What is a Class 2 light fitting?

Class 2 light fittings, also called double insulated lights, are designed to operate without the need for an earth wire. They usually have two layers of insulation which cover the live parts, for example the cables inside the fitting.

Many properties that we visit don't have any adequate earth wire present so homeowners find that they are unable to have their nice new chrome light fittings installed as without an earth there is a risk of electrocution with these fittings

What is an RCD?

An RCD, or residual current device, is a life-saving device which is designed to prevent you from getting a fatal electric shock if you touch something live, such as a bare wire. It can also provide some protection against electrical fires. RCDs offer a level of personal protection that ordinary fuses and circuit-breakers cannot provide.

What does an RCD do?

An RCD is a sensitive safety device that switches off electricity automatically if there is a fault.

To those not keyed into the world of electricity, we wouldn’t blame you for not knowing about RCD’s and how essential they are to keeping you and your family safe at home. But don’t worry, because that’s why we exist; To make sure you can be as safe as possible in your own homes!

Over the years only a handful of times I have been asked if I am qualified or if I am registered with the NICEIC, to which my reply has been, yes, and the conversation has ended there. Do you take your Electricians word that they are Qualified?

Now the nights are turning chillier, thoughts are turning to keeping warmer particularly at night when the central heating might be switched off.

Choosing an electrician can sometimes feel like a minefield. For those of us outside of the world of wires and circuit breakers, the various terminology and qualifications electricians use can sound like complete gibberish.

There are many electrician's out there, you only have to do a search on Google to find your local Electrician, but have you ever questioned their knowledge and experience? The answer is probably no, right? After all, they are qualified as an electrician, they should know everything about electrics, right? Wrong.

You must do your homework before selecting a tradesperson, sadly...

So this week has seen a couple of jobs that included installing new protective bonding in customers homes.

My customers did not know what is was or that it even existed until their boiler engineer told them they needed to have it when carrying out an annual service. Once we had spoke about it, they realised the importance and one customer was actually astounded that no one had ever told her about protective bonding before.

I am sure there are lots of local residents that are in the same position it may be time for your Local Electrician to explain to you a little more...

Hi and welcome to your local electricians blog 

This last week has been a strange week, the snow has made travelling around Bexley and Bromley some what difficult, we still managed OK and thankfully didn't have to delay a single job due to weather!! 

So whilst getting around at a snails pace I have had a few conversations this week with different people about the same subject.

The topic was earthing, what is it and why is it needed?