LED technology has surged in popularity amongst businesses, heralding a new era in lighting solutions. The pivot towards this innovative technology is underpinned by its remarkable energy efficiency. Unlike traditional lighting methods, LEDs consume a fraction of the power, offering an immediate reduction in energy bills. This efficiency is not merely about cost-saving; it contributes significantly to environmental sustainability efforts, aligning with the growing corporate responsibility towards greener operations.

Another pivotal advantage of LED lights is their superior longevity. Traditional lighting systems often necessitate frequent replacements, entailing not just the cost of new bulbs but also the labour involved in their installation. LED lights, in contrast, boast an operational life that dramatically outstrips that of their incandescent or fluorescent counterparts. This extended lifespan is a boon for businesses, mitigating the recurrent expenditure and inconvenience associated with bulb replacements.

Moreover, the heat emission associated with LED lighting is markedly lower than that of traditional bulbs. This characteristic not only reduces the risk of fire but also contributes to a more comfortable and safer working environment. The lower heat output further enhances the energy efficiency of the overall lighting system, as less energy is wasted in the form of heat, thereby reinforcing the economic and environmental benefits of LED lighting.

Additionally, the versatility of LED lighting opens up a spectrum of aesthetic and practical applications. From creating a conducive work atmosphere through adjustable colour temperatures to enabling dynamic lighting solutions that can adapt to specific needs, LED technology offers unparalleled flexibility. This adaptability extends to outdoor and industrial settings as well, where robust, efficient lighting is paramount.

The convergence of these factors – energy efficiency, longevity, safety, and versatility – underscores the compelling case for businesses to transition to LED lighting. By embracing this technology, companies not only stand to realise substantial cost savings and operational efficiencies but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of operation. LED lighting, therefore, represents not just an upgrade in lighting technology but a forward-looking investment in the future of business operations and environmental stewardship.

The Lifespan of LED Lights: A Cost-Effective Choice

The impressive durability of LED lights stands as a hallmark of their appeal to businesses across sectors. With a service life that significantly surpasses that of conventional lighting solutions, LEDs present a compelling case for commercial adoption. The operational longevity of these lights often extends up to an astonishing 50,000 hours, dwarfing the lifespan of traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. This remarkable endurance translates directly into reduced maintenance and replacement requirements, offering a reprieve from the cyclical costs and operational disruptions typically associated with conventional lighting maintenance.

Beyond mere longevity, the extended lifespan of LED lights encapsulates a broader economic narrative. In an environment where operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount, the ability to deploy a lighting solution that demands infrequent replacements is invaluable. This aspect is particularly salient in large commercial settings, where the logistical and financial implications of lighting maintenance are magnified. By diminishing the need for periodic bulb replacements, LED technology facilitates a smoother, more predictable operational cadence, allowing businesses to allocate resources and attention to core activities rather than ancillary maintenance tasks.

Moreover, the enduring nature of LED lights plays into a larger strategy of cost containment and sustainability. In a climate of escalating energy costs and increasing environmental consciousness, the appeal of a lighting solution that combines longevity with unparalleled energy efficiency is evident. It’s a synergy that not only aligns with fiscal prudence but also with a growing mandate for environmental stewardship within the business community.

In sum, the extended lifespan of LED lights represents more than just a technical specification; it embodies a strategic advantage for businesses. This attribute, when considered in concert with the broader benefits of LED technology, reinforces the rationale for transitioning to LED lighting as a prudent, forward-looking decision. The confluence of durability, reduced maintenance requirements, and associated cost savings underscores the role of LED lights as a cornerstone of modern, efficient, and sustainable commercial lighting strategies.

Running Costs of LED Lights in the UK: A Financial Analysis

In the context of the United Kingdom, where energy costs are on an upward trajectory, the financial implications of running traditional lighting systems versus LED installations warrant close scrutiny. LED lights stand out for their frugality in energy consumption, a feature that directly translates into lower operational expenses for businesses. A comparative analysis of the running costs associated with these two lighting solutions sheds light on the economic advantages of LED technology.

The energy efficiency of LED lights is unparalleled; they require significantly less power to operate than their incandescent or fluorescent counterparts. This efficiency is particularly advantageous in the UK, where electricity prices have been consistently rising. By converting to LED lighting, businesses can experience a dramatic reduction in energy expenditure. The savings on energy costs alone can be substantial, providing a tangible return on the initial investment in LED technology.

