Category Archives: Electricians

As we move away from traditional and the old-style emergency efficient light bulbs to the latest generation of LED bulbs here are some of the main benefits of doing so.

LEDs offer several advantages over traditional light bulbs, here’s what LEDs have to offer and what makes them so beneficial:

1. Long life

The components of an LED and the way that they generate light significantly extend the lifespan of these bulbs. Where other bulbs’ lifespans are shortened through both proper and improper usage, the LED bulb’s low heat levels, durability, and energy efficiency make it possible for it to outlast other types of bulbs by thousands of hours.

AVERAGE RATED LIFETIME HOURS
	Incandescent	Fluorescent	CFL	LED
Typical Range (Hours)	750-2,000	24,000-36,000	8,000-20,000	35,000-50,000

(1 year = 8760 hours (365 x 24))

Typically, the important parts of a light bulb, such as the filament, weaken over time, which causes the bulb to burn out. But LEDs don’t burn out the same way that other bulbs do; instead, the amount of light they produce decreases gradually in what is called 

“lumen depreciation”. The lifetime of an LED bulb is based on how long it takes for the lumen output of the bulb to decrease to 30%, so it will likely last longer than the average rated lifetime hour listed on the box if you don’t mind or don’t notice the decreased illumination.

Certain cheaper LED bulbs will only last about 5,000 hours, which is still 4,000 – 3,000 hours longer than the average rated lifespan of an incandescent, but many branded bulbs are rated for over 25,000 hours.

2. Energy efficiency

Because of their high lumen output per watt, LEDs are capable of turning about 70% of their energy into light. This makes them much more efficient than other bulbs, which waste a lot of energy by turning it into heat. It only takes a 6-watt LED bulb to produce the amount of light that a 40-watt incandescent does, and their lower temperature also makes them safer to operate. In comparison, incandescent bulbs can get so hot that they should be kept out of reach of children who might burn themselves, and they have also been known to cause fires if they accidentally come into contact with flammable materials, such as curtain fabric.

LIGHTING FACT:

Replacing a single 60-watt light bulb with an LED results in a reduction of approximately 160kg of CO2 emissions per year. If you replaced 10 lamps in your home with LEDs, that would represent a reduction of 1599 kg CO2 emissions annually. This reduction in Co2 will be lower if you are replacing an old-style energy efficient bulb with an LED one BUT there will still be a reduction, maybe only a few hundred kg of Co2!

3. High brightness and intensity

LEDs are capable of emitting an extremely high level of brightness. That’s why wattage is no longer a viable measurement of brightness – instead, look at a bulb’s lumen output when you’re making the switch to LEDs. Take a look at how LEDs compare to incandescent and CFL bulbs:

40-WATT BULBS
Type	Incandescent	CFL	LED
Lumens	450	2,400	4,000

4. Exceptional colour range

Incandescent bulbs require gels or filters to create different colours and shades of light. On the other hand, LEDs offer a wide range of colours and colour temperatures without the use of gels or filters, which can burn out or fade over time. With LEDs, it is the actual diode (or its phosphorus coating) that is changed to alter the colour of the emitted light, so you can trust that it will stay the same shade until the end of its lifespan.

5. Low radiated heat

While an incandescent bulb operates by heating its filament to a temperature that produces light, an LED bulb emits electromagnetic energy as light when electrified. By turning energy into light instead of heat (rather than using heat to generate light), LEDs are able to operate at a significantly lower temperature than other types of light bulbs.

What little heat LEDs do generate is dissipated by a special heat sink, which is designed to absorb any heat and disperse it safely away from the diodes. While the actual fixture or base can feel warm to the touch, LEDs themselves don’t emit infrared radiation in their beam, meaning there is no warmth to it. This makes them optimal for use in heat-sensitive areas, such as displaying artwork because they won’t cause fading or other heat damage to paints or dyes.

