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23 Jul 2022
0 Comments By Chris Electrical Tips, Energy Saving, On Location, Renewables , , ,

HOW TO BECOME YOUR VERY OWN ECO-FRIENDLY POWER STATION

The cost of energy is going up and up with no sign of prices reducing any time soon. How cool would it be to able to install your own electricity generating power station? Well! There is an easy answer to this. You can install a roof top solar panel system on your property which will generate free electricity1 How cool is that?

Just imagine having free electricity to power your washer, dryer, charge your electric car or even heat your water for very little cost or free.

Solar panel technology and especially battery technology has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years, your new solar panels will generate free electricity from the sunshine, the solar panels will then send this free power to your inverter which is then converted into A.C. electricity, this is the type of electricity your appliances run on. If you do not use all the electricity generated, then your inverter will send the spare electricity to your battery storage unit where it will be stored for when you are ready to use it. This is very handy if your family are out at work or school during the day.

What about free hot water I hear you ask?

Well don’t worry, our solar panel systems have you covered here. You can fit a Solar diverter such as the My Energi Eddi system https://myenergi.com/eddi-power-diverter/,  or the Sol I boost https://www.marlec.co.uk/product/solar-iboost/ , this little device will take any unused electricity and divert it to the immersion heater on your tank, giving you free hot water. These are great bits of kit.

We have saved the best to last! We have all seen the cost of petrol and diesel spiral out of control, your solar panels can charge your electric car cutting out any need for petrol or diesel, the savings here can vary, however the average cost to fill a family car is around £100 according to a recent Sky news article https://news.sky.com/story/cost-of-living-average-cost-of-filling-a-family-car-with-petrol-hits-100-for-first-time-12630495, if you use your car to travel to work you may be filling the car up once a week. Your new eco friendly power station is able to cut out your weekly petrol or diesel costs and your solar panels will charge your car for free! Of course, you will need an electric car to do this,

 Having solar panels fitted to your Blackpool property could have huge energy saving potential, whilst sticking two fingers up to the energy suppliers which is something we all would like to do.

To find out more about how our solar panel installations could help transform your energy usage and save you money please fill in our contact box below and one of our solar panel experts will give you a call.

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    https://www.fcrelectrical.co.uk/solar-panels/
    03 Jun 2022
    0 Comments By FCR Electrical Electrical Tips

    WHAT IS PART P REGISTERED?

    WHAT IS PART P REGISTERED? And what does it mean for me?…

    This is an important question we get asked at Fylde Coast rewires all the time. Simply it means that the electrician or electrical contracting company that is carrying your electrical work out can sign off your work with your local council building control.

    Most domestic electrical work carried out in England and Wales since 2005 falls under Part P of the Building regulations PART P. The idea behind this was to improve the standards of electrical installation work across England and Wales. If electrical work has been carried out to British standards (b.s.7671) for electrical work then ALL installations should be accompanied by one of two certificates, either a minor works certificate or an Electrical Installation Certificate. It had been noted that too many consumers and householders were having poorly installed electrical installations with no paperwork or guarantees in place. This prompted the British Government to include electrical installations within the building regulations.

    Following on from this introduction there was a number of electrical industry schemes where the electrician or electrical contractor could register under the Competent person scheme (CPS)www.niceic.com/householder/findacontractor. This enabled electricians to demonstrate competency within the industry so they can Self Certify their work with the local Council building Control. Some of the scheme’s electricians can register with are

    NICEIC – www.niceic.com

    NAPIT – www.napit.org.uk

    The NICEIC are probably the most recognised of the scheme providers and who Fylde Coast rewires are registered with.

    Typical electrical work that is carried out and is notifiable under Part P of the building regulations are the following

    • The Installation of a new circuit
    • The replacement of a consumer unit/fuse box
    • Any additional or alterations to circuits in a special location such as a bathroom/shower room.

    If you are having your Fylde Coast property rewired then this will most definitely fall under Part P of the building regulations. Your electrical rewire will be having all of the listed works above carried out during the rewire.

    It is advisable before any electrical work is carried out which certifying body is the electrician or contractor registered with. Each registration carries a membership number which can be checked with the registering body if you are unsure.

    On completion of any electrical installation work that falls under the above Part P registration you should receive two certificates. One will be the Electrical installation certificate and the other will be the Part P certificate which will detail work carried out, who the contractor was that carried the work out and the date the work was completed along with the electrical installation certificate number associated with the work. It is important you receive these certificates as it will be difficult to sell or insure your property without these important documents.

    If you choose not to use a registered electrician, then your work can still be signed off through your local councils building control. The fee for this differs from council to council although we would budget between £300-£400. They will still ask for the relevant electrical certificates and may also wish to visit the works during installation. Choosing this option obviously can cause delays and disruption to your project and add extra costs to it also.

