Watch your wattage- buy an RCBO

Reducing the energy used by your house or office can save you money. Introducing dimmer switches or timing devices on lighting can save you a packet. The latest way to save money is the installation of an electric shower.  This is an economical way of washing, because the amount of water used is about a third of that used by having a bath. The shower only heats the correct amount of water so there will be no unused hot water. To ensure you are not electrocuted whilst showering, the electric shower is fitted with a form of circuit breaker called an RCBO. 

Circuit breakers are installed into our homes to give us protection from any electrical faults. 90 per cent of householders never bother to check if the circuit breakers within their appliances are correctly installed.

An RCBO is a residual circuit breaker with overload protection. It combines the functions of a main circuit breaker, with those of a residual-current device. This means your electrical circuit will be protected from damage by overload or short circuit, as well as protection from when the electrical current is not balanced between the energised conductor, and the return neutral conductor. The RCBO is to be installed into your breaker box, where a standard circuit breaker would be.

RCBO’s are designed to quickly cut-off the connection within the span of 40 milliseconds, but what causes a circuit breaker to trip. A circuit breaker if it is working properly, detects leakages through the earthing of the equipment. It is especially important for leakages to be detected within household equipment encased with a metal body. This means that within the appliance, an earth wire should be attached to the body of the equipment. 

Many DIY enthusiasts forgo this practice because they do not understand the dangers or consequences of such a mistake. If the earth wire is left disconnected, the equipment will work without any problems. If there is a leakage, the appliance will keep running and the exterior metal body will become electrified. Anyone who touches the appliance in this state will be electrocuted. If the earth wire is properly attached, the RCBO will detect there is a current present at the earth source which will trip the circuit, preventing any mishaps. 

Circuit overload can occur through lightening strikes, or more commonly loose connections within electrical appliances. Over many years of use, electrical connections can become loose. Once these terminals are loosened the contact points will heat up due to improper contact with one another. The appliance can get so hot that it will start to melt and a small fire will start. If this happens the RCBO will automatically cut off the supply. 

Make sure you purchase an RCBO when thinking about upgrading to an electric shower. Once the shower is installed, check that the RCBO has no voltage reading. Cut off the power before wiring it up and testing. Be sure to consult you instruction manual when testing.

The new practical Christmas stocking filler – the RCBO

Many may see an RCBO more for the use of an electrician or professional with the idea of it being a Christmas present as a joke. Think again. Firstly for all that do not know an RCB (or residual circuit breaker) and is a device that may very well save your life. Firstly, in case you get confused, this device is known also as a GFCI in the US and is RCBO in Europe (Residual Circuit Breaker Overload). 

The device can also be combined with over current protection to ensure increased safety. This can be in the same device and installed into the service panel as normal. 

RCBO’s monitor the electric current between a conductor that is energized and one that is neutral. This means that when there is an imbalance of power the RCBO will disconnect the link to ensure that serious harm is not caused. 

A current leakage could be the source of this imbalance and this can be done by an accidental touch of the energized part of the circuit by an unbeknown person who is grounded to the floor. 

It’s important to note however that an RCBO’s does not provide protection from an overload of power or a short circuit. This is a very specific but effective tool for protecting you from a potentially lethal shock.

An RCBO can be used to protect you in various situations. Hand held power tools, kitchen utensils such as kettles, frying pans, blenders etc. and even every day products like hair dryers can all be made safer using an RCBO meaning the risk can be greatly minimised should any of these have a power imbalance. 

This is a great device for safety and can be even more important when using electrical tools. If you for example are using a cutting tool and you accidentally cut through the wire you could cause serious and potentially fatal injuries to yourself. With an RCBO these potential injuries can be reduced and could very well save your life. 

It is very important to note before purchasing an RCBO that you should have a good prior knowledge with electrical wiring and be used to using this kind of equipment. For anyone who does not have this prior knowledge you should hire a professional to complete the installation as there are significant risks.

It also important that you maintain and test your RCBO’s regularly to ensure that it is running smoothly. This is very simple, all you need to do is press the test button (it should be marked with a “T”). This will cause the RCBO to disconnect, as it would in a real emergency situation. This should be done every three months to ensure that your device is working properly. 

Staying safe is very important to everyone in your household and an RCBO can be exactly what your home needs to maintain this. If you would like to know more about RCBO’s there are many site’s on the web where you can purchase them as well as get first hand expert advice if you have any doubts or concerns.

Practical presents – treat your other half to a new lighting system for the home

When trying to give your house a new and unique style one of the simplest and most effective methods of this is merely changing the lighting you use. It is a great way to surprise your partner with a new design that can help your home become more eco-friendly and more stylish in the process. 

