Maintain Your Emergency Lighting As One Day You May Just Need It!

A week rarely goes by without the team at Fulcher Edwards being slightly concerned by the lack of interest some companies have in maintaining there Emergency Lighting in their building, yet it plays such a major part should an emergency like a power failure occur. Though some companies will happily take our advice as they were not aware of there full responsibilities before, however some just push it to one side.

Only a couple of weeks ago we had to write an letter to a company basically reiterating from a previous conversation we had with them months before of the dangers they face not having enough emergency lighting in there building. We are not talking about a small company either (not that should make any difference if it was) but they have hundreds of people entering there premises everyday who are members of the general public. Heaven forbid if an incident were to occur, in our expert opinion, it could be disastrous. As usual expense normally compromises safety, even more so these days and we are unable to force companies into taking our advice. We have still had no instructions from that company were afraid to say.

The British Standards (BS5266) recommends that emergency lighting systems be regularly serviced by 'competent' persons, which means these being persons with the necessary knowledge, skills and training to undertake emergency lighting servicing procedures.

The Purpose of Emergency Lighting?

1) To illuminate escape route signs in a building to allow for safe movement and evacuation in a emergency such as a mains failure

2) They ensure that fire alarm call points and fire equipment provided along the escape routes can be readily located and used

3) To permit operations concerned with safety measures

Regular testing in your premises ensures that your emergency lighting system remains reliable at all times and should an emergency occur then this type of lighting ensures that people can evacuate a building safely.

How Regular is Regular?
The British Standards recommends routine testing should be carried out as follows and recorded in a log book:

Daily
This requires a visual check to ensure that emergency lighting systems are operating correctly and that indicators are working. This should be carried out by the 'responsible person' delegated by a company. Any faults should be logged and corrected ASAP.

Monthly
All luminaries should be checked for signs of damage or disrepair. All emergency lights should be briefly tested to ensure that they operate in the event of mains electricity supply failure. This will usually be carried out by the 'responsible person'. Again any faults should be logged and corrected ASAP.

Annually
A full system inspection and duration test of the emergency lights should be performed by a 'competent person' who will log the details, rectify any faults and provide your company with certification for your fire safety records.

Who is a Competent Person?
This is a person who has the necessary skills, training and knowledge to perform emergency lighting maintenance and servicing. They are qualified, experienced in emergency lighting, registered with a government approved body(such as NICEIC) and comply with the British Standards. Your chosen electrical services company or electrician will also be able to advice if all lighting and exit signs are up to date with current legislation and are adequate for the purpose intended.

Who is a Responsible Person?
This is a designated member of staff in a company who can quickly and easily perform monthly checks and record information in a log book. They also need to be punctual with there tests each month and report any faults immediately to the chosen company who manage your emergency lighting system.

Why is it so Important?
Maintaining your emergency lighting and arranging regular testing in your company, ensures your emergency lighting remains fully functional during an emergency where a electrical failure may occur, lights up exit routes and signs for the specified duration.

We maintain emergency lighting for a number of commercial clients in London as well as charities, landlord's properties, rail depots, shops, restaurants & bars. Our aim with this blog post is to make businesses aware of how important it is to maintain there emergency lighting. It plays such an important role for people entering your premises who are unaware of the layout during an emergency; it really could be a lifesaver!

The Benefits of A Pre-purchase Electrical Survey Part 2

Our last blog was about the benefits of having a Pre-purchase Electrical Survey before making an offer on a new home to avoid any nasty financial surprises along the way.

We were recently contacted to carry out an Electrical Survey on a 4 bedroom house in Lewisham that a customer was interested in buying. Our electrician Fred was the chosen one for this assignment and so off he went with his test equipment in tow!

Fred's findings on this property were as follows……

Fault Identified No. 1
There were light fittings not adequately fixed, they were hanging by the wires that were connected to them.

Why is this a fault?
These light fittings are not very safe as they could fall at any time and there is also a risk of a fire starting should there be a fault with one of the fittings.

Fault Identified No. 2
The sockets in this property had been screwed to the skirting board with no backs on them so live conductors were exposed.

Why is this a fault?
Should any of the sockets start arcing due to a loose connection then it could ignite the timber skirting boards which in turn could start a severe fire.

Fault Identified No. 3
This property didn't have equipotential bonding to the gas or water services.

Why is this a fault?
In the event that the live conductor should touch the gas or water pipes within the house, they could become live which in turn could electrocute any person touching any pipe work within the property.

Fault Identified No. 4
The upstairs power circuits had been extended in 3 core flexible cable which was too small for the fuse size that was protecting it.