    25 May 2022
    0 Comments By FCR Electrical Electrical Tips, Rewires

    WHY WOULD I NEED MY PROPERTY REWIRING?

    There are different situations where you need to, or it makes sense to rewire your property. This week we are carrying out two electrical rewires which are in need of a full rewire for different reasons.

    Our first rewire is on a three bedroomed detached bungalow over in Ingol near Preston. This property is about to undergo on a major property renovation due to the property lying empty for a while. It is obvious to the untrained eye that this property needs a full property rewire. As this property is about to undergo a full renovation the first job the owner is carrying out is the electrical rewire. Having your property rewired is one of the largest jobs that will need doing to a property, it can be messy, dusty, the floor boards will need to be lifted as well as carpets and walls chased. Rewiring your property whilst it is empty makes the most sense and is the most cost effective. Once the rewiring is completed the next stage of the renovation will be new heating installed and then onto the kitchen and plastering. This property will be fabulous once the renovation work is complete.

    .

    Our second property rewire is on a four bedroomed detached property in Lytham St Annes. The reason for this property needing a rewire is the property is due to be rented out, in April 2021 the law changed for rental properties, every rental property in England and Wales requires an in date EICR electrical inspection certificate. Sadly, this property had an unsatisfactory EICR report returned. The electrician who carried out the EICR referred Fylde Coast rewires to carry out the electrical rewiring.

    One of the reasons Fylde Coast rewires have been referred for this job is that the property is currently lived in which leads to a different method of rewiring the property. As there are people living in the property, we must ensure that at no point in time the customers are left with no power. In order to do this, we need to rewire each circuit completing both the first and second fixing work within one day. Rewiring it this way, we ensure the customers are happy, they still have power, all their floorboards and carpets are fitted back in place each evening. Usually when rewiring a lived-in property, we only work between the hours of 8.30-4.30 Mon-Fri. This ties in with the school times. The outcome of rewiring this property will ensure that the Landlords will have a satisfactory EICR electrical certificate issued on completion. Also the Landlord receives a full and un limited 12 month Guarantee which helps with any electrical call outs that may be needed in the first 12 months.

    09 Apr 2022
    0 Comments By FCR Electrical Electrical Tips, Rewires

    HOW MUCH TO REWIRE YOUR HOME?

    GET A QUICK REWIRE QUOTE

    GET A QUICK REWIRE QUOTE

    Pricing your electrical rewire is relatively quick and easy once you know your requirements such as

    • How many sockets
    • How many downlights
    • Does your garage need rewiring?
    • Will you be living in the property?
    • What is the fabric of the building?
    • Are the floors solid or floorboards?

    Once you have the above information, Fylde Coast rewires can quickly and effortlessly create a personal quotation within 24 hours of a 30-minute property survey.

    Typical property rewire prices are below

    EMPTY PROPERTIES

    1 BEDROOMED FLAT £2400 + VAT

    2 BEDROOMED FLAT £2650 + VAT

    2 BEDROOMED HOUSE £2700 + VAT

    3 BEDROOMED HOUSE £3200 + VAT

    OCUPIED PROPERTIES

    1 BEDROOMED FLAT £2895 + VAT

    2 BEDROOMED FLAT £3100 + VAT

    2 BEDROOMED HOUSE £3300 + VAT

    3 BEDROOMED HOUSE £3750 + VAT

    How to request an electrical rewire quote?

    Fylde Coast rewires can offer a quick and efficient electrical rewire quotation within 24 hours of visiting your property. Your electrical rewire quotation will be clear, easy to understand and guaranteed. To arrange a quote, fill in our free consultation request and we will book you in for a quotation.

    05 Aug 2019
    0 Comments By Chris Electrical Tips , ,

    What You Need to Know About Power Surges?

    The last thing you want is to have all your appliances damaged by a power surge. So what is a power surge?

    Many of us are unaware of what it is, how it is generated, what damages does it cause and what is a surge protector. Let’s address each question step-by-step.

    What is a Power Surge?

    A power surge occurs when there is a sudden boost in the voltage supplied via a power line. This surge takes place very quickly and it may often last only for a few seconds, but always keep in mind a power surge carries tens of thousands of volts which can cause serious damage and harm if not handled with caution.

    What are the Causes of a Power Surge?

    A common reason for power surges is a lightning storm. When it strikes an electrical line, no matter if it is in a building, running along poles or underground, this creates an electrical energy boost, creating millions of volts that are transported through the power line. During a lightning storm, the best option to safe your valuable devices from the damages caused by a power surge, is to switch off and unplug them. Apart from this, power surges result from short circuits, downed electrical lines, tripped circuit breakers, a sudden increase in electricity usage due to a factory close by or the transition of a heavy appliance on a low voltage power line.