Further compounding these savings is the longevity of LED lights. Their extended lifespan means that the frequency of replacements is markedly reduced, which, in turn, lowers the long-term costs associated with purchasing and installing new bulbs. This attribute is especially beneficial in a commercial context, where the scale of lighting installations can amplify the financial impact of maintenance and replacement operations.

It’s also worth noting that the UK government offers various incentives aimed at encouraging energy efficiency among businesses. These incentives can offset some of the upfront costs involved in transitioning to LED lighting systems. By capitalising on such schemes, businesses can further enhance the financial viability of their investment in LED technology.

The operational cost analysis of LED lighting extends beyond mere energy consumption and bulb replacement. The inherent efficiency of LEDs means that they also emit less heat than traditional bulbs, contributing to a cooler workplace environment. This can lead to secondary savings on air conditioning and cooling systems during warmer months, adding another layer of cost efficiency to the switch to LED lighting.

When considering the cumulative financial benefits – from reduced energy consumption and maintenance costs to government incentives and ancillary savings – the case for upgrading to LED lights becomes compelling. For businesses operating within the UK’s economic landscape, the switch to LED lighting is not just a pathway to environmental stewardship but a strategic financial decision that promises tangible returns and operational efficiencies.

Potential Savings: Making the Case for LEDs

The economic benefits of transitioning to LED lighting for businesses are significant and multifaceted. Beyond the immediate reduction in energy consumption, the extended lifespan of LED bulbs stands as a testament to their cost-effectiveness, minimising the need for frequent replacements and thereby reducing ongoing maintenance expenses. This aspect is particularly beneficial for commercial entities where the scale and scope of lighting can magnify the costs associated with traditional lighting solutions.

In the United Kingdom, the financial allure of LED lighting is further enhanced by governmental incentives designed to encourage energy efficiency amongst businesses. These incentives serve to mitigate some of the upfront expenditures involved in the transition to LED technology, making the investment even more attractive. Businesses keen on optimising their operational costs while also contributing to environmental preservation find these incentives a compelling reason to switch to LED lighting.

The savings accrued from LED lighting extend beyond the direct reduction in energy bills. The lower heat emission from LED bulbs contributes to a cooler work environment, potentially decreasing the reliance on air conditioning systems and thus further reducing energy costs. This indirect saving is an added advantage, particularly during the warmer months when cooling requirements are higher.

Considering these factors, the case for upgrading to LED lighting is strong. The potential for cost savings is considerable, encompassing not only the immediate and tangible benefits of reduced energy consumption and lower maintenance requirements but also the longer-term advantages derived from government incentives and indirect energy savings. For businesses in the UK, the decision to upgrade to LED lighting is not merely an operational upgrade; it represents a strategic investment in sustainability, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility. By aligning with LED technology, businesses position themselves to benefit from both immediate and sustained financial advantages, reinforcing the compelling case for making the switch to LEDs.

1) Don’t overload sockets – electrical safety
It’s important to be aware of the power output your electrical devices need, and never exceed it. Overloading a socket with too many appliances can lead to dangerous situations and even fires. When using multiple appliances at once, make sure to look out for damaged electrical cables, and keep unused cables tidy and secure. Don’t overload sockets – unplug all unused appliances and allow space for air circulation. Check the fuse, check you’re using the correct wattage, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you need more sockets, use a power strip, but avoid plugging in any high powered appliances such as kettles or heaters. Keep electrical devices away from water, as this is a serious fire hazard. With these simple tips in mind, you can ensure that your home stays safe and free from danger.

2) Keep liquids away from electrical appliances – electrical safety
One of the most important safety tips when it comes to electricity is to keep liquids away from electrical appliances. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, so it’s essential to make sure that you’re taking all necessary precautions when using electrical items around liquid. To stay safe, look out for damaged electrical cables, and make sure that you don’t overload sockets.

Keep electrical devices away from water and any other liquids, and keep unused cables tidy and secure. Unplug all unused appliances, allow space for air circulation, and check the fuse – this is particularly important in wet or humid areas. Check you’re using the correct wattage for the appliance you’re using and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Taking the time to ensure that electrical items are kept away from water or any other liquids can help to prevent serious accidents and injuries.