Why is this a fault?
In the event of an electrical fault, the fuse may not blow which therefore could cause a fire.

Fault Identified No. 5
There was no RCD protection to any socket outlets where portable appliances for the garden may get plugged into.

Why is this a fault?
Any person using portable appliances in the garden would be at risk of an electric shock. This could happen by a person accidentally cutting through the supply flex of the appliance as there trimming a hedge for example or even if a lawnmower has a fault when a person is using it.

Fault Identified No. 6
The consumer unit in the property is not up to the latest electrical standards

Why is this a fault?
New consumer units are fitted with RCD devices so to provide extra protection against electric shock should any faults or accidents occur.

What Do These Faults Mean?
Two of the above items are classed as serious problems and lead to a failed inspection on the property which if not rectified could affect any insurance cover on the property.

The Outcome of This Survey
From our customer having this survey we were able to make them aware of all of the above which they would not have discovered with two viewings prior to making an offer. From that we then were able to give them an estimate to rectify the problems above, advise on which ones were serious problems and would need attention immediately. Our customer could then see what needed to be paid for straight away and what costs were involved for the future. They were then in the position to go back to the vendor with an offer which took into account the works that would need to be done to the property.

At the time that this blog was published we were unaware if our customers offer has been accepted by the vendor but whether it does or not, the vendor is now aware of the faults also.

The cost of this electrical survey was money well spent for this particular customer as it gave them a better insight into the electrics of the property before making any commitments.

We are not saying that every property out there has an underlying problem with its electrics but surely it would be best to know exactly what your buying and if financially you need to plan for works ahead? You wouldn't purchase a car without a MOT so why purchase the most expensive item your own without knowing exactly what your paying for?
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Thinking of Moving House? - The Benefits Of A Pre-Purchase Electrical Survey

Apparently July saw a rise in the property market but I wonder what percentage of these buyers have or are going to ask an Electrician to carry out a Pre-purchase Electrical Survey on the property before making an offer?

Now I know moving is an expensive time as it is what with your Solicitors and Estate Agent fees, then you have to pay for a Building Survey, and then you have all the other costs involved with moving house, so your probably thinking something like a Pre-purchase Electrical Survey is an expense you could do without. However, imagine your in your new home a few months later, the boxes are unpacked and your past that stressful period, then just as things start to resemble some normality, you have an electrical fault which then leads to you calling out an electrician to find out what the problem is. The Electrician arrives which in turn leads to him telling you that the wiring for example, is in a terrible condition and more work is required than just the initial problem. The benefit with having a Pre-purchase Electrical Survey done is it will show the condition of the electrical wiring of a property and check the safety of the electrical installation before you comit yourself to a property.

When we buy a property, we never really know what we are going to find as we transform it into our home, walls could be in a terrible condition once you remove the wallpaper, which means you have to have all the walls re-plastered, which was like the house I purchased 2 years ago with my partner which of course we didn't budget for! Now I appreciate that no survey would show up those types of problems but the Building Survey did make us aware of some other things that needed considering, as did the Pre-purchase Electrical Survey we had done. The survey bought to our attention that some areas of the electrics in the house needed modernisation, for example, our kitchen, lounge and dining room power all fed off of one circuit. Now the demands of kitchens these days what with a washing machine, fridge freezer, tumble dryer, dishwasher, microwave, coffee machine and endless amounts of other kitchen appliances we had, it was heading for a fuse overload unless we changed the current electrical set up. Now the two viewings we had would not have made us aware of this, as everything looked fine on the surface and even thought this problem was something that could be easily rectified, the survey helped to highlight the problem to us and made us aware of the costs before deciding on the property.

The things that showed up from us having a Building and a Pre-purchase Electrical Survey did not put us off buying this particular house, the point is we went into this house knowing what to expect and what costs were involved going forward, well minus the wall problems! The survey gave us the opportunity to get a better insight into the electrical condition of our future home and therefore a decision was based on if we wanted and could afford the property or not from the findings.

If you really don't think you have anything to worry about with a property you are considering then why not consider having a Visual Electrical Inspection which gives you a reasonable insight on the condition of the electrical system in a property. The report will highlight anything that may need replacing, if any, in the future which at least gives you some peace of mind.

Whenever a customer calls us at Fulcher Edwards to find out if they should have a electrical survey on a property they are interested in, we always advise them to have one or a visual inspection as it provides you with useful information before making that offer. Its important to remember that just because something is working, it doesn't necessarily mean there are no underlining problems and it is operating safely.