    What Harm is Caused by a Power Surge?

    The increase in voltage that is transported through the power lines is enough to ruin any device, fry circuit boards and crash hard drives that are connected to your electric grid. A huge surge that comes with a lightning boost can instantly and effectively kill your tech, regardless of it being switched on during the time of a surge. However, small and common surges are equally damaging compared to big surges. They cause unseen permanent damage, reducing the life of your devices. Therefore, in order to protect yourself and your electronics, it is best to invest in a surge protector that will safeguard all your circuits in your home or office against a particular range of voltage surges.

    What is a Surge Protector?

    An ideal line of defence is to unplug all your devices during a power surge. However, it is a difficult task to go around the house, unplugging all devices in time. Therefore, you should consider investing in a surge protector, which redirects the surplus power generated by a surge to the ground wire. However, keep in mind that surge protectors are useless in times of a lightning storm because they too can be damaged by the increased voltage. Before buying a particular surge protector make sure you are aware of how many volts the protector can handle, otherwise you will not only damage the surge protector but your devices as well. If you want to control large power surges, you will have to consult with a licensed electrical contractor that will install a whole-house suppressor.


    30 Jul 2019
    0 Comments By Chris Electrical Tips, Rewires , ,

    Early Signs That Show Your Property Needs Rewiring

    Did you recently buy a property that is need of renovations or do you suspect the electrics in your existing house have become outdated? Either way, it is about time you considered rewiring your premise. Not only are modern properties vulnerable to electrical problems caused by old and faulty wires, but old building might also need fresh wiring to make sure all electrics are safe to use. All new rewiring needs to comply with the electrical safety regulations mentioned in the Part P of the building regulations and it is a compulsory responsibility of property owners to ensure all wires are safe and secure.

    If any of the following conditions are true, it is vital that you take action immediately to avoid potential injury or financial loss:

    • The property is over 25 years old.
    • You depend upon extension cords for power.
    • Damages or cracks are visible within the property.
    • You use two prong sockets.

    Read on to find out more about the early signs that show your property needs rewiring.

    Early Warning Signs

    Before you begin to examine the wiring in your home, it is crucial to stay safe and secure. Not many of us are aware of the electrical work, which is why it is necessary to call a professional rather than rewiring your premise yourself. It is highly recommended to keep an eye on the early warning signs that showcase a need for rewiring your premise. To start off, take a look at every room and count the number of sockets in every room. If there are only one or two, this means the building most likely has old and faulty wiring, which needs to be replaced instantly.

    Another sign to watch out for is when you touch a socket and it feels hot, this means there’s an overheating taking place somewhere. It is unusual to observe flashing light from a plug or feel a socket heat up or smell peculiar burning smell within your premise. What’s more, don’t forget to take a look at the fuse box in your home. You will be able to identify whether it is made of an older design, judging by its current condition. If in case the fuse box is updated, this is not an indication that the entire property has been rewired.

    Take a closer look at the fuses in the box, if they are the re-wirable kind, then it is most like you have an old domestic wiring system that needs immediate attention. A good indication for rewiring is by checking the general condition of the plug sockets and the light switches. If there are any damages such as expired fittings, loose boxes or live wires, you will need to take action today. It is highly recommended to carry out a detailed Electrical Installation Condition Report, which will highlight the necessary damages caused to the wiring hidden behind the walls.

    Never take electrical work lightly. It is always best to contact a professional electrical contractor like ourselves when it comes to rewiring your premise.

    01 Jul 2019
    0 Comments By Chris Electrical Tips, Energy Saving, Rewires

    Top 10 Energy Saving Tips That Will Amaze You

    The primary step that many homeowners consider when reducing energy costs is to switch energy suppliers or turn down the thermostat. However, with the increase in the prices of energy stated by leading energy companies such as npower, SSE, British Gas and Scottish Power, switching energy suppliers might not be cost-effective after all. Take a look at these top 10 energy saving tips that are not well-known but highly effective when it comes to saving big on gas and electricity.

    Purchase a Halogen Oven

    Did you know that a halogen oven can roast a chicken in just 30 minutes and uses only 75% less than a traditional electric oven? Combine this minimized usage of energy with the fast cooking time, you will experience a huge reduction in your bills.

    Close Your Chimney

    It is estimated that about 80-90% of heat generated from burning wood in the fireplace is mostly lost through open chimneys. Therefore, an unblocked chimney can mean hundreds of pounds being flushed up the chimney every year.You can either cap it or block the cavity with an inflatable chimney balloon, if you use it occasionally.