3) Check cords and plugs regularly – electrical safety
It is important to check cords and plugs on a regular basis for any signs of damage or wear. Look out for damaged electrical cables, frayed or exposed wires, or bent or broken plugs, as these can all pose a fire hazard. If you come across any of these issues, have them repaired or replaced by an electrician immediately.

Don’t overload sockets as this can cause overheating and short circuits. Keep electrical devices away from water and make sure to unplug all unused appliances. Keep unused cables tidy and secure, and allow space for air circulation. Check the fuse and ensure you’re using the correct wattage, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any electrical device.

4) Use extension cords sparingly – electrical safety
It is important to look out for damaged electrical cables, keep electrical devices away from water, and keep unused cables tidy and secure. If you must use an extension cord, unplug all unused appliances to avoid overloading the socket, and make sure to allow some space for air circulation.

Furthermore, check the fuse before plugging anything in and make sure you’re using the correct wattage. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using an extension cord and don’t overload the socket. To be on the safe side, only use extension cords for temporary purposes.

5) Never use bare wires – electrical safety
When dealing with any kind of electrical wiring, it is important to never use bare wires. Bare wires are exposed to the elements and can cause a dangerous shock or even start an electrical fire. It is important to look out for any damaged electrical cables and replace them immediately if you find any. To help avoid using bare wires, be sure to keep unused cables tidy and secure.
To prevent any type of electrical hazard, it is important to follow some simple safety tips.

Don’t overload sockets, keep electrical devices away from water, unplug all unused appliances, allow space for air circulation, check the fuse, check you’re using the correct wattage, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. By following these tips, you will be able to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

6) Don’t touch electrical appliances with wet hands– electrical safety
It is important to look out for damaged electrical cables and never touch an electrical appliance with wet hands. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, so it is essential to keep electrical devices away from water. If a cord is damaged, make sure to replace it immediately and never overload sockets.
Keep unused cables tidy and secure and unplug all unused appliances when not in use.

To prevent overheating, allow space for air circulation around the appliance, check the fuse, check you’re using the correct wattage and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep in mind that electrical safety should never be taken lightly.

7) Unplug appliances when not in use – electrical safety
It is important to always unplug all electrical appliances that are not being used. This is the best way to reduce the risk of fire or electric shock due to a fault in the appliance. Look out for any signs of damaged cables and plugs and don’t overload sockets or use an extension lead if necessary. Keep electrical devices away from water and make sure to keep unused cables tidy and secure.

When you’re done using an appliance, remember to unplug it, and keep it out of reach of children. Allow space for air circulation around electrical appliances to prevent overheating. Additionally, check the fuse and check you’re using the correct wattage as well as always following the manufacturer’s instructions. Taking these simple steps will help ensure you are keeping yourself safe from the potential risks associated with electricity. – electrical safety

Landlord electrical safety certificate

On 1st June 2020, the electrical regulations for private landlords in England were updated. From this point, landlords were required to have all electrical installations in their rented properties inspected by an approved electrician to make sure that they are safe. The resulting electrical safety certificate is now required by law for each private rental property in England.

Landlord electrical safety certificate legal requirement 2021

The regulations were made law in a staggered process; they were first introduced for new tenancies, with a requirement for electrical installations to be checked and tested before the start of any new tenancy.

The next milestone was 1st April 2021 when the regulations were updated to include existing tenancies. This means electrical inspections are now required for all private tenancies and that they must be carried out and certified by a qualified electrician.

Why are electrical safety checks important for landlords?

Electrical accidents in the home can be fatal. If you rented out a property with faulty wiring to tenants and it happened to injure or kill one of them, you as the landlord could be held liable. For your own peace of mind, as well as your tenants’, you need to be certain that you’re providing a safe living environment and that you’re also covered against any legal action. A thorough inspection of your property’s electrical circuits and a clean bill of health means you can rent out your property for the next few years knowing you’ve done everything in your power to ensure accidents are kept at bay.

How long does a Landlord’s electrical safety certificate last?

Electrical inspections must be carried out every five years as a minimum, to ensure the safety of private tenants.

What is the penalty fine if you don’t comply?

