Whether it’s to create a more social environment with a Pergola, or to provide a permanent area for hybrid working with a Home Office – they can be a great addition to enhance a property’s value and overall look whilst ensuring that space inside and out of the home, is being used effectively. 

In this Buyers Guide, we give an overview of the regulations you need to know, as well as covering some popular projects and top product solutions that deliver the best in quality and aesthetics, from trusted brands including BG, Forum and Lutec. 

To complete the project, we also highlight the best in our range from Balustrades and Builders Metalwork to security products from our sister site IronmongeryDirect, and our flexible delivery options mean that you can get everything you need for the job, exactly when you need them.

Click here to read the full Outdoor Buildings Buyers Guide.

Just as maximising space inside a home has become a must for homeowners, with features such as pocket and sliding doors rising in popularity - more and more people are now looking outwards to utilise their exterior spaces by investing in Outdoor Buildings. 

Electric Insect Killers are made up of two components to create an efficient system to eliminate insects. It is widely known that insects are attracted to light, and many of us have been subjected to the frustration of insects getting in to the area, but seeming to be reluctant to leave again. This is why most if not all Electric Insect Killers are fitted with UV Tubes, to attract insects to the appliance, for them to then be electrocuted by the electrical grid inside the appliance.

It is important to note that any maintenance or repair work should be carried out by a manufacturer engineer or a qualified electrician. 

The first critical step is to disconnect the appliance from any power before performing any work, safety always comes first.

If only one of the two UV Tubes is functioning correctly, the problem could be to do with the starters. To troubleshoot this problem and figure out which component is malfunctioning, remove the starters and switch their positions over. If the UV Tube that was working previously now does not light up, then the starter needs to be replaced, if the originally faulty tube continues to malfunction, then a new tube will need to be installed.

To replace the tube, after removing the rear grille, simply hold the defective tube and rotate it 90 degrees anti-clockwise to loosen it, then carefully remove the tube vertically from the slot and replace it with a new tube. Turn the new tube 90 degrees clockwise to lock it in to place, then reassemble the appliance. 

If you find yourself in a situation where both UV Tubes are failing, check if there is a problem with the fuse. 

Note: If these instructions differ from the instructions given by the manufacturer, please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Different components of an Electric Insect Killer require different cleaning methods, some which require standard methods, others which require more care and vary from model to model. The first step is to always disconnect the appliance from the power source and remove it off of the Mounting Bracket.

When it comes to the tray that collects the exterminated bugs, they are often made from materials that can be cleaned using warm soapy water. The important thing to remember is to ensure that the tray is completely dry before placing it back in to the Insect Killer, to eliminate the risk of electrical hazards.

The cleaning process of any of the metal components, especially those that have current running through them, is very dependent on the model of Insect Killer that is installed.

Some models can be cleaned using warm soapy water or a soft cloth and kitchen spray/degreaser, but it is important to read the manufacturer's instructions extremely carefully, as some models are very strict about the appliances contact with water. With models such as these, you can find specialised brushes to clean any components of your Insect Killer. 

Electric Insect Killers are considered an essential product when it comes to hospitality settings, but can be just as much of an asset in domestic properties. Here at ElectricalDirect, you can find an Insect Killer that is perfectly suited to your next project, with various sizes and wattages to choose from. 

Electric Insect Killers are an extremely efficient way to remove insects from both domestic and commercial environments, whether it be to reduce the annoyance that insects cause in the home, or eliminate the risk of contamination in commercial settings, especially in food-based operations. With an appliance as important as this, it is important to know the best practices when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.

How to clean and maintain an Insect Killer

It has become common  knowledge in recent years that most if not all appliances powered by electric are more energy efficient than those powered by gas and central heating, this includes Towel Rails. 

Not only are Electric Towel Rails more energy efficient as a singular appliance, but can increase the energy efficiency of your entire system, as Electric Towel Rails can be powered and operate separately, as opposed to having to run an entire central heating system just to use a Towel Rail. 

It is even possible to operate an Electric Towel Rail using solar power, not only further increasing energy efficiency, but saving a little bit extra on the bills too.

Towel Rails in general are not only great way to achieve the luxurious feeling of warm towels, but are also capable of warming up an entire bathroom. 

However, when using Towel Rails that are powered by central heating, some of that heat that could be put to good use is lost due the convection and radiation needed to power the appliance. According to ElectricRadiatorsDirect¹, the total amount of output lost sits at “around ten to twenty percent”. 

Therefore, not only do Electric Towel Rails not waste resources like other Towel Rails, but they are also considered to be 100% efficient, meaning that all of the heat produced can be put to good use. 

If one of the goals of installing a Towel Rail is to be in full control of the temperature of the appliance, then an Electric Towel Rail is the better option. 

This is due to the fact that Electric Towel Rails are controlled by their own designated digital thermostat, as opposed to a thermostat that controls the entire central heating system. 

This also means that your Towel Rail will heat up a lot quicker, as heat will be supplied directly to the appliance instead of waiting for the water in the boiler to warm up before heat can be supplied. 

Next time you’re looking to upgrade a bathroom, an Electric Towel Rail is a guaranteed way to maximise comfort for any user. Browse our collection to find an Electric Towel Rail in any style, colour and wattage, or even some with extra features such as Wi-Fi connectivity. 

https://www.electricradiatorsdirect.co.uk/news/towel-rails-electric-vs-central-heating/

Heated Towel Rails are an excellent way to upgrade any domestic bathroom or commercial washroom, but there are a number of factors to consider when choosing the correct one for your specific needs. We considered these factors, and we break down why Electric Towel Rails are the better all-round option for a variety of jobs.