6. Reliability

LEDs are a very durable and reliable form of lighting – they can operate safely in colder temperatures, and can withstand more impact and vibration than other light bulbs because they have no filaments or other fragile parts. This stability makes them ideal for use in areas that will be subject to temperature fluctuations, inclement weather, and jostling, such as outdoors or in ceiling fan fixtures.

7. Instantaneous illumination

Does this sound familiar? You turn on a light to look for something, but you have to wait a few moments before you can see anything, or you’ve already found it before the bulb has even reached its maximum light output. Unlike CFLs, which take a few moments to warm up, LEDs operate at full brightness from the moment you flip the switch.

8. Directional lighting

By design, LEDs emit their light in one direction rather than all around. This helps reduce energy consumption because no light is wasted or trapped within reflectors and diffusers, which can keep over half the generated light from exiting the bulb. The directional nature of their output makes LEDs ideal for applications such as task lighting and recessed downlights.

9. Summary of the benefits

A SINGLE 700-LUMEN LIGHT BULB OPERATING 8 HOURS/DAY
Type	LED	Incandescent
Watts	10W	60W
Life Span	25,000+ hours	1,000-3,000 hours
Initial Cost	£2-15	£1-6
Cost per Year	£3.60	£23.88
Light Source	Directional light	All-around light
Heat Generation	Beams emits no heat	Releases 90% of its energy as heat radiation
Durable	More durable - no filament	Easier to break - fragile filament, glass bulb
CO2 Emissions per Year	28.8 kg	172.68 kg

Save money and help to save the planet by changing to LED bulbs the next time you need to buy and change a bulb/s in your home and office.

1. Look out for damaged electrical cables – all power cables and extension leads should always be checked regularly, and replaced as required. As a rule of thumb, don’t run cables under rugs and furniture, as they can cause a trip hazard, overheat or get crushed and damaged. If using out side make sure they are IP rated and designed for the job!
2. Don’t overload sockets – overloading plug sockets is a common cause of electrical fires. Always make sure the sockets are cool to the touch. And only plug one heat-producing appliance into a multi-way socket at a time. 
3. Keep electrical devices away from water – water and electricity together are a deadly combination. To follow electrical safety rules, keep all electrical equipment well away from water. There’s a high risk of electrocution if you use an electrical appliance with damp hands. And always unplug your kettle before filling it! If using for outside lights this Christmas make sure you use light, lead etc that are designed for external use (IP Rated) and RCD protected. 
4. Keep unused cables tidy and secure – electrical safety doesn’t only apply when cables are in use. Make sure they’re stored away safely when you’re not using them. It’s best not to wrap cables around objects (like your hairdryer or laptop plug), as it can stretch them, and cause overheating. And never put an electricity cable on a hot surface, as it can damage the insulation and wiring inside.  
5. Unplug all unused appliances – an unplugged appliance is 100% safer than one that’s left plugged in. Not only does it save you money – as plugged-in appliances still use power when on standby mode – but it protects them from overheating or power surges. If your sockets are a bit hard to reach, like behind bookcases or sofas, invest in a smart plug. 
6. Allow space for air circulation – electrical equipment needs room for the air to circulate, to keep cool it while it’s working. Without this, it can overheat and be a fire hazard. Don’t put anything on top of electrical appliances like microwaves, and don’t run electrical equipment in cupboards. And if you’re using a standalone heater, make sure it’s at least a foot from the wall. 
7. Make sure all exhaust fans are clean – some appliances, like hobs, have exhaust fans. These can get dirty and clogged. Keeping them clean  will not only keep them energy-efficient, but it also helps to stop them becoming a fire hazard. 
8. Be safe with heaters – it might sound like common sense, but keep combustible items away from heaters. Portable heaters shouldn't be used near curtains, and should always be on a level, stable surface. 
9. Check the fuse – it’s easy to replace a fuse on plugs – but make sure you use the right one for the appliance. Using the wrong fuse can cause a cable to overheat, and means the appliance isn’t protected against electrical faults. Always replace like for like.
10. Avoid knock-off goods – be wary of items purchased outside or imported into the UK, as these don’t always meet national safety standards. And definitely avoid counterfeit electrical goods (such as fake-brand hair straighteners), which are a leading cause of electrical shocks and fires. This goes for batteries and chargers too. Only buy the official branded chargers for your laptop or phone, ideally straight from the manufacturer. You might save money buying knock off goods but this could cost you a lot more in the long term!
11. Check you’re using the correct wattage – with the advent of energy-saving LED bulbs, this is less of a worry – as they’re less likely to overheat than the old incandescent. But using the right wattage of bulb can also prevent electrical problems – so always check first. 
12. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions – possibly the best piece of advice when using any electrical appliance is “read the instructions”. Using your devices correctly improves performance, and keeps you safe.

