Are electrical sockets for the garden different from regular sockets?

If you want to lighten your garden space, it is important to get outdoor sockets installed. Sockets are used as a means of providing electricity to your outdoor electrical equipment. There are huge difference between outdoor sockets and indoor sockets.

Indoor sockets cannot be fixed outside because they are susceptible to the damage brought by weather changes, dirt, water ingress, wild life. Consideration for outdoor sockets installed in your garden should be given for their proposed use so the correct cable is installed. In short, outdoor sockets are meant to keep water out and prevent electrical hazards.

It is extremely dangerous using indoor sockets for outdoor installations. If you want to install outdoor sockets for the garden, you can hire our professional electricians in Leeds.

Key differences between an outdoor electrical socket and a regular socket

• Regular sockets are integrated into the wall whereas outdoor sockets are mostly mounted on the wall.
• Outdoor sockets come with a protective coating. You can close the cover when the cables are plugged inside. A regular socket doesn’t have such covers.
• As compared to regular sockets, outdoor sockets have a higher IP rating.
• The usually IP rating for indoor sockets is IP22, while outdoor sockets mostly have a score of IP66.
• Outdoor sockets are meant to withstand harsh weather conditions like strong winds, rain, dust and UV light. Indoor sockets are not that robust and they cannot withstand challenging environments.

Can I install electrical sockets in my garden, electrical lights in my garden myself?

Installation of electrical sockets in the garden requires expert craftsmanship. Never underestimate the risk posed by the electrical wires. Inside your home, a lesser level of safety protection is needed. For the safety of your garden and your health, leave this task to a professional. One wrong installation can cause fires or worse. Insurance companies are not liable for damage caused by an electrical installation which is not tested and proved safe for use. Some electrical jobs you must leave to the qualified electrician, including installing electrical sockets in your garden. We have a skilled electrician in Leeds who can handle tasks of all sizes and complexities.

Why add electrical sockets in your garden, electrical lights in your garden?

Candles and solar lights are a good way to beautify your garden but they cannot take you very far. When it comes to creating beautiful effects in your garden and making your outdoor space welcoming, nothing can beat electrical lighting. If you are adding elegant seating and an entertainment area to your garden, you won’t regret having some gorgeous exterior lighting as well. Even if you like spending time inside, you can still enjoy the beauty of your garden by installing feature lights into your flowerbeds. For garden lighting, you will need to add electrical sockets outside. You can hire our professional electricians in Leeds to install outdoor sockets in your garden.

Adding electrical sockets in your garden is a good idea because it prevents you from running extension cables through the garden from your drawing room while using an indoor socket which could be extremely dangerous. Moreover, outdoor sockets give an extra layer of protection and also provide a host of benefits such as cooking in the garden, mowing the lawn, and a lot more.

When evenings become chilly, you can simply plug in an electric patio heater and enjoy your time outside. Above all, when you add an electrical socket to your garden, yard maintenance becomes easier. With outdoor electrical sockets, you will not have to run an extension cord from your garage to power electrical equipment.

Also, when you have outdoor electric sockets, it gets easier to entertain the guests. Properly installed outlets make outdoor dinners and barbecues fun and easy. Instead of running an extension cord through a window or door, you have a socket all set to be used. Everything from a mini fridge to string lights can be plugged in next to your party.

Expert electricians for outdoor electrical socket installation

All of this may sound a bit tricky, but don’t worry because we have got you covered. At Martin Day Electricians Limited, we have a team of experienced electricians in Leeds who come with the right qualifications and knowledge. So, if you need electrical sockets installation for your garden, get in touch with our expert electrician in Leeds Now!

When working from home, you need to make sure you are able to separate your work and home life, which can become hard if you work and live in the same space. In the age of flexible work, don’t let it become total work.

Remember, there are a lot of things involved in creating a home office than just adding a fancy desk and setting up a chic printer. Things to consider include making sure your home office can handle all your important electrical equipment and support your productivity. A potentially dangerous birds nest of extension leads or appliances stuck in the corner because the plugs there. Design your electrics around you and your office space, don’t accept it being the opposite way round. Our certified electricians in Leeds can help you with your home office wiring testing or upgrading needs.

Should I Update the Electrical Wiring for My Home Office?

Due to the pandemic, more and more companies are switching to remote work, which means your remote office may actually become a permanent feature in your life. The fact is that your home office may need more electricity as compared to other parts of your home.

