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/

This week we have had a young lad working with us on work experience and he has shown good timekeeping and attitude skills and we will invite him for more work experience during the year if he wishes to do take us up on the offer. 

We usually employ apprentices every other year and we will be having more work experience opportunities that not only helps out the next generation in gaining "real world" experience it also helps us get to know youngsters before we seriously consider taking them on for apprenticeships.  

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.

We are gearing ourselves up for a busy winter season here at Stirling Electrical Services....it's not as if we have not been busy over the warmer and lighter months but the traditional lighting and heating season is now upon us so it's time to restock, recharge and get ourselves ready for the busy months ahead.

Two new members have joined our team over the past months (one office member and one engineer) and they have both settled in well and have been a pleasing boost to our team. 

We have come through a tough past 18 months regarding personnel and we are now looking forward to getting back up to full steam and making sure we keep to our promise of "Professional Efficient Service from enquiry to job completion".

Whether it be electrical advice, quotations or to book a job contact us and we are here to help you out.

"The Electrical Safety Council recently held a parliamentary roundtable on the theme of improving home safety in Scotland, hosted by Clare Adamson MSP at Holyrood.

Each year in the UK, 70 people are killed by an electrical accident in the home and 350,000 sustain a serious injury from an electric shock. Government data also shows that Scottish homes are at greater risk from electrical fires than the rest of Great Britain.

Responses to the Scottish Government’s recent consultation on sustainable housing – Homes that don’t cost the Earth – emphasised the need for effective minimum standards to be extended to the private rented sector (PRS). Three-quarters of respondents supported the idea of a single minimum standard to cover the condition of all properties, including the PRS. Currently, standards for social housing are considerably more developed than those imposed on the PRS.

“With the rapid expansion in the PRS and research revealing that over a third of landlords have failed to carry out repairs or deal with poor conditions, we believe that everyone – regardless of the type of tenancy they hold – should enjoy the same safety standards,” said Emma Apter, ESC’s head of communications.

“The Scottish government has taken significant steps to improve housing standards but to support and develop this process, we need further measures to enhance the safety of tenants in privately rented accommodation,” she added. “In particular, the ESC believes that regular, compulsory checks - by a registered electrician - on the electrical wiring and appliances provided in private sector housing are essential.”

Committed to working in partnership, the ESC has established the roundtable to bring together a range of stakeholders to help progress Scotland’s aim of sustainable – and safe – housing for all.

Clare Adamson MSP commented: “I am very pleased to continue my involvement with the ESC and the excellent work they are doing. I was especially pleased to be able to host the roundtable discussion in the Scottish Parliament which focused on improving home safety. I am very hopeful that this collaborative approach will bring real progress.” 

The above article is from Electrical Safety Council SwitchedOn publication. 

"New research has revealed that more consumers are attempting DIY electrical work in a bid to save money. Trade Skills 4U is highlighting the message that the temptation to carry out DIY electrical work in your own home is never worth the possible consequences that could arise.

According to the research every year in the UK unsafe electrical work in the home is the cause of 12,500 house fires, 750 serious injuries and 10 deaths. 

Despite these frightening statistics, 60% of UK residents are still happy to carry out electrical DIY in their homes. Over a quarter (28%) would go as far as to install new garden lighting which carried additional risk of being installed in damp and wet conditions. The installation of garden lighting should always be carried out by a qualified electrician. 

Over a third said they would rewire a socket, three in ten would fit a new light switch.

The company is rightly recommending that professionals are sought out for any electrical work" 

The above article is from electrical trade magazine Cabletalk.