New lighting is a great product for reducing the bills and maximising your energy consumption. You can always feel safe that you are saving as much as you can through your electricity bills. While doing this, modern day lighting can be very eco-friendly while providing a high quality of light. 20% of all electrical bills are from your use of lighting and so it’s very important that you get the most out of your lighting, with maximum efficiency. 

Being environmentally friendly is very important in modern day products such as lighting in ensuring that they are doing as much for the environment as possible. One product that is very beneficial in terms of new lighting is LED’s. LED’s are growing in their popularity and are a very practical and easy to afford present.

LED’s allow much high energy efficiency in your lighting as well as keeping the costs down on your lighting. Some LED’s can potentially last for up to 30 years with a clear sign as to how this can get your maintenance costs down. 

An alternative type of lighting to this is new technology lamps. Some companies offer a variety of lamps that can convey different colour shades and styles meaning you get all the benefits but with the style that you desire. These can be tailored for the use that you so desire with a wide variety of styles and types for various situations. 

The great thing is about lighting in modern day times is that despite the demand for products that are long lasting and eco-friendly there is also a vast array of styles and types that can fit anyone and everyone’s needs. 

Safety is very important for your new lighting too and replacing your lighting is the ideal method to improve you lighting safety. If you decide to get new lighting you can ensure that you are getting a product that has been tested vigorously through the new standards that companies have imposed. This in turn has ensured that the product life cycle of new lighting has now improved dramatically and in turn, buying new thorn lighting could be a great investment for the future. 

With all the various types of lighting that are available today it is clear that there is a lot of choice that offers a lot in terms of style, cost reduction and environmentally friendly. It can be a great gift this summer for you to surprise your partner with, couple new lighting with some stylish new decoration to get that look you have always dreamed of. 

With this in mind, it is a great time to buy some quality new lighting to spruce up the look of your home.

Christmas lighting- ten steps to stay safe

For many streets across Britain, Christmas lighting is a grand affair. If a street holds an annual Christmas lighting competition, it often leads to houses covered from porch to chimney pot in electrical lights of all colours. Here are a few things to remember to stay safe with all your electrical lighting this Christmas.

1. When purchasing any electrical lights, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions, and retain instructions for future reference.

2. Check that all Christmas lights are undamaged and do not have any loose wires exposed.

3. When replacing a bulb, always use the same bulb type and rating as those originally supplied with the lights. Any outdoor lighting should be connected through a 30mA RCD protected socket. An RCBO could also be fitted to provide added protection against an electric shock.

4. Replace any failed lamps immediately to prevent overheating. If the lamps are not replaceable, the whole lighting product may need to be replaced.

5. Any flammable decorations or other materials that burn easily should be kept away from all electrical lighting.

6. Switch off all lighting before you go to bed each night.

7. Keep the packaging for safe storage use. Avoid storage in damp or excessively hot conditions.

8. Never use electric lights outdoors, unless they are specially designed for such use.

9. Never overload sockets and try to avoid the use of extension leads or adaptors.

10. Never remove or insert lamps whilst the chain is connected to the supply.

If somebody does suffer an electric shock - always switch off the electricity supply before removing the casualty away from the danger if it is safe to do so. Contact the emergency services immediately. Check the location of your fuse box, so it can be reached quickly in case of an emergency. 

Christmas lights operate at either mains voltage (230 volts) or an extra low voltage. This information should be stated on the packaging. The safest Christmas lights operate at extra low voltage through a transformer, which will reduce the risk of electric shock if there is a leakage or a bulb breaks. 

The most common types of electric lights used for Christmas lights are traditional filament (incandescent) light bulbs, these use either mains voltage or extra low voltage.

 LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights are the safest form of Christmas lights. LEDs only operate at extra low voltage. They use much less power than traditional lights and produce less heat. A special plastic is used to make an LED light, which means there is no glass to break or flake.

 In 2009, a commission report was published revealing 30% of randomly tested Christmas lights failed basic safety checks. The main risks highlighted were from electric shocks and fire outbreaks. When purchasing any electrical lights, always go to a reputable dealer where basic standards should be assured.

Every year electric lighting helps transform a dull fir tree into a magical Christmas tree. If you take note of the tips and information, this should ensure the safety of you and your loved ones this Christmas.

Cable Management Kits Are an Ideal Solution for Managing Cables

As modern workplaces and homes have become more sophisticated and utilise ever more technology, so the masses of cable that permeate our daily lives have grown proportionally. To prevent becoming lost in the tangle, effective cable management is essential. Fortunately, with a wide range of products and cabling accessories on the market, this task is just a little bit easier than before.

Cable management kits
With so many different accessories on the market, it can be difficult to know what to buy. For this reason, cable management kits are a great option, as they bring together a range of items needed for tidying away and organising cables effectively.