If a landlord is found to be non-compliant with the new law or if it’s been found that they’ve made no attempt to complete necessary remedial works identified by the inspection, the landlord could face a penalty fine of up to £30,000, which shows the seriousness of the electrical safety guidelines.

What will the electrical inspection be looking for?

The qualified electrician carrying out your inspection will be searching for any inadequate earthing or bonding. They’ll seek to identify any defective or faulty electrical work in the property and also check if installations are overloaded.

They’ll be checking things such as:

• Wiring circuits
• Lighting circuits
• Ring mains and or radial circuits to sockets
• Fuse boxes/consumer units
• Extractor fans
• Fixed electric appliances, e.g cookers electric showers

The electrician can make any immediate hazards safe before they leave your property. The inspecting electrician won’t check the safety of portable electrical appliances, such as white goods, kettles, toasters or TVs, unless you also ask them to do a portable appliance (PAT) test.

Is PAT testing a legal requirement?

No, PAT testing is not a legal requirement for landlords, but we highly recommend asking your electrician to add PAT testing, especially if you’ve provided items including the above as part of a fully furnished rental property. This is a great way to ensure you’re doing everything you can to keep your tenants, your property and yourself safe.

What happens after the electrical safety inspection?

The electrician must give you a copy of their report, providing the results of the inspection. It’ll also let you know if any work is required and will give you a date for your property’s next set of checks.

What if my electrical safety report is unsatisfactory?

If the inspecting electrician suggests that repairs, improvements or further inspections are required, the work must be completed within 28 days – however, they can request a shorter period depending on the type of fault that’s reported.

If the local authority or your tenants request a copy of the report at any time, you as the landlord must provide this to them within 28 days.

Can tenants demand a copy of the Landlord’s electrical safety certificate?

Yes. The regulations absolutely require a copy of the electrical safety certificate to be supplied to all new and existing tenants as proof that a qualified electrical inspector has found the property’s electrical circuits to be safe and in good working order.

How can landlords prepare to meet the new electrical safety regulations?

It’s important to make sure that your property’s electrical safety inspection is carried out by a contractor who is a member of an electrician’s Competent Persons Scheme (CPS) or who has signed a checklist confirming they’re skilled enough to carry out the required checks.

Carrying out your own electrical work at home can cut corners, but at what cost? Safety is an obvious issue. Electricity is extremely dangerous. It can kill. But there can often be a greater financial cost later on in rectifying a bodged DIY job that could have been avoided if a professional electrician had been hired in the first instance.

A lot of people are happy replacing a faulty fuse in a plug. It’s a straightforward job, but you should never interfere with the actual plug socket. If your sockets have experienced some form of damage, you need to call a professional.

The more ambitious might try their hand at smaller projects such as installing light switches and light fittings, wall lights etc.; jobs that you might think too expensive to have done by an electrician. But often it’s the case that an electrician is called out to fix a simple job that turned into a nightmare. To rectify faulty wiring that has been caused by the homeowner attempting to carry out the job themselves, damaged light fittings, damaged cables and switches. And in some cases, electrical accessories have been known to catch on fire.

If you are working on home improvements, you may want to look at replacing the electrics in your house. This needs to be carried out safely and you should seek advice from an electrician. If you’re seeking it from electricians in London, do give us a call.

We are often called by homeowners who have carried out repairs asking for us to certificate their own electrical work. Unfortunately, we can’t do it. The work needs to be carried out by a professional from the outset.

As a homeowner, you are entitled to carry out any electrical works in your home. But, be advised that you will be asked to present all the certifications for the electrical work carried out if you ever move or rent your property. You cannot obtain the appropriate certification following your own installation of electrical work at a later stage.  If someone is injured or property is damaged your insurance will be invalid if you do not have the appropriate certification to prove the system is safe.

If you want the job done quickly and properly, look no further than Elextric Ltd for professional electricians in London.

Are an essential part of any building maintenance service, and landlords are no exception to this rule – especially if they live far away from the property itself and are unfamiliar with any existing wiring systems or problems. That’s why it’s important to hire the best London electrical contractors you can find and work with them on every single job, no matter how small it might seem at first glance. Here’s why this approach works so well…

Lighting

Make your home more attractive to tenants by upgrading some of your fixtures with new LED lights. These energy-efficient devices can last up to 50,000 hours, according to CBS News. That’s at least 20 years before you’ll need to change them again. And LED lights are attractive because they produce less heat than other bulbs, meaning you won’t have to worry about a tenant or visitors getting burned by an overheated fixture when it’s turned on.

