The importance of having a Residual Current Device (RCD) installed within your premises is highlighted in these photographs where this fault (screw through part of a cable) was undetected until an RCD was installed as part of a new consumer unit installation.

The life saving device which offers a level of personal protection that ordinary fuses and circuit-breakers cannot provide tripped when it sensed an imbalance between the neutral and earth wires. This fault within a socket in a family home was thankfully detected by the RCD before the cable hole increased through time and touched and exposed the red live wire where the potential of shock and fire risk would have greatly increased.

RCD's are now a very important requirement of current electrical regulations where most if not all circuits within a home should have RCD protection.

Further information on RCD's can be found at the weblink below and here at SES we offer free estimates in most circumstances if you would like us to quote for the replacement of your old fusebox with a new safer life and premises saving RCD consumer unit.

http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guides-and-advice/electrical-items/rcds-explained/

If we have carried out electrical work for you in the past we would love feedback on our service which you can submit online here.

Our past feedback can be viewed here.

This recent survey has found that we are all getting there with using energy saving lamps which was mostly helped by the ban on the sale of certain incandescent lamps (traditional 100 watt lamps) a few years back hence that large uptake of compact fluorescent light bulbs which the survey found.

Understandably the survey also found that presently the uptake of LED lamps is less but my bet is that will change within the next 12-24 months.

We have been a large user of LED lights and lamps when it comes to underunit kitchen lights and especially garden lights but over the past 18 months we have seen a large increase in us changing the traditional energy hungry 50 watt downlight lamps in houses with LED lamps. It's not only inside the house we have recently seem big advances as we are now installing LED floodlights instead of 500 watt halogen floodlights which are still a common site lighting up rear gardens. 

The reason for this is the light brightness and colour output has improved greatly as well as a reduction in the price of these lamps - we currently install branded and reliable LED lamps for around £6.00. Yes, around £5 more than those power hungry halogen lamps but In real terms that is a 5 watt LED lamp instead of a 50 watt halogen lamp for the same light output and in our opinion a no brainer as we all look to improve the energy efficiency of our homes in the face of rising energy costs.

If you look back at some of our blog posts you will see samples of our LED lights and lamps work.

We recently completed the electrical work including audio/visual, aerial work and installation of new flat screen tv at a new extension and kitchen conversion in Stirling. Where possible the lights installed were of energy saving LED type.

One of our electricians is just back from Rothesay, Isle of Bute where we have been carrying out the Christmas Lighting installation for the 13th year at the Isle of Bute Discovery Centre.