Such kits come in many shapes and forms, but all contain a variety of tools for effective cable management. Many contain a combination of cable wraps, ties and clamps. Others might contain cable trunking and accessories for fireproofing your cables and increasing airflow around them.
CMP Products' Gland Kit is perfect for added safety and fire prevention, and provides a fireproof seal for cables. The Newlec Cable Joint Kit meanwhile provides an all in one cable jointing solution utilising PVC and Polyurethane resin.

The importance of cable management
Cable management is particularly important in offices and other workplaces which make extensive use of computers and other electric equipment. Without a carefully thought out cabling strategy, server rooms and data centres could end up looking like spaghetti junction, with a tangled maze of cabling scattered haphazardly across floors and walls.
A disorganised cable management strategy is not only a logistical and aesthetic nightmare, it is also a health and safety risk. Firstly, individuals working in close proximity to the cables might trip over them, endangering both the employee and the equipment. Secondly, and most importantly, poorly coordinated cables present a significant fire risk. Many fires start as a result of electrical failure, and in the event of a fire, cables that are not protected may perish in the fire, exposing live wires and presenting a further electrical hazard to evacuating personnel.

To protect against such dangers, a variety of cable management kits and other products with flame retardant qualities are available. The Kopex Flexible Conduit provides a flame retardant cabling solution, featuring a galvanised steel core and a PVC cover, and is both flexible and versatile.
Trunking pillows, such as the Newlec Fire Protection Pillow, can also be used to lower the risk of fire. These are made of fire resistant compounds and are utilised to plug holes bored in walls and ceilings for the purpose of electrical cabling. This is vital, as in the event of a fire flames may quickly spread from room to room via any unsealed holes.

Effective and efficient cable management
Managing electrical cables effectively is almost like an art form, and if done well it can save both time and money in the long run, as well as protecting your equipment and your staff from unnecessary risks.

Richard E.Davies - Neweys Online offers a range of products from cable management, to lighting peripherals such as emergency lighting, bulkhead light and thorn lighting peripherals, and a range of other cable and electrical products such as cable trunking and cable management items from top manufacturers.

How to Fireproof Your Cabling Using a Cable Management Strategy

Modern businesses utilise a wide array of electronic and IT equipment. Most businesses of any reasonable size will have a server room in which is housed the core of their computer network and their data centres. With such equipment inevitably come masses of interlinked cables, and consequently an increased risk of fire.
Many fires, particularly in server rooms, start as a result of malfunctioning or overheated electronic equipment.

Once started, these fires can quickly spread, causing devastation. Burning cables can add significantly to the danger through the toxic smoke generated by the rubber insulation and by the exposure of live electric wires. Furthermore, fires can start within the cabling itself, and so steps should be taken to safeguard against this and to slow the spread of any potential fire.
By developing a diligent and safety conscious cable management strategy, it is possible to mitigate these risks.

Developing a cable management strategy
Cable management is easiest when it is done right at the start during equipment installation. Cable routes should be well thought out and executed in a tidy and methodical manner, enabling easier management and lowering fire and other associated risks.
Cable trays, baskets and cable trunking should then be used to organise and insulate the cables. Wherever possible, these cable management accessories should be fire resistant or otherwise minimise the risk of both fire spreading from the outside to the cable inside and from the cable inside to the exterior.

Cable trunking for fire proofing
A wide range of fireproofing solutions are available to businesses. Newlec cable trunking made from pre-galvanised steel is particularly effective at slowing or preventing the spread of fire due to the high heat tolerance and flame resistant nature of steel.
Other forms of cable trunking are made from PVC-U, a PVC derivative with specific flame-retardant properties. Unlike other plastics, PVC-U will only combust under the continued presence of an external heat source. When it does burn, its combustion temperatures are very low and so it does not contribute to fire and flame propagation significantly. PVC-U also generates very little smoke when it burns, a factor which can be crucial during an emergency building evacuation.

MK Electric Industrial Cable Trunking offers a versatile and easily installable cable management solution and measures 50mm high and 50mm wide, making it suitable for heavy duty applications. For less intensive applications, Marshall Tufflex Self-fixing Mini-trunking measures 16mm x 16mm, and features an innovative clip-on lid for easy modifications.

Plan ahead
By carefully choosing fireproof cable trunking and similar cable management systems, it is possible to be adequately protected against many of the risks of fire, and to lessen its potential impact.
When it comes to fire prevention and control, small things can make a big difference. For example, making sure that cable trunking is not overcrowded and has plenty of room for internal ventilation lessens the risk of heat build up within the cables, while keeping areas around cabling clean and free of debris minimises the amount of combustible material which could propagate a fire.