You also don’t have to spend time and money installing dimmers that work with incandescent lighting; dimmable LEDs are available as well. You might even see property owners offer rent reductions if tenants upgrade their appliances to energy-efficient items, while simultaneously reducing their monthly utility bill! With all of these perks (plus others), LEDs simply make sense in any property that is being rented out.

Power Points

When considering electrical contractors in London, homeowners and business owners have a number of options. However, not all are created equal. If you’re looking to enlist a high-quality contractor who’s earned a reputation for excellence in your area, call in professional electricians from Elextric ltd. The company has been providing expert electrical solutions to homeowners and businesses throughout London since 2013.

Switches

Many landlords are unaware that it’s against building regulations to install electrical equipment in their properties without enlisting a licensed contractor. It doesn’t matter whether you have a simple light switch or an elaborate audio-visual installation – legally, only experienced electricians can carry out work on any part of a property’s electrical system. This means that if you need an electrician to take care of any aspect of your home or business, you should call Elextric Ltd. – London’s leading electrical contractors!

Smart home technology

For small landlords, large-scale home improvement projects can be daunting, but today’s electrical contractors are specialists in small and large jobs alike. With smart home technology, property owners can easily manage their homes remotely with a mobile app, allowing them to unlock doors if they left something behind or turn off lights when they aren’t at home. Smart locks are a great option for landlords who have properties that require frequent entry and exit, especially given how affordable some models are.

Make sure your landlord is comfortable with a new type of door lock before you install one though; not everyone is as tech-savvy as you might hope! Smart thermostats can also help reduce energy costs while reducing potential damage to your rental property from high heating bills or clogged radiators.

New Builds

London landlords often overlook electrical systems when considering maintenance issues in their properties. From faulty wiring to faulty appliances, however, many electrical faults can cause a lot of damage and serious danger to tenants. But with Elextric’s expert London electrical contractors on hand, landlords can rest easy knowing that their property will be safe and efficient all year round. The London market is one of the extremes, with a stark difference between homes on either side of The River Thames. But no matter which area you’re in, landlords need to be aware of electrical safety.

With Elextric Ltd, any new installation will meet all current regulations and ensure that your property is safe for tenants to live in. We also offer maintenance contracts, so once your home or business has been fitted with electrics by our qualified engineers (using materials sourced from reputable suppliers), we’ll keep it up-to-date with regular visits to guarantee that all works remain safe and effective year after year.

Electrical safety
An electrical inspection is a proactive way to keep your family safe from a fatal accident in your home. Overloaded or damaged wires can spark and lead to fires and electrical failure, which have been linked to more than 10,000 deaths annually. If you’re buying an older home, it’s important that you get it inspected by a professional before moving in. For more information on electrical safety and how an inspection could help you, contact your local electrician today.

Updated Wiring
If your home is older than 20 years, you should probably get it inspected by a registered electrician. Many older homes use knob and tube wiring, which is installed in such a way that there are exposed live wires hanging everywhere. It’s also not grounded properly, so if you touch an exposed wire while standing on wet ground, you can easily get electrocuted.

Keep your family safe with regular inspections
While electrical problems are rare, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Make sure your home is up-to-date with a thorough electrical inspection from a registered electrician. It’s one of the best ways to ensure you and your family stay safe and secure in your home.

Incorrectly Wired Wiring
Incorrect wiring is one of the main reasons for house fires. The best way to avoid a devastating fire is by getting your home inspected every couple years. You can easily get an electrical inspection as part of a home inspection. But what exactly does an electrical inspection entail? What are you inspecting for? How often should you get one? Let’s find out!

Faulty Fixtures
If a light switch isn’t working, it’s likely that an electrical circuit isn’t functioning properly, either. A faulty fixture could be at fault—or it could be something more serious. Either way, a professional inspection will help you find out what’s wrong and how to fix it.