If your phone, tablet, computer, printer, scanner, laminator, etcetera are plugged in, you may simply run short on outlet space. The circuit may be overloaded or there may be too much leakage current. Stacking up power cords can be extremely dangerous. For safety, practicality and productivity, update the electrical wiring for your home office. You can hire our experienced and professional electricians in Leeds to update your home office wiring.

When is it Time to Update Your Home Office Wiring?

• Old wires: If your home is 30 years old and you haven’t updated the wiring ever, first of all, have you tested the home to make sure its safe and you can modify adding the additional loads without causing problems. To get the electrics checked, to modify or add wiring for your home office or for a complete rewire if necessary, call our electrician in Leeds to update your electrical wiring.
• Broken outlet covers: Wear and tear happens over the years. When an outlet cover gets a crack or experiences more significant breaks, nothing can stop dust and debris from entering inside near the wires. This can lead to serious fire hazards. In case your home office has broken outlet covers, it is time to update them.
• Dimming/flickering lights: If you notice a change in lighting when you turn on the appliances in your home office, it could be a sign of electrical overload and you must immediately seek professional help. At Martin Day Electrician Limited, we have fully-qualified electricians in Leeds who can update your home office wiring.
• Not enough outlets: A home office that has several cables and extension cords can benefit from more outlets. Having too many electrical appliances plugged into sockets can result in a fire outbreak. You can update your home office wiring with the help of our certified electricians in Leeds.

Benefits of Updating Your Home Office Wiring

• Provide sufficient power supply: When it comes to working from home, there is no denying that it has its challenges but you don’t want the performance of your electrical appliances to add to the problems. Updated home office wiring will ensure your equipment has the power it needs.
• Prepare for future growth: Your current home office can be good enough for you but it might not be sufficient for you in the coming years. Adding extra outlets and upgrading your wiring will supply modern equipment with enough power and will ensure you are prepared for any changes that take place in the future. You can hire our talented electricians in Leeds to take care of all your home office wiring needs.
• Safety: Having too many appliances plugged in together can be hazardous. Bad wiring can lead to electric shocks, power surges, and can also present a fire risk. Our professional electrician in Leeds will come and assess your current electrical wiring and if necessary, will update your home office wiring. Doing this will eliminate any potential fire hazard.

Avoid Home Office Wiring Mistakes by Calling a Licensed Electrician

If you like to DIY things, you may handle some simple tasks on your own but when it comes to updating home office wiring or creating a home office it is wise to leave the job to professionals. Trying to do it on your own can lead to plugging too many things in one outlet, creating fire hazards, and risking power surges. These mistakes can be prevented by hiring our competent electrician in Leeds and letting them do all the home office wiring updating.

It is the responsibility of the landlord to make sure that their property is safe to be used by the tenants. Landlords should ensure all the electrical accessories and apparatus they provide in their property are safe and in usable condition. The majority of landlords are proactive and make certain their property is safe to rent. However, there are a few who neglect their responsibility and put their customers at risk. Even if the property rented to the tenant is unfurnished, the landlord still has the responsibility to make sure all the wiring and electrical equipment is safe.

At Martin Day Electricians Limited, we have fully-qualified and experienced electricians in Leeds who can successfully conduct landlord electrical testing.

What do the new electrical safety regulations entail?

The new regulations include the following:

• The landlord has to make sure the wiring regulations for electrical safety which were in place when the electrical installation was first commissioned are still complied with.
• Ensure all electrical installations are properly tested and inspected by a qualified person at least every five years
• Landlords need to have proof of the testing and inspection. They can get the report from a competent individual who did all the testing on their property

Our certified and knowledgeable electricians in Leeds can perform landlord electrical testing and hand over the report over request. Contact us today so we can take care of all you electric related issues.

What should landlords do with the electrical safety report?

• Within 28 days of testing and inspection, the landlord should provide a copy of the report to the tenant
• Handover the copy of the report to the new tenants before the tenancy starts
• If requested, the landlord should provide a copy of the report to the local authority within 7 days
• Keep a copy of the report safe for the next inspection
• Ensure all the electrical issues highlighted during the inspection are fixed within 28 days
• Inform the tenants and local authorities that the electrical issues (if any) have been fixed

Our electricians in Leeds are competent and experienced enough to carry out landlord electrical testing. If you need further information, you can always contact us.

What is included as part of the testing?

