Top ten tips for safe Christmas lights
There’s nothing quite like the twinkling of fairy lights to brighten up Christmas. But it’s really important to be aware of the potential extra risks in order to prevent fires or injury. That’s why we’ve put together some simple tips to create the sparkle and not the spark this Christmas.
Untangle your lights fully and check for any frayed cables or exposed wires.
Replace broken bulbs with the same type and rating as the originals.
If your lights are getting on a bit (and many people have lights that are decades old), it’s probably time for an upgrade.
If your set has traditional filament bulbs, you might want to replace it with a new LED version. LED bulbs emit less heat and use less energy too.
When buying new lights, check they have the BS Safety Kitemark or CE mark.
Don’t overload sockets or extension leads by plugging in loads of items or connecting extension leads to each other.
If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure it doesn’t dry out by keeping it well watered and away from heat sources – and never spray it with anything flammable like glitter or hairspray!
Only use lights outside that are specifically designed for outdoor use and plug them into an RCD (residual current device) circuit breaker.
Make sure you have a working smoke alarm – test it to check. And it’s a good idea to have a fire extinguisher within easy reach too.
Don’t forget to SWITCH OFF your lights if you go out or when you go to bed. Believe it or not, one in 12 people say they leave Christmas lights on overnight
So now your lights are sorted, we’d like to wish you all a bright and merry Christmas!
The Electrotazz team
If you’d like to talk to us about our commercial and industrial service, please get in touch.
When you’re working inside all day, the choice of lighting can have a huge impact on your working environment.
When there is little or no natural light available, artificial lighting can influence how you feel; it can have an impact on safety; and even determine the productivity of your team. Too dim, and it’s a strain to see what you’re working on. Too harsh, and it can feel very uncomfortable.
We’ve come a long way since the days of the standard commercial set-up of rows of flickering and buzzing fluorescent tubes – although there are still plenty of those about! The modern equivalents are much improved and there’s far greater choice available when it comes to lighting fixtures. It’s now possible to create imaginative, inviting and practical commercial and industrial spaces which are well lit and conducive for work, using low energy options which can cut energy bills too.
Whether it’s a traditional office or a factory warehouse, careful thought needs to be given to the choice of lighting. The first step is to make the most of the natural light you have available and consider the layout of the space, including making sure windows are not blocked by furniture or machinery. It’s then a case of considering the nature of the work being carried out in each area before deciding which lighting to choose. It might mean that different areas need different lighting solutions – which is why we work closely with our clients to understand the nature of their business, so we can advise on the best possible lighting to suit their needs.
There are careful calculations which need to be carried out to determine the level of light required, including taking into account any guidelines or codes for particular industries or commercial environments. Building features such as ceiling heights and materials, paint finishes, furniture, flooring etc. can all have an impact on how the lighting works, so these must also be considered.
The position of lighting is also key, so it is directed in the most appropriate way. And there is an amazing array of choice - from sleek LEDs, ‘daylight’ bulbs and industrial strip lighting, to adjustable desk lamps, up-lights and recessed options. The most popular lighting in offices tends to be the 600x600 led panels that fit flush within the ceiling panels.
While there are some pretty funky lightbulbs available these days, these are often more about style than practicality – great for mood lighting in a social space, but not very helpful if you’re trying to read detail on a plan, or fixing a piece of equipment. So, it’s about choosing the appropriate lighting for the space. But you don’t have to have a one-size-fits-all set-up - a mix of lighting can be a great way to mark out different areas and provide a welcoming working environment.
On top of lighting choices, advances in technology mean it’s much easier to create a flexible and responsive approach to lighting with smart controls and automation built in. It’s no longer just a case of lights on or off for the day. Sophisticated technology can adjust lighting to suit the mood, environment, seasons and shift patterns etc.
So, when it comes to lighting a commercial or industrial space, it’s a good idea to get trusted advice before you even consider the kind of lights you want. There’s a lot to take into account, but if you get it right, you can create a really positive working environment that can have far reaching benefits for your business.
If you’d like to talk to us about our commercial and industrial service, please get in touch.
We all know that smoke alarms save lives.