If any appliance gives you even a slight electric shock, stop using it at once and always a qualified electrician to appliance engineer to check it. Don’t try to repair it yourself.

Buying a new EV charger can be very confusing, especially with so many specs and options on the market. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down for you. Let’s go over the 7 best EV chargers in the market and how you can choose the best one for you 

Chargers	OHME	OHME Home Pro	Wallbox Pulsar Plus	SYNC EV	EASEE One
Costs	start from £553 inc installation	start from £656 inc installation	start from £599 inc installation	start from £591 inc installation	start from £619 inc installation
Finance Options	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Finance Begins From	£ 8.12	£ 9.63	£ 8.79	£ 8.98	£ 9.23
OZEV Approval	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Connectivity	3G/4G	3G/4G	Bluetooth/WiFi	WiFi	WiFi and 4G
Power Lead	Included	Included	Included	Not Included	Not Included
Type	Type 1 and 2	2	Type 2 only	Universal socket	Universal socket
Earth Rod	Needed	Not needed	Not needed	Not needed	Not needed
Output of Charger Power	7.4kW	3.4kW	7.4kW	7.4kW	7kW
Dimensions	89x53x239 mm	N/A	163x82x166mm	112x90x187mm	N/A
Color	No Options	Black	Black/White	No Options	Black
Cable Dock	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Charge Scheduling	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Security	Via charge schedule	Via charge schedule	Via app	Via app	Lock via app
Tariff Compatibility	Yes	Yes	No	Coming soon	No
Power Adjustment	Not available	Not available	Via app	Via app	Yes
Charger Power Output	7.4	7.4kW	22kW version available	7.4kW	7kW
Solar Functionality	No	No	Coming soon	No	No
Untethered	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Tethered Option	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Load balancing	No	Yes	No	No	Yes
Warranty	3 years	3 years	3 years	3 years	3 years
Manufacturer support rating	5/5	5/5	3/5	4/5	5/5

5 Things To Consider Before Buying An EV Charger

If this is your first time buying an EV charger, things can get a little confusing. There are a lot of numbers and ratings going around, and it’s hard to make sense of it all. Without proper research, you might end up buying the wrong kind. So let’s take a look at the things you should consider before buying an EV charger. 

Home Charging Options

While you can just opt to charge your electric car at public charging services, it might involve a lot of waiting around and is simply inconvenient. Home chargers are much more efficient and easy to use. 

The regular three-pin sockets that you might have around the house do work, but they are very slow. It’s better to have a dedicated wall box charging point in your home instead. 

• Plug Types For Your Car

Depending on the kind of plug type you have, the type of charger that will work with your car will vary. There are usually two kinds: type 1 and type 2. If you have a Type 2 plug, you can use a charging station that comes with a permanently connected charging cable. 

But a Type 1 plug type cannot be charged using this same station. You’re going to need a special adapter, which is pretty expensive. It’s usually better to get the Type 2 plug if you have the option. 

• Charging Power And Speed

The next thing you have to worry about is the wattage of your charger. There are three different kinds: 3.6kW, 7kW, and 22kW chargers. The higher the wattage, the faster they charge your car, and also the more expensive they will be. 