If you are considering looking for a new home anytime soon then don't forget to budget for an Pre-purchase Electrical Survey as it could save you money in the long run. Just make sure that the electrician you use is registered with a Government-approved organisations like NICEIC, as registered Electricians will work to current British Standards which will lead to a job well done, because lets be honest your going to be under enough stress already!

Happy moving!

Light Up Your Garden

Believe it not, it would seem that we are actually having a Summer this year so if your lucky to have one, your no doubt making the most of your garden at the moment with plenty of BBQ's with family and friends that probably continue late into the evening. This time of year your garden is an extension of your home so why not take the time to decorate it like you would your lounge or kitchen? By this we mean with lights and not just by having one to light up the garden to help you see, but by using them it to make a feature of your garden.

There are different types of lighting designs available that would enhance any type of garden whatever size it may be. Just by adding lighting to your walls, trees, shrubs, patio, decking, steps, pond or summerhouse will instantly bring your garden to life.

There are many types of styles and effects you can choose from for your front or rear garden, ranging from traditional, contemporary to eco-friendly and you don't necessarily need to light every area of your garden or spend a fortune to create a great effect.

Below are the different type of effects available to add that wow factor to your garden:

Uplighting
This is when lighting is placed at ground level by placing a light at the base of a tree, shrub or garden building which creates dramatic effects by giving depth and contour.

Water Lighting
This is when lighting is placed in or around a water feature such as a pond. Water is great for acting as a natural mirror and adding beautiful reflections.

Downlighting
This works well when it is used to focus on a particular feature or plant as it can produce some wonderful shadows. This type of effect can also double up as a security feature too if used on a doorway of a building.

Shadowing
This effect can be achieved when placing light in front of a particular object like a statue where it will illuminate it. This works even better if there is a wall or building nearby.

Step/Path Lighting
This type of lighting is usually at low level and helps make the area safe and creates an interest as to where does a particular path or step lead to.

Cross Lighting
This is when lighting hits a particular object from both sides, which adds a softness to the lighting. This works well on benches.

Washing
This type of lighting creates a soft glow effect by placing light at the base of a wall or hedge so that it washes over the surface of them.

Moonlighting
This type of lighting is very effective and provides a romantic feel. This is done by placing and positioning a light in a tree for instance, where the light will be broken up, which then creates a dappled effect on the ground.

Most people think that only landscape gardeners can carry out these type of works, however some electrical services companies do have there own design team who can discuss your ideas, order suitable lights and install them for you and your still gain the same results. However if you would prefer to use a landscape gardening company, its worth checking with your electricians before searching, as they may work closely with a some already. By doing this you not only get a recommendation but the electrical works will be carried out by a company you already know and trust.

Deck lights, rope lights, sensor lights, LED and even security lights are just some of the many different lights on offer to you that can be used, so why not think about updating your garden and adding that wow factor while the summer season is upon us and enjoy it for many more years to come!

Electrical Safety Advice For Your Holiday!

It's that time of year when we all look forward to jet setting off to a hot destination for some well deserved chill out time with friends or family. Even though your escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, electrical safety is something you need to stay very much on the ball with even whilst abroad. Some countries do not have the same safety regulations as we do in the UK so some vital checks should really be part of your holiday routine to keep you safe.

The Electrical Safety Council recommend a few vital checks when travelling abroad and how to keep safe when it comes to electrical appliances.

Your hotel room - check that:
•there are no bare wires that can be touched where electrical accessories have been removed or damaged
•sockets and light switches are not damaged or have their covers missing
•light bulbs are properly inserted into all light fittings and are not broken or cracked
•there are no trailing extension leads or overloaded sockets and never ignore the warning signs of burning smells, sounds of arcing (buzzing and crackling), fuses blowing or scorch marks on plugs and sockets

Bathrooms - check that:
•electrical accessories cannot be touched whilst in the bath or shower

By the pool - check that:
•electrical appliances are kept away from the water

On camp sites - check that:
•there is Residual Current Device (RCD) protection or a similar device that will cut off the supply if there is an electrical problem
•flexible cables are positioned appropriately to prevent them being damaged
•electrical appliances are stored in a dry place

Keeping yourself & your family safe is not difficult if you follow a few simple rules:

1.Never touch electrical equipment with wet hands.
2.Never touch light switches if they are cracked or show signs of damage.
3.Never plug equipment into a socket which looks damaged/cracked or has part or all of the cover missing.
4.Never use mains powered electrical appliances in a bathroom.
5.Always check that cables are securely attached to electrical equipment and are not cut, nicked or damaged in anyway. There should be no joints in the cable and certainly no repairs with insulating tape. Cables should also be checked for signs of overheating, such as discoloration.
6.Always check that the travel adaptor you are using is the correct type for the country in which you are travelling and never force it into a socket if it does not easily fit.