The main aim of the landlord electrical testing is to find out if:

• There is no a risk of electrical fire
• There is no potential for electrical overloaded 
• Adequate safety devices are provided in case of failure
• There is sufficient earthing and bonding
• There are no risks of electric shock
• There are adequate sockets for the house’s proposed use
• All accessories are safe working order

Any appliances provided by the landlord, like fridge, washing machine, kettle, heaters are not included as a part of the testing. This is why we recommend landlords to take benefit of our electricians in Leeds and get all their appliances tested as well (PAT, portable appliance testing). This will ensure that all your portable appliances are safe and in good condition.

Is the landlord electrical testing necessary for new builds?

Generally no. The new build gets an Electrical Installation Certificate. Landlords can use this certificate instead of the report and hand over the copy to the local authority and the tenants. Additionally, this also applies to properties that have been completely rewired, obviously as long as they have an EIC. The EIC is valid for 5 years from the date it was issued. However, do check with your local authority to ensure you are compliant and they will accept a current electrical installation certificate instead of an EICR

What happens if there are any faults?         

If there are any faults in the electrical system, then its the landlord’s responsibility to carry out further investigations and any necessary remedial works without delay (generally accepted as within 28 days). Any code 1 defects must be dealt with before the engineer leaves the property. We have a responsibility not to leave people at risk. All the remedial work must be done by a competent person who can provide written confirmation that the work has been completed and the electrical safety standards have been met. Our professional and competent electricians in Leeds are a perfect choice to conduct all the remedial work.

What if the landlord doesn’t do the repairs?

In case the landlord doesn’t abide by the new electrical regulations, then the local authorities are bound to send an improvement notice. If the landlord ignores any such notice, local authorities have the power to carry out the repairs themselves and claim all the costs from the landlord. Accepting your responsibility for electrical safety and carrying out the repairs in a timely manner by our experienced electricians in Leeds is the best option.

Electricians you can trust for your electrical testing

At Martin Day Electrician Limited, there is no job that is too small or big for our talented electrician in Leeds. We are always there to help you no matter how easy or challenging the task is. If you have any queries regarding landlord electrical testing, don’t hesitate to contact us.

At Martin Day Electricians Limited, our professional electricians in Leeds have the experience of installing thousands of security lights. There are huge varieties of security lights available on the market so make sure you opt for the one that suits your needs. Our certified electricians in Leeds can help you pick the right security lighting system that will be appropriate for your home and your needs.

Which outdoor security lights should you choose?

You have a number of options to choose from. However, listed below are some of the most popular security lights available on the market.

Coach lights and half lanterns

Coach lights are both decorative and functional. They can be controlled by a switch, turn on automatically once it gets dark or switch on automatically when motion is detected. 

Up down lights

The modern alternative to the coach light is a tube-shaped light with a spotlight pointing up and down. They can be controlled by a switch, turn on automatically once it gets dark or switch on automatically when motion is detected.

Motion sensor lights

Motion sensor lights have a passive infrared sensor in them. They only turn on when they detect a moving object within their range. This type of security lighting can either have a stand alone detector so the lights come on from one or more remote positions (on your driveway before you walk round the side of the house so the path is already illuminated before you get there for example). The only drawback of motion sensor lights is that they can easily be triggered by the movement animals or any heat source. 

Halogen floodlights

Halogen floodlights are the most common security lights used by homeowners. They are extremely powerful. This is the reason this type of security lighting system consumes a lot of energy. They are now being phased out in favour of more energy efficient options.

LED Flood lights

LED security floodlights give the same light level as their halogen forbears but use a fraction of the power consumption (generally less than 10%).

If you are planning to install any of the above or have some other security lighting system, our qualified electrician in Leeds are always there to help.

What do you need to know before fitting your security lights?

If you are planning to install security lighting on your premises, make sure you don’t take it lightly. In case you live in close proximity to your neighbours, avoid placing a security light where it can be a problem for your neighbours. Light pollution is an issue which is becoming more important and consideration of others must be taken into account. The wiring outside faces challenges and needs to comply with the wiring regulations to be safe. Always get your security lighting system fitted by a professional electrician in Leeds because only a pro knows where to place the lights so they don’t trigger more often. 

Why install security lights in your home?

Most people install security lights because they want to deter an intruder. Burglars avoid breaking into properties where there are chances of them being spotted. In order to maximize the effect of security lights, it is important to know where to place them. Only an experienced electrician in Leeds can help you place them properly.

Security lighting with an override offers functional task lighting, turning your garden into a useable space.

Security lighting is a great investment because it gives peace of mind. Knowing that if the potential intruder walks up to your property, they will be flooded with light which draws attention to their actions. This in itself is a good enough reason to have security lights installed.