Safety First
Electrical systems can be dangerous if they’re not properly maintained. Even routine inspections can reveal problems with wiring, fuses, and circuit breakers that could lead to a life-threatening electrical fire. That’s why many localities require homeowners to get annual electrical inspections for their homes—and why it’s wise for anyone who lives in an older home (as most homes built before 1987 do) to have their electrical system inspected regularly.

Do some research first
Get a few recommendations from friends and colleagues, then head online and look for reviews on sites like Trustpilot and Google Places. You’ll likely find reviews from others who have worked with local electricians, along with information about how much work they did, how long it took, and whether there were any complications (and if so, how they were handled). Also, take note of your contractor’s insurance status.

Check online reviews
Online reviews are a great resource for finding an electrician. Try searching online and you’ll likely find several options in your area, as well as ratings and reviews from people who have worked with them.

Interview multiple contractors
The first step in finding a good electrician is doing some research. Check Electrical Competent Person Website, TrustMark, and other review sites to see what people say about contractors in your area. Consider talking with multiple contractors before making your final decision. Some may give you a free estimate, while others will charge for consultations—you’ll have to weigh these costs based on how serious you are about hiring that person.

Get at least 3 quotes
While it’s tempting to just choose a name off a list of electricians in your area, make sure you get at least three quotes from qualified electricians before making your final decision. A cheaper price isn’t always indicative of better workmanship, so have each offer in writing before signing on with anyone. And remember, even if it’s for an emergency job, you can still negotiate to overprice if you need to.

Look up their qualifications
With some trades, tradesmen may have years of acquired experience on the job, but no formal recognition or qualifications. However, with electricians, there are certain industry standards that you need to look out for.

All electrical work must be done in line with legal standards, and in some cases, particularly larger jobs including new circuits, it must be either:

Approved by the Building Control department of your local authority. Carried out by tradesmen registered with a competent person scheme, who is qualified to self-certify their work

This is to ensure that all the electrical work is safe, and will not pose a danger to yourself and other people in your home. If the work does not come up to standard, your local authority can insist that the work be corrected, while you can face difficulties selling your home if you don’t have the correct electrical safety certificates to show that the work has been done.

The section of building regulations that applies to domestic electricals is called Part P. While there are exceptions that do not need to be inspected, such as minor modifications of circuits in dining rooms and bedrooms, and telephone cabling, it is always worth checking with your local authority to see if your planned work needs to be certified.

An electrician who is qualified and registered with the following competent person schemes is allowed to self-certify their work, issuing you with a certificate of compliance on completion, and dealing with Building Control on your behalf:

• BSI
• ELECSA
• NAPIT
• NICEIC
• SELECT
• TrustMark

The government also backs the “Registered Competent Person Electrical Mark”, called Electrical Safety First. Designed to help protect consumers against unlicensed electricians, you can check on the site that a tradesman is registered.

Designing lighting for your home can be challenging, especially if you’re not sure what kind of lighting will work best in your room or if you’re on a tight budget. Fortunately, there are many different interior lighting design options to choose from depending on the function and type of space you’re trying to illuminate. Once you have that figured out, choosing the best light fixtures can be easy if you follow these three simple steps.

Interior Light Design & Benefits

Lighting up your home creates a nice, warm glow that lets you unwind after a long day of work or study. But not all lights were created equal, and interior lighting can be tricky: too bright and it’s distracting; too dim and it’s hard to read. It’s important to have good lighting in every room of your home so you can accomplish tasks more easily at night—and have an overall better experience inside your home when it’s dark outside. As you begin planning out interior light for your home, remember that different types of lights are designed for different purposes: ambient, task-oriented and accent lights shine brighter than decorative bulbs but won’t impair vision like overhead lighting might.

Master Bedroom Interior Lighting

Interior lighting is not just about making your home brighter; rather, it’s a lot more complicated than that. For example, if you have lights in both of your master bedroom’s nightstands, but you don’t turn one on after getting up from bed—you might be inadvertently wasting energy and money. Make sure you understand how all of your lights work and make good use of them by setting up some lighting rules that make sense for your family. After all, a well-lit home makes life easier at all hours of the day. The same goes for each room in your house; there are smart ways to use light in every room, including those rooms you might typically associate with darkness like closets or kitchens.