    Set up a Voltage optimisation Device

    The variation between the voltage supplied to your home and the amount consumed by your appliances shows that a typical appliance uses 4% more current and 9% more energy than required. According to Evo Energy, installing a voltage optimisation device will save up to approximately 10% on your bills. This device will need to be installed by a professional electrical contractor. Keep in mind that it won’t work on immersion heaters, showers, ovens, hobs but it will function effectively for appliances such as tumble driers, dishwashers, televisions, washing machines and lights.

    Install a High-Power Shower

    Rather than filling a bath with water, install high-power showers, which use the similar amount of water in only five minutes. Were you aware that faucet aerators and energy-efficient shower heads reduce the amount of water transported from shower heads and taps by 50%, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing shower at the same time.

    Insulation for Cavity Walls

    Is your home uninsulated? Did you know that you can lose up to 35% of heat through walls if your home isn’t insulated. For example, if you own a standard three-bedroom semi with cavity walls and consider insulating your home, you can save big on heating bills – almost up to £140 each year. Several energy suppliers provide grants that pay for insulation.

    Draught-proofing

    This is considered as one of the most efficient and cost effective ways to reduce energy costs, but unfortunately, it is commonly overlooked. According to the Energy Saving Trust, you can save as much as £55 every year by simply sealing your windows, loft hatches, pipework and doors.

    Fixing Solar Panels

    Even though government subsidies tend to fall for solar panels, but so are the costs of installation as well. Solar panel installers are coming up with ways to make installations cost effective and a fruitful consideration since it can save up to each year on energy bills.

    Insulation for Lofts

    Getting your loft insulated can save about a quarter of heat, which is generally lost through uninsulated roofs. The suggested level of insulation is generally 270mm.

    LED Lights

    Replacing traditional incandescent lights with LED lights can help you save big on electricity bills. LED lights are becoming popular amongst many property owners since 40% of the total load is used up by lighting fixtures.

    Other Essential Everyday Energy Saving Tips

    Apart from the above tips, you can also save energy by performing certain everyday tasks such as reducing the heating by 1C, switching lights off when you are in a particular room and boiling water only when you need it. Sometimes, it is the small things that create a big impact on your electricity bill.

    02 Jun 2019
    0 Comments By Chris Electrical Tips, Energy Saving, Rewires , ,

    How to Save Energy by Using Smart Lighting Solutions

    A foremost concern that many homeowners have is about saving energy costs. With the rise of the internet of things (IoT) architectures, smart lighting technology has truly revolutionised the use of energy. According to Gatner, it is estimated that 46 million units were installed in 2015 and this will increase to 2.54 billion units in 2020. Smart lighting involves connecting the light system with a network, which can be monitored and controlled through the cloud or a centralised system. What’s more by installing smart lighting technologies in your property, you can increase its value up to 38%.

    How Does Smart Energy Technologies Work

    The key factor in smart energy technologies is integration, which enables devices installed around your home to communicate and activate each other. For example, you can switch on the heating in your home by using Nest, an app-enabled thermostat, which senses your exit from work. It also alters the temperature based on usage and peak times. You can adjust your smart lighting solutions according to the time of the day, the number of occupants in the home or the weather outside. Furthermore, you can integrate your window blinds with your lighting solutions, enabling them to be lowered once the sun sets and automatically switching the lights as well.

    In order to effectively reduce lighting expenses, it is vital that all five phases of smart lighting is installed, which includes LED lighting, sensors and controls, connectivity, analytics and intelligence.

    Smart Lighting Solutions – LED Lights

    Several offices and commercial facilities have hundreds and thousands of lighting fixtures installed and this represents at least 40% of the total load. Therefore, by replacing traditional incandescent, fluorescent lighting systems or halogen incandescent with LED lightings, commercial property owners will experience a drastic drop in energy and maintenance costs. LED lights are much more efficient than traditional incandescent lights because the former loses about 90% of energy in heating the bulb and a small fraction goes to generating light. In addition to this, LED lights have a lifetime of about 50,000h in comparison to incandescent lights that have 200h. Therefore, LED lights are affordable and attractive due to their minimum maintenance costs and direct energy savings.

    Lighting Controls

    It is through lighting controls that makes the entire smart home technology function as it integrates the devices with a centralised system, which can be monitored and controlled. A few examples of energy-efficient control solutions are:

    • Lighting control circuit breakers
    • Occupancy/vacancy sensors
    • Personal dimming controls
    • Daylight harvesting sensors
    • Plug load control

    Lighting controls help keep a track of the energy usage within your home. This involves turning off lights in rooms that are vacant or minimising the amount of energy consumed in order to light up a particular space. The effectiveness of lighting controls for energy saving is based upon area utilisation rate and the particular applications. For example, if a room is occupied 100% of the time, it is unlikely that occupancy/vacancy sensors will be able to decrease energy use.

    What do you think about smart lighting solutions? Do you have any smart lighting solutions installed in your premise. If not, we can help! Call us today to know more.