Early warning of a fire is crucial for alerting people to evacuate and summon help. That’s exactly what a well-fitted and maintained smoke alarms provide for millions of homes and businesses across the UK.
Despite this, 2017/18 government statistics tell us there was no working smoke alarm at 47% of the fires that resulted in someone being injured or worse. That breaks down as 34% with no smoke alarm fitted, and 13% where the alarm didn’t go off. In a further 9%, the alarm did activate but didn’t alert people, suggesting that at least some were fitted where people couldn’t hear them. Added together, that’s 56% of fires where a smoke alarm either wasn’t there or didn’t do its job.
All this shows that it’s not enough just to have a smoke alarm. It’s crucial that you pick the right type, fit it correctly, test and maintain it. If you’re a homeowner, it’s your choice to install, test or maintain your alarm (or not), but there are times when you’re legally required to take responsibility.
Let’s take a look at smoke alarm regulations in the commercial world.
There are several situations where the law says you must provide smoke alarms.
Landlords must provide at least one smoke alarm on each floor of their properties. If that property is a house of multiple occupancy, the alarms must be interconnected and powered by mains electricity. They must check the alarms are working at the start of each tenancy, and there are penalties of up to £5000 if they don’t comply.
·Workplaces are required to provide ‘appropriate’ smoke alarm systems. Employers can work out what’s ‘appropriate’ by completing their fire risk assessment. In most cases, a smoke alarm will be needed as a minimum.
·Mains-powered alarms have to be installed in all new buildings and after major refurbishments. These must be installed by a qualified electrician, and best practice is to choose a system which has battery backup in case of a mains power failure.
There are different types of smoke alarms to choose from.
The alarms all look similar and can be powered by batteries or mains power, but there are two main types.
Ionisation alarms are the cheaper option and are slightly less sensitive to slow burning or smouldering fires. They’re very sensitive to fast flaming fires fuelled by materials like paper and wood.
Optical alarms cost more but are better at detecting slow burning fires from materials like overheated PVC wiring or foam-filled upholstery. They’re slightly less sensitive to fast flaming fires, making them the better choice for installing near a kitchen.
You can also buy heat alarms (ideal for kitchens), and alarms which combine two different types of smoke detector, or combine a smoke detector with a carbon monoxide detector. Alarms with vibrating pads or flashing lights are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Smoke alarms should meet British Standard BS EN14604: 2005 and feature the Kitemark. If you’re looking at alarm kits for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, look for British Standard BS5446-3:2015.
How to fit your smoke alarms.
You should fit at least one alarm on each level of your building, or more if you can. Ideally, they should be in every room except the bathroom, kitchen and garage.
The alarm should be as close as possible to the middle of the room, at least 30cm (12 inches) from walls or lights. Crucially, make sure it’s somewhere you can hear it throughout your home, especially when you’re asleep.
Look after your alarm so it can look after you.
Never remove the battery to use in another device. Unless it’s a sealed unit with a 10-year battery, you’ll need to replace the battery each year. You should test your alarm weekly or monthly, but as a minimum, test it when the clocks change. You should also vacuum it occasionally to remove dust.
Smoke alarms have a life-span, so after ten years it’s time to get a new one and dispose of the old one responsibly.
Not sure? Talk to us!
If you’re not sure what kind of alarm is best for you or need help fitting it, we’re here to help. We can talk you through the options, pick out the right alarm system for you, install and maintain it so that it’s always there to keep you safe.
Want help checking your smoke alarms, then please contact us to find out how we can assist you.
Is your contractor in touch with the new electrical wiring rules?
New wiring regulations came into force in January designed to make it safer for electricians and consumers, and to improve energy efficiency.
This year Electrotazz has made the leap and we have gone digital.
That's right, we have made the decision to get digital and get our business on-line and join the 21st century. For most having a web page is the norm and many businesses across the globe have had a website for many years, so why did it take us so long I hear you ask?
Well, we agree there are no excuses. But the fact we are always busy providing our clients with the best service possible is probably one reason why we left getting on-line to the last minute. But don't fear we have now joined the revolution and we plan to keep pushing forwards and integrate more modern technologies into our business over the coming months.
Why not let us know what you think about our new shinny website, email hello@electrotazz.com