Living Room Interior Lighting

Lamps and Chandeliers – When selecting a lighting fixture for your living room, there are a few things you need to consider. First, decide whether you’d like something fun and decorative or if you’d prefer something that is more functional and low-key. Once you know what sort of light fixture you want, think about how it will work with your home design; Is it going to clash with what’s already in place? Or will it fit right in? Lastly, think about who might be using that space; adults or children?

Kitchen Interior Lighting

When planning your kitchen’s interior lighting, it is best to start with a strong central source of light and then use additional light fixtures as needed. The central source should have some ambient light (i.e., lights that are dimmer and provide general illumination), such as an overhead fixture or pendant lights. Then, you can add task lighting above your countertops, such as wall sconces and under-cabinet fixtures. Finally, accentuate your kitchen’s focal point with decorative track lighting or recessed downlights; lighting a focal point—like a beautiful island in your open-concept kitchen—will draw attention to it.

Bathroom Interior Lighting

When people are inside their bathroom, they want it to feel as comfortable and relaxing as possible. This is why many homeowners take extra steps when it comes to bathroom lighting. A large part of achieving a calming atmosphere in your bathroom is getting a lighting design that complements your style.

Kitchen Interior Lighting

It’s no secret that adding interior lighting can make a huge difference in your space. Installing recessed lights in your kitchen can have a dramatic effect on both appearance and utility while adding LED strip lighting under your kitchen cabinets will give you an advantage during food prep. Similarly, placing halogen lights in your bedroom will create a stunning evening ambience and make waking up in that space even better. All of these projects are cost-effective ways to improve your home’s design and functionality; for more ideas and inspiration, check out our Pinterest board. And if you’re interested in finding out how any of these projects could be completed at a discounted rate, contact us today!

Exterior Wall & Garden Lighting

Exterior lighting is a great way to illuminate walkways and attract nighttime wildlife or just add a special touch of light. To install exterior wall and garden lights, contact a lighting designer. They will design a system that meets your needs and fits in with your home’s style. And if you need help installing it, they can help with that too! After installation, some clients opt to add bulbs that change colour so their home has an added attraction at night.

Residential Wall, Ceiling & Track Lights

Having a home office with adequate lighting will not only make you more productive, but it can also help keep your creativity flowing. Since most of us spend so much time in our homes, it’s important that we feel comfortable there. Adding track lights or wall sconces provides extra lighting and ambience that can change up any room. Track lights are recessed into a ceiling grid and can be moved in any direction along with a rail system.

If your fuse box is struggling to keep up, you might have noticed:

• flickering lights
• unresponsive sockets
• a burning smell
• scorch or burn marks on the fuse board
• frequent ‘tripping’

To check the condition of your fuse board, organise for an electrician to take a look. They will be able to tell you if it needs replacing, and at the same time, they can advise you on the general condition of your wiring and the rest of your electrics. Usually, this is done by conducting an EICR.

The dangers of using an old fuse board

By far, the biggest reason for upgrading your old fuse board is safety. Though it will have complied with regulations at the time it was fitted, it’s unlikely to meet modern safety standards. If something goes wrong and your fuse box doesn’t have the right safety devices fitted, you run the risk of an electric shock or, even, a fire.

New consumer units are designed to provide protection from two main faults.

1.  Earth leakage

Earth leakage is an electrical current returning to the ground via a different path than the one intended. To put it simply in an example, if you cut through the power cable of your lawnmower, the electric current running through it will find an alternative path to the earth itself. Without a circuit breaker, the current could travel back up the handle of the lawnmower, and give the person holding it a severe electric shock.

2. Over-current

Over-current is usually caused when the capacity of the circuit is exceeded i.e. too many devices require power at the same time (electrical overloading). A fuse box that was installed 25 years ago, or even 15 years ago in some cases, is unlikely to be able to keep pace with the demands of a modern household – think TVs in every room, chargers for portable devices, games stations, and smart speakers. If too much current travels through the circuit, it can cause the wires to overheat, melt, and in some cases, cause a fire.

Safety devices on a modern fuse board

You might have heard of a surge protection device (SPD). It’s designed to protect against over-voltage (a surge of electricity) that could cause damage to electrical equipment, serious injury or even loss of life.

Typically, modern fuse boards are fitted with safety devices to protect against earth leakage and overcurrent.