Why hiring a professional for fitting security lighting is the key?

When you are all set to install security lighting, it is important to get the installation done by a licensed professional. There are several reasons why you must do so. 

1. You want to ensure the lighting is powered correctly so each light operates properly without overloading the circuits. 
2. They need to be installed safely, to comply with regulations and be tested afterwards to prove it safe.
3. Only a pro can make sure all fixtures are positioned in a way that they give the most coverage without causing light pollution or nuisance operation. 
4. It is crucial to choose the right product that can only be done by an expert. 

You can count on our electricians in Leeds to make sure you are getting exactly what fits your needs.

Frequently asked questions

At Martin Day Electrician Limited, there is no job too small or too big for our extremely talented electricians in Leeds. We are always there to install your security lighting and that too at market competitive rates.

From your oven and fridge to your washing machine and television, all the things that you rely on require a constant supply of electrical power. Full home electrical testing eliminates the worry of electricity-based accidents and the inconvenience of lack of service from a power outage. Our experienced and fully qualified electricians in Leeds can do full home electrical testing for you at a market competitive price.

What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is the correct name for an inspection and test of a property. It was formally called a Periodic Inspection Report, you may have one of these in the records for your house. It is useful for an engineer to have access to any previous Electrical Installation Certificates, Electrical Installation Condition reports or Periodic inspection reports to help them assess any alterations to the system or deteriation to original wiring.

What is full home electrical testing (EICR)? 

In a full home electrical testing, our professional electrician in Leeds examines the entire electrical system of your home to make certain all of its components meet safety standards. The testing also involves checking your electrical system to ensure it is installed and operating properly.

A home electrical testing done by our electrician in Leeds will:

• Assess the electrical system before you purchase the home
• Make sure your electrical system is working correctly
• Ensure a reliable electrical system to give continuity of sevice.
• Identify any issues to prevent them from becoming a threat like an electrical fire
• Provide solutions to keep your home safe
• Help you reduce the energy consumption and costs

Why get full electrical testing?

It is recommended your home should be inspected every five years, if the ownership/occupancy changes or the property is used for a different purpose. Regularly conducting full home electrical testing by our talented electricians in Leeds can actually help you save money on your electrical bills. When our electrician in Leeds tests your electrical system, they can inform you about the efficiency of your current electrical system. By upgrading your electrical wiring, you can make your home more efficient, hence decreasing both your spending and carbon footprint.

A full home electrical testing by our electricians in Leeds can assist you in identifying any minor issues in your home before they turn into something big and dangerous, potentially cost you a lot of money. Faulty wiring and electrical sparks (electrical arcing) can cause fires that can result in property damage and personal injury. Damaged wires or worn cables can cause irreversible damage to your plugged-in electrical appliances. Getting regular full home electrical testing can keep you, your loved ones, and your belongings safe.

Full home electrical testing checklist

During the testing, our certified electricians in Leeds will check the safety of your electrical devices by following a checklist. This will include, testing:

Circuits: Our professional electricians in Leeds will inspect and survey to confirm you have the right number of circuits to serve the demand of your home.

Wires: Old, damaged, or incorrectly installed wires can be a serious issue as they can create a dangerous situation if left unchecked.

Outlets: It’s important to check outlets as they can have poor connections or overheat because of a circuit overload.

Consumer units: Faulty breakers can harm your appliances, cause lights to flicker, or even result in blowing the consumer unit completely.

Electric Meter: Meters wear and tear over time, so it is crucial to make sure they are functioning properly and they are not showing any signs of rust or water damage as this can compromise their safety and accuracy. The electric meter remains the property of your electricity supplier so our inspection and test is limited to visual.

How long does a full home electrical testing take?

A full home electrical testing done by our qualified electrician in Leeds usually takes two to four hours. However, the time will depend on various factors like the size of the property, the number of outbuildings, and outdoor electrical lighting, how many circuits and accessories you have fitted.

How often should you get a full home electrical testing done?

The frequency of inspection and testing depends on the type of building and use. There are recommendations set out in BS7671, the wiring regulations compiled by the Institute of Electrical Engineers. A new domestic installation should be tested after ten years. The second EICR is recommended after five years, then after each five year period or at the inspectors discretion. If the installation has poor readings, the inspector may recommend a shorter safe period before the test is repeated. If the property has a change of occupancy/ownership or there is a change to what the building is used for, a test is recommended. Regular testing by our electricians in Leeds will make it easier to identify potential electrical issues so all the necessary repairs are made as soon as possible.