Why you should choose an Electric Towel Rail over a Central Heating Towel Rail

PIR - or Passive Infrared Sensors, are controlled by two sensors that detect either the natural or man-made heat from an object when in motion, including people, animals and cars. When the heat is detected, the signal differential changes between the two sensors, causing the light inside the sensor to activate. 

If your PIR Motion Sensor is not functioning as you expect it to, performing a reset will always be a reasonable course of action to take. This can be caused by a number of factors, including if the sensor has been installed for an extended period of time, or if there is a brief disruption of power. 

There are a number of ways to spot if your PIR Motion Sensor is malfunctioning, including:

·         Changes in the consistency of detecting motion

·         The light in the sensor stays on for an extended period of time or does not turn off after a few minutes

·         The sensor is not detecting even larger objects such as people and cars

It may be the case that the battery in your PIR Motion Sensor has reached then end of its life, this usually occurs after 1 year of use, but in high traffic areas it may be less. 

There are a number of ways to perform a reset on a PIR Motion Sensor, depending on the particular sensor you have:

·         If your sensor has a switch, you can either turn the switch on for 2 seconds, then off for 2 seconds, then switch it back on again. Alternatively, you can try turning the switch on and off in quick succession either about 4 or 5 times, or until the light stays on. Once the sensor is at a stage where the light remains on, you can then turn it back on and resume normal function. 

·         Try turning off the sensors circuit breaker for at least 30 seconds, but make sure that you do not do this too frequently, as flipping the switch on a circuit breaker multiple times runs the risk of causing damage, including potentially dangerous electrical hazards.

·         To ensure that the issue with the sensor does not involve the light, it is best to replace the bulbs then test the sensor again

If your PIR Motion Sensor has the option to customise the sensitivity, it is important to make sure that this is customised to your specific needs. If your sensor is too sensitive, it will be trigger by every small object that passes through the radius of the sensor, but on the opposite end of the scale, if the sensor isn’t sensitive enough, it will not detect everything you need it to detect. Simply adjust the sensitivity, then test the sensor with varying sizes of objects until you’ve found just the right level for your specific needs. 

Expanding your knowledge on PIR Motion Sensors and knowing when issues can be fixed with a simple reset will allow you to keep the security of your home and business operating to the highest standard. You can shop our range of standard PIR Motion Sensors here, and for PIR Motion Sensors with extra features and convenient control on the go, shop our range of Smart PIR Motion Sensors. 

PIR Motion Sensors are often a very effective deterrent against intruders for your home or business, as well as providing vital visibility when occupants approach a building or when moving objects around a site at night-time. However, just like any electrical fixture or appliance, these sensors can run in to problems, but by simply resetting the device, you could eliminate the need to splurge on entirely new sensors. 

The risk of injury, fire and property damage is always present when working with electricity, but certain mistakes carry a particularly high element of danger.

That’s why we’ve consulted with hundreds of UK electricians to reveal the 10 most dangerous mistakes people can make, and asked John McCallister, electrical expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk, to explain why they are so hazardous.

 1. Leaving plastic-sheathed cable unprotected

“Leaving cables like these unprotected exposes them to snagging and cuts. Running them through a conduit prevents this, minimising the risk of fire and lethal shocks.”

2. Leaving sockets and switches loosely connected 

“Loose connections cause movement that has the potential to disrupt the power supply or allow live wires to wiggle loose, exposing them to your fingers. So, there’s a potential risk of electrocution or fire.”

“Cutting wires too short makes connections difficult to complete safely and increases the risk of electrocution and shorting.”

4. Recessing boxes behind the wall surface 

“This mistake increases the likelihood of fire, both from the heat and from the sparks potentially coming into contact with combustible materials.”

“Cables that are left loose at entry points are going to move and strain, causing damage and potentially exposing the wires. This damage can lead to overheating and electric shocks if bare wires are touched.”

6. Connecting wires outside of electrical boxes 

“Electrical boxes protect connections from damage and pulling loose, as well as preventing exposed wires from accidentally coming into contact with other wires. Such boxes prevent sparking, shorting and overheating, so connecting wires outside of them could easily lead to a house fire.”

“A junction box that’s crammed full of wires because it’s the wrong size or wired incorrectly is likely to overheat or short, causing a fire.”

“If live and neutral wires are mixed up, then this could prevent circuit breakers from being able to shut the electricity supply off. This makes circuits and appliances potentially lethal.”

9. Wiring a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) backwards 

“Mixing up the line and load on a circuit breaking device, such as an RCBO or MCB in the UK or a GFCI in the US, risks your electricals operating with no safety cut-off in the event of a fault. This leaves you open to fires and potentially lethal shocks. Thankfully it’s a very rare problem in UK electrical installations as they should be completed and certified by a qualified and competent engineer.”

10. Installing electrical outlets close to water 

“As water is a great conductor, electricity can travel through it. That’s why sockets and switches should be at least 30cm from water sources, such as sinks, to prevent electricity passing through you to the ground.”

If you’re an electrician who has been hired in relation to any of these jobs, check out our range of supplies, from sockets and switches, to consumer units and cables. 

Interest in DIY has rocketed over recent years, but there are some jobs which should always be left to a professional, and many of these are electrical in nature.

Expert warns against making these 10 dangerous electrical DIY mistakes

24th May 2022

Outdoor Buildings Buyers Guide

Just as maximising space inside a home has become a must for homeowners, with features such as pocket and sliding doors rising in popularity - more and more people are now looking outwards to utilise their exterior spaces by investing in Outdoor Buildings.

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