The 3.6kW charger will usually charge just a little bit faster than a domestic socket, so it doesn’t make much of a difference. But it’s okay if you have low daily mileage. If you use a hybrid model that doesn’t require a lot of time to charge, that's okay too!

The 7kW one is a lot faster, and it’s almost twice as fast as a domestic socket. This is usually the best option for most people, as it’s not extremely expensive and it doesn’t take a toll on your home electricity line. 

The 22kW charger, on the other hand, is the fastest option. This is great if you’re planning on buying more EVs in the future, as it’ll last you so long. But this does put a lot of load on your home power lines. So be careful about whether your house can handle it. 

• EV Grant

You might need to apply for a grant to have a wall box or charger socket for your EV at home. Since you can only apply for the grant once for every EV you own, it’s a little complicated. 

Applying for a grant allows you to significantly reduce your costs. For instance, you might need to pay about 1,200 pounds for a 22kW charger without a grant and only 850 pounds or less after the grant is applied. 

• Plug-in Or Tethered Cables 

When it comes to cables, you have two options: you can either permanently attach the cable to the charger or use one where you plug in a regular Type 2 cable. These are known as tethered and plug-in cables, respectively. 

If you consider getting a tethered unit, you don’t need to get a cable out of the boot every time. Instead, you can just plug the other end of the cable into your car. But, not all EVs are compatible with the same cable, and you might need adapters if you use a tethered cable. So the choice is up to you. 

Who Can Install Charging Stations For Your EV?

You should get a qualified electrician with experience in installing charging stations to do this work. Not all electricians know how to properly do it. You should never attempt to do it yourself, as there are high voltages of electricity involved and you might get shocked. 

There’s a lot to check before setting up a station, including ensuring that your home can handle the charger’s power needs. So it’s always best to get a professional to do it. 

Last Words

So now that we’ve gone over the 7 best EV chargers in the market, you can make your decision. You’ve gotten some ideas about how to choose the right one, so think carefully about which wall box will be compatible with your EV and work best for you. 

We hope this helped in making your decision easier. Good luck!

The festive season is almost upon us! This wonderful time of year where people all around the world decorate their houses, from the classic Christmas trees to extravagant full house displays. However, you choose to celebrate this Christmas, you need to be aware of the electrical dangers that become apparent at this time of year. Take a few minutes to read our Christmas safety tips to help ensure preventable accident doesn’t take the fun out of your celebrations especially this year as we will all be making up for lost family Christmas’ s due to COVID.  

Precautions Whilst Putting Up Your Christmas Decorations

Decorations

Most people will only use their Christmas lights once a year; therefore, it’s extremely important they are tested prior to being put up again, additionally, if your old Christmas lights have been stored in cold damp conditions such as the garage, lofts, sheds etc  all  year, it’s even more important to check them for damage. The golden rule is if they are damaged, might be damaged or if you are unsure the best advice is to replace them with new energy efficient LED ones. These will both save you money on your electric bill and help reduce your carbon footprint and help slow down global warming.

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, if any of the lights have failed or are damaged replace with the lights.
• Ensure all your outdoor lighting is connected to an RCD protected socket, this reduces the risk of electric shock and fires. Also, make sure any electrics outside are plugged into weatherproof IP rated sockets. (Only use electrical items that are designed and rated for outdoor use).
• 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.

(On a personal note, moving to energy efficient lights will also help slow down global warming).

Help 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 all your smoke alarms are working (you should test it once a month regardless of the time of year). If you don’t have any please buy some and get them installed.
• Water your tree daily to prevent it drying out, dry trees are more likely to catch alight.
• Check your Christmas tree lights for damaged and replace if any are damaged is 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 especially any open fires.
• If you have pets or young children, don’t leave them unsupervised near your tree.

Help Prevent Unnecessary Electrical Dangers This Christmas with All Services 4 U Ltd

At All services 4 U Ltd , 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 0203 627 0820 for any more deatils