• A residual current device (better known as an RCD) is a device that trips quickly when it recognises an earth leakage and protects you from a risk of an electric shock. An RCD usually protects multiple circuits (see below)
• Residual current-operated Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent protection (better known as an RCBO). Does what an RCD does but protects individual circuits and can prevent nuisance tripping
• A miniature circuit breaker (also known as a trip switch) is designed to break an electrical current if it exceeds a certain threshold or short circuits.

Mandatory regulations in the UK make it clear that new fuse boards must be fitted with these devices to protect householders and tenants from suffering an electric shock.

The benefits of an RCBO over a split load

An RCD usually looks after more than one circuit, which means that if it detects an earth leakage in any one of these circuits then it will trip them all.

So, for example, one RCD could protect a bank of circuits, that includes your shower, downstairs lighting, and cooker. If it detects an earth leakage on the circuit for your shower, you’ll also lose power to your downstairs lighting and cooker – this is known as ‘nuisance tripping’.

A nuisance yes, but the real problem arises when it affects ‘mission-critical circuits’, like:

• tropical fish tank
• fridge freezer
• fire alarm
• security system
• CCTV system.

Coming home to a fridge freezer full of ruined food after two weeks away isn’t anyone’s idea of a welcome return, and it can be costly.

Also, unfortunately, some installations wouldn’t be able to have a split load consumer unit, where the accumulated earth leakage adds up to more than 30% of the RCD rating then an RCBO consumer unit would be needed.

RCBOs are arranged in a different way so that each circuit has its own ‘trip device’ that works independently from all the others. So, as in the example above, if your shower was to trip off, then your downstairs lighting and cooker would remain intact.

This is the best way of protecting individual mission-critical systems, without the headache of having to divide the risk between different banks of circuits.

Fuse board upgrades with Elextric Ltd your London Electricians

As part of your fuse board upgrade, we will carry out a complete test of your current electrical installation, and advise you on the condition of not just your old fuse board, but your wiring and other electrics as well. With Elextric Ltd you will benefit from:

• Registered electricians
• a new RCBO-protected, 18th edition consumer unit complete with surge protection as standard.
• protection against dangerous electrical hazards
• upgraded earth bonding to gas and water supplies
• upgraded mains meter tails to supply your new consumer unit

Fuse board upgrades are classed as notifiable under building regulations. All Elextric Ltd electricians in London are registered with a competent person’s scheme, which means we can self-certify our own work, and it won’t need inspecting by the local authority.

When we have finished, we’ll issue you an electrical installation certification (EIC). This certifies that the work meets the highest safety standards, and you’ll need to keep this.

It’s our policy never to recommend work that doesn’t need doing – we operate with complete transparency. So, rest assured that if we make a suggested change to your system, then you’ll know exactly why it’s needed and how much it will cost.

Tips for Improving Your Patio Space with Outdoor Lighting

Before selecting an outdoor lighting fixture for your patio, it is important to take the time to consider which type of outdoor lighting will work best for your space. Some of the things that you should consider when adding outdoor lighting to a patio include:

1. Use Different Types of Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

When designing the lighting for your patio, consider using multiple types of outdoor lighting fixtures for different spaces. There are three types of outdoor lighting that you can use: ambient, task, and accent.

• Ambient lighting works to provide general illumination, setting the ambience and overall light level of a space.
• Task lighting contributes to ambient lighting, while also providing enough light to one particular area for work to get done.
• Accent lighting also contributes to ambient lighting but is more decorative than the other two types of outdoor lighting.

2. Control the Amount of Outdoor Lighting

Installing lighting controls, such as dimmers, motion sensors, or timers, can help save money on your electrical bill, while also controlling the amount of light being used. You can also consider installing timers and photocells that run on solar energy so that the outdoor lights automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn.

3. Select Weather-Resistant Materials

One of the most important aspects of selecting outdoor lighting for your patio space is to ensure that the fixtures are made from weather-resistant materials. Doing so will help keep your outdoor lighting running at optimal efficiency for as long as possible.

4. Choose the Right Size Outdoor Lighting Fixture

When selecting an outdoor light fixture for your patio, it is important to choose a fixture that is large enough to strike a balance between proportion and light output. Take the time to consider how the light fixture will look from a distance, as well as how it looks up close. If you are still uncertain of what size will work best, it is always better to choose a fixture that is larger than you think you will need.