Cable Management Innovation

Despite being one of the most competitive sectors in the electrical industry, cable management is often dismissed as an insignificant part of the whole specification process and you could be forgiven for thinking it is a relatively stagnant area. However with advancements in technology, a growing demand for flexible products and of course, lower prices, the category has in fact seen a plethora of innovation over the last few years.

Cable Management Meets Demand
Generally specifiers, contractors and installers all demand the same requirements from a cable management system. They want the products to be safe, reliable and meet relevant standards where applicable. However in today's economic climate, they also want to achieve cost savings on installation, reducing both onsite time and labour figures. As these two areas remain a strong influence in the electrical sector, cable management has seen a natural progression into more innovative, cost-effective products to meet current demands. In order to stay competitive, it's essential to be at the forefront of new technologies, ensuring the right solution is provided for the customer.

Easy Installation Saves Time & Money
In recent years, cable management solutions have become a greater part of the initial planning and specification process, due to the pressure felt by specifiers to ensure tight budgets are met. Another key consideration is time and the threat of large penalty clauses incurred for late installations. Whether the delay is caused due to complications, or because highly qualified or skilled installers aren't available on site, the cost can easily mount up into thousands of pounds, so it is imperative to keep to schedules.
One way to reduce the cost of labour is to utilise less qualified/skilled workers by specifying products which are quick and easy to install, thereby reducing the risk of complications and ensuring the project is kept on track, as skilled tradesmen need only sign off the completed work.
It is also important to specify solutions that guarantee a quick and easy installation, at the right price. There are many established products within the cable management sector that have evolved to become easier to use as well, as meeting new pricing demands in these more challenging times. One area which has seen a great transformation is cable trays and baskets.

Cable Tray & Basket Innovations
With steel cable trays renowned for their heavy weight and lack of flexibility, steel wire basket alternatives have recently increased in popularity. Not only does this solution achieve the same results as the conventional steel tray, its versatility and lower cost allows it to meet growing budget and time constraints by allowing easier handling and more importantly, faster installations.
Favoured for its lightweight, versatile structure, the wire tray can be cut and formed onsite with minimal tools, providing a responsive solution, especially in cases when previously unforeseen obstacles could spell disaster for traditional, more rigid products. Innovations like the fast-fix accessories, such as snap-fit connectors further reduce installation time, fuelling the growing trend for such fast-fix cable management products.
Alternative Materials
One innovative material being utilised for more heavy duty cable management solutions is glass reinforced polyester. This type of tray not only offers a lightweight, cost effective solution, it is also contains fire retardant, self-extinguishing, anti-corrosive and anti-aging properties, ensuring the utmost safety in hazardous environments.

Lightweight Metallic Hanging System
Another area of cable management which has recently benefited from advances in technology is the hanging system. This lightweight metallic rope, plus a variety of adjustable end fittings, suspends fixed loads securely with ease and is beginning to replace the old fashioned threaded rod or chain.
Slowly replacing the usual threaded rod or chain and cutting installation time in half, lightweight metallic rope and a variety of innovative adjustable end fittings grip the rope to securely suspend fixed loads with ease. Offering the same strength and safety properties as traditional solutions, this reliable option offers adjustment to the configuration after initial installation, saving on waste material if the needs of the application change. These solutions also provide a more aesthetically pleasing finish, which is paramount in today's ever design conscious environment.

Modular Under Floor Distribution Systems
Modular under floor distribution systems are another innovative cable management product which have been developed to meet time and cost demands. These 'plug and play' type installations are pre-wired, which not only saves time during the installation but, as with other technologies, they also allow for a less qualified installer to carry out the work. Other added benefits include the systems' flexibility which allows for re-configuration of the whole layout or specific sections, where additional modules can be added with minimal disruption.

Flexible Conduit
In the current climate, commercial buildings are in a constant state of flux and therefore the demand for flexible cable management has grown and this is likely to continue. This is why, despite the innovation and new emerging products to meet these needs, some of the existing solutions have also been updated to allow for easier installation and reduced waste material. One example is flexible conduit, along with new push on fittings, some kits also include fitting removal tools, further reducing unnecessary waste and making reconfiguration easier.

Stay Competitive
With the focus on helping customers to work well under increased time and cost pressure, manufacturers and wholesalers all strive to expand their product offering to meet these growing demands. Although this influx of new products may seem daunting to specifiers and contractors, updating their knowledge of these new, innovative solutions will not only help them to stay competitive, it will ensure the most effective product is specified for every application.

Newey & Eyre is one of the UK's leading electrical wholesalers with a network of over 150 branches providing electrical supplies for the trade. Cable Management products include consumer units, MCBs, circuit breakers and RCBOs.