When should you get a full home electrical testing?

If you notice any of the following signs around your homes, it is best to get full home electrical testing done. Call the best electricians in Leeds at Martin Day Electricians Limited:

• If your home is 20 years old
• If you have smelled something burning but couldn’t locate it
• If you have a ‘fishy’ smell you can’t explain
• If you had a renovation
• If you are planning to sell or buy your home
• If you are adding a new appliance to your home
• If there has been water damage to your property affecting to your electrical system
• If you have noticed a sudden increase in your electricity bills

Full home electrical testing

Martin Day Electricians Limited has certified electricians in Leeds who have comprehensive experience in doing full home electrical testing. We are knowledgeable and always ready to tackle unique challenges. Contact us today!

Our professional and knowledgeable Electricians in Leeds will install electric car charging points efficiently and conveniently, therefore, making sure that you are satisfied with the results. We will work closely with you to help you choose the right brand and model of EV charger. After that, our experienced electrician in Leeds will take care of every aspect of the job.

Can I install my EV charging point myself?

No, do not try installing an EV charging point yourself. Always hire a certified and experienced electrician. Martin Day Electrician Limited is known for having the best electricians in Leeds. They ensure the charger is properly and safely installed. Our electricians also make certain that you comply with all the regulations. In addition to that, some EV charging points can actually lose their warranty if they are not installed by a qualified electrician. Hopefully, you don’t want to risk that.

How long does it take to install an electric car charging point?

If you are a proud owner of an electric car, sooner or later you will want a way to charge it. The majority of EV units take a couple of hours to get installed while some can take a few days depending on the place of installation and the number of units that needs to be installed. Moreover, wall-mounted units usually take less time to install as they require fixing to a surface. However, standing units consume more time because they need foundations to be built.

In short, every installation is unique but our talented electricians in Leeds take everything into account and come up with a good and prompt solution.

How to get an electric car charging point installed at home or work?

Remember, an electric car charging point must be installed by a professional. Our certified electricians in Leeds provide outstanding EV charging station installation services. The installation process involves mounting the charging point on an exterior wall or your garage, wherever you can park and connecting it safely to the main electricity supply.

One of the most important things to do before installing any new equipment is to conduct full inspections. A certified electrician will always inspect all the units prior to installation to make sure there are no issues that can create any problems. A full site inspection is also held later on to ensure that the equipment is installed in accordance with the manufacturer specifications.

The installation process usually takes around three to four hours to complete, depending on the requirements of the client and the complexity of the installation. At Martin Day Electrician Limited, we have the best electricians in Leeds who will complete the entire process in the most professional and convenient manner. They will also demonstrate how to charge your car and will answer all your queries.

Electric car charging points installers

If you are looking for qualified electricians in Leeds to install an electric car charging point in your home or workplace, you need to look no further. We can help! We have the knowledge and experience with installing these units, and we can help you choose the best car charging point for your car as well.

Let our experienced electricians in Leeds take care of your burglar alarm fitting needs. At Martin Day electrician Limited, we have knowledgeable and professional electricians in Leeds who will take care of your needs. Rest assured, your home will be safe by installing a high-quality burglar alarm system. We can install both wireless and wired alarm systems.

Can I install a burglar alarm myself?

Installing a burglar alarm is one of the best ways to improve the security of your property. Many people are tempted to try a DIY method for installing a burglar alarm but they don’t know doing so can cost them in the long run. You may not find it difficult to buy a good burglar alarm system, but you will definitely face difficulty in installing it properly. Knowing which areas to protect and which intruder alarm is best for you are decisions you need professional guidance for. The pitfalls a DIY installation would expose you to are avoided when intruder alarms are installed by a specialist. Our electricians in Leeds can help you with burglar alarm fitting at reasonable rates.

Ways a burglar alarm can benefit your home or business

With the help of a burglar alarm, you can deter a burglary before it happens. Burglars avoid breaking into properties where there are proper security systems; of course, they don’t want to be caught. If your neighbours have intruder alarms and you don’t, be assured it will be your house they target. The more difficult a task becomes, the more appealing an easier target and less attractive your home becomes. By having a high-quality burglar alarm system installed in your home, you are making it harder for an intruder to break in.

Moreover, a home holds a large number of valuable items like jewellery, mobile phones, car keys, and electronics, meaning homes are the main target for robbers. When you install a burglar alarm system, it gets easy to detect an intruder. There are alarm systems that can even automatically alert the police or call whoever needs to be aware of the danger.

