done, Which? trusted tradesman are required to provide a clear breakdown of costs before work is undertaken.
• Dispute Resolution – Should you be unhappy with the service provided from a trusted trader, customers of Which? trusted traders have access to the use of the schemes independent resolution service.

If you’d like to read our current Which? reviews or leave one about a piece of work we recently carried out for you, please visit our personal Which? trusted trader profile.

Use A Company You Can Trust

In addition to now being Which? Trusted Traders, we have been NICEIC approved contractors for over 17 years. If you need a diverse, trusted local electrician, or require further information about any of the services we offer, give us a call on 0117 303 9000 or fill out a contact form below.

The post We Are Now Which? Trusted Traders appeared first on .

Precautions Whilst Putting Up Your Christmas Decorations

Most people will only use their Christmas lights once a year; therefore it’s important they are tested prior to being put up again, additionally, if your old Christmas lights have been stored uncovered in bad conditions such as the garage all  year, it’s a good idea to replace them with a newer set.

Here are a few simple precautionary checks to carry out when fitting your Christmas lights

• Always read the instructions and retain them for future use
• Check that your Christmas lights are not damaged before fitting them
• 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
• Ensure all your outdoor lighting is connected to an RCD protected socket, this reduces the risk of electric shock and fires. Additionally, make sure any electrics outside are plugged into weatherproof sockets
• Never overload power sockets, this can lead to overheating and fires
• Ensure you turn your lights off when you are asleep or out of the house, alternatively, put them on a timer to make sure you don’t forget

The electrical safety council now recommend the use of LED lights over traditional filament or lantern lights, this is because:

• They operate at extra low voltage, this significantly reduced the risk of electric shock
• They use 80-90% less electricity to run, this not only reduces the risk of overheating considerably, also reducing the amount of electricity used
• They are made of more durable material because there is no filament, reducing the chance of breakage

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

The majority of fires started by Christmas trees are caused by electrical problems, here are a few things you can do to ensure a fire doesn’t start in your home:

• If you do opt for an artificial Christmas tree, choose one that is fire resistant
• Ensure your smoke alarm is working (you should test it once a month regardless of the time of year)
• Water your tree daily to prevent it drying out, dry trees are more likely to catch alight
• Check your Christmas tree lights for frayed wires and replace if any are found
• Switch your Christmas tree lights off before leaving the house or going to bed
• Keep your tree a safe distance away from any heat source
• If you have pets or young children, don’t leave them unsupervised near your tree

Prevent Unnecessary Electrical Dangers This Christmas With Allied Electrical

At Allied Electrical, we can’t stress the importance of being extra cautious of the easily preventable dangers over this festive period. If you are experiencing electrical problems in your home, or need waterproof outdoor sockets fitted for your festive lighting display, give us a call on 0117 303 9000 or fill out a contact form below.

The post The Importance Of Electrical Safety Awareness At Christmas appeared first on .