Wherever you are on holiday, no-one should have to compromise their safety so always report any electrical dangers to the person responsible. This could be your hotel rep, tour operator or the hotel manager. If the danger is not removed immediately, insist on being moved.

These types of checks will put your mind at rest so you can really enjoy your break. Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday!

Fire Safety In The Home - Electrical Appliances

I think most people would agree that we take electricity for granted and forget the damage it can cause if not treated with care. Electricity can kill, can give you an electric shock and it can also cause a fire.

Below are some guidance notes on electrical appliance safety that every homeowner should follow to help protect there family and home from a fire:

1) Check your sockets on a regular basis to see if they feel hot and if there are any burn marks. A registered electrician can check for you to see if they need repairing or replacing.

2) Regularly check the flexible cables on all your appliances for damage, such as fraying and general wear and tear. Then check to see that the cable is fastened securely to the plug. If any appliances show any sign of the above then stop using them until they are repaired. Checks should always be carried out before you plug any appliance into a socket.

3) Do you know how old your wiring is? Electrical installations should be checked at least every 10 years in a house and when you move into a new home. Look at it as an MOT for your home the same reason you have your car checked. If you live in rented accommodation, the electrical installation and appliances provided are the landlord’s responsibility. You have the right to ask to see a copy of the certificate or report confirming that the installation meets the UK national standard BS 7671 so you know how safe they are.

4) Check the current rating of an electrical adaptor before you plug appliances into one. Always make sure that the total current used by the appliances are not more than the adaptor’s rating.

5) Turn off any electrical appliances like TVs, computers and hairdryers that you are not using, especially at night as this is when a fire can spread quickly and cause more damage. This also helps you save energy and will help reduce your electricity bill.

6) Always take care when using hand-held electrical appliances and switch them off and unplug them when you have finished using them. This is particularly important if you have items that can get very hot like hair straighteners, hairdryers and curling tongs which, if left on can easily cause a fire by being in contact with any flammable material that they are in contact with.

Things You Shouldn't Do!

1) Don’t use a bulb with a higher wattage than the one printed on the light fitting or lamp shade you are using.

2) Never cover the air vents on fan heaters or storage heaters.

3) Don't overload electrical adaptors by plugging too many appliances in to one socket especially appliances like kettles, heaters and irons as they have a high electrical current. A registered electrician can install extra sockets for you which would be much safer.

4) Never let flexible cables trail under rugs or carpets.

5) Do not dry clothes on electric heaters or place it near curtains or furniture.

Get A Smoke Alarm!

If a fire starts in your home, a smoke alarm will give you the valuable time you need to escape. Its important to check yours regularly as someone is twice as likely to die in a house fire if your smoke alarm does not work. Speak to your local Fire Brigade as they may be able to install one for you free of charge as part of there free home fire risk check.

Remember that elecricity can kill, so you should always follow advice on electrical safety as it could save your life!

Have you got an RCD? If not why not!

A recent survey showed that many people confuse RCD's with circuit breakers, however an RCD offers a lot more protection and can even save your life!

What does an RCD do exactly?

RCD is an abbreviation for residual current device. Should danger arise when using electrical equipment, such as a toaster or a lawn mower, this little device turns the electricity off so that no harm comes to the person using it, such as an electric shock.

Is home really the safest place?

1 in 8 of us are still getting electric shocks in the home and every week someone dies of an electrical accident in the home. Now we all know that electricity kills but we all seem to think that our homes are the exception and that things like an electric shock wont happen to us, but we face electrical dangers everyday unless we protect ourselves correctly. An RCD can protect our family from electrical fires and electric shocks in the home.

What RCD option is best for me?

There are two different types of RCD's that can be installed into your home:

RCD on your fuse box:
A registered electrician or electrical services company like Fulcher Edwards can install a new fuse box for you with RCD's fitted. This option provides you with the highest level of protection as it covers all wiring, sockets and appliances on the circuit.

Plug-in RCD:
This can be plugged into any socket in your home or garden and will protect you should there be a problem with the particular appliance you are using and have used the RCD plug-in device at the time.

Fulcher Edwards would always advise our customers on having an RCD on your fuse box as the level of protection is so much higher than the plug-in RCD as its unlikely you will use these for every appliance in your home. This option would not protect your family all of the time unlike the fuse box option.

To make people more aware of the importance of having an RCD fitted in your home the Electrical Safety Council have launched a campaign called Plug into Safety. Their website in general offers lots of advice on how to make your home safe so we would definitely recommend a read when you have some time.

An RCD can save a life so surely this little device is worth a consideration in your home?