Additionally, by installing a burglar alarm on your property, you will have peace of mind that your property is secure and being monitored even when you are away. In case a break-in happens, your security system will alert you immediately.

A burglar alarm in your home can increase your property’s value? Yes, it is a very attractive feature for prospective home buyers. It gives a sense of safety and security and therefore, has a positive impact on the value of your home.

Deciding on which security alarm system is best for your home or business can be a confusing task, especially for people with no previous knowledge as there is such a wide variety available. Our knowledgeable electricians in Leeds can guide you through the options and help you figure out which may work best for you. Once you have made the informed decision, our talented electricians in Leeds will expertly install the burglar alarm system and let you know how it works and how you can operate it.

Frequently asked questions

Professional Burglar alarm fitting

Our professional electricians in Leeds know exactly how to install a burglar alarm system in no time. If you want to enjoy the peace of mind feeling  that each sensor is in the right place, working correctly and operate when it should minimising nuisance alarms, you ought to hire a professional electrician from Martin Day Electricians Limited. We can carry out the installations with minimal disruption to your home or business.

While some of these tasks can be done by yourself, it is better to hire a professional electrician to install smoke detectors in your home. Fire alarms save lives, make sure you have one install correctly which will do the job. Our experienced and qualified electricians in Leeds can help you in installing the smoke detectors at reasonable rates.

How many smoke detectors do I need?

Fire alarms to homes must comply with building and fire regulations. It is intelligent to have smoke detectors installed on every level of your home including the basement, every bedroom, kitchen, and outside sleeping area. However, getting a professional to design and install the system to your needs is a more prudent option. For example, if you own a two-story home with three bedrooms, make sure you have at least two smoke detectors and a heat detector to the kitchen installed. The layout of the house and its intended use may require more detectors, a professional electrician can advise.
Our professional electrician in Leeds can tell you exactly how many smoke detectors are good for your home.

Based in Just outside Leeds City Centre we cover the whole of Leeds

Where should I place my smoke detectors?

The fact is that there is a right and wrong way to install smoke detectors. For example, you would not install a smoke detector in your kitchen, a heat detector would be used to avoid false alarms. Waking the household because you have burnt the toast will not win many friends and could encourage someone to completely remove it. We know smoke rises, logically is best to place smoke detectors on ceilings. Avoid installing a smoke detector near vents or windows as smoke could easily dissipate through such openings. Avoid dead air spaces where the smoke will not penetrate, rendering the alarm of no use. At Marin Day Electrician Limited, we have highly-experienced electricians in Leeds who know where to place smoke detectors.

Can I install a smoke detector myself?

Some protection is better than none. Installing a basic battery smoke alarm or heat detector can be done by a competent DIY enthusiast. But how safe will it make you? Hiring a professional to install smoke detectors can help you save not just a lot of money in the long run but potentially a lot more. Installing a smoke detector could damage decorations or take up your valuable leisure time. A linked system should only be attempted by a professional. They should test it to prove the wiring is safe, the alarm works and the design complies with the regulations. Faulty wirings often lead to expensive repairs. Nuisance alarms from incorrectly installed devices or malfunctions from poor connections or substandard installation are indemnified against by the certificates, supplied by the registered electrical company.

How do I keep my smoke detector working?

If you have a smoke detector with batteries, make sure you replace the batteries at least once a year. A hard-wired or linked system often has batteries that need replacing annually. The smoke detector will remind you by an audible warning when the battery is low. The noise is designed to be intrusive and generally occurs at the least opportune time. If it starts bleeping beeping, it makes sense to replace them all.

The smoke detector or heat detector should be replaced as per the manufacturer’s recommendation, generally 8-10 years. They should be tested monthly to ensure they are working correctly. Generally, you push the test button on the front of the unit. If unsure, consult a qualified electrician like me.

How long will my smoke detectors last?

The majority of smoke detectors have a life span of about 8-10 years. After 8-10 years, the whole unit must be replaced. You can write the date of purchase inside your detector so you know when to replace it. However, some of the new models have the purchase date written inside them. In any case, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacement.

Why hire a professional to install a smoke detector?

One of the main reasons to hire a professional to install a smoke detector is to ensure the device is optimally placed in your home. You need to have the risks properly assessed and adequate protection to be given. You obviously want the smoke detector to start doing its job as soon as possible. This will not be the case if it is not placed properly. In addition to that, our electrician in Leeds can tell you how many smoke detectors are required throughout your home so they are designed to be effective protection.