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EV Homecharge Scheme Ending Soon...

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 13:14:03 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating well or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme or EVHS is a grant currently available to home owners that provides a 75% contribution, capped at £350, to the cost of a chargepoint and its installation.

It has recently been announced that the existing scheme is set to change on 31st March 2022, with focus to shift to the rental and leasehold sectors where provision for electric vehicle (EV) charging is currently more limited. The new scheme however will be designed to benefit people living in rental accommodation who, in most cases, are unable to access EV charging facilities at home.

Who Can Claim?

To qualify for the EVHS grant the homeowner must meet the following criteria:

• Own an electric vehicle or have one on order

• Have access to private off-street parking

• The charger installed must be an EV Smart charger

• An OZEV approved installer must carry out the work

How Can I Claim?

Claiming the grant is undertaken on your behalf by the approved installer meaning that the process is easy and stress free for the homeowner.

Saving Money & Energy

There are many benefits to owning an electric vehicle, such as cutting CO2, using sustainable or green energy and reducing the costs of vehicle ownership.

The Smart chargers that we supply are capable of charging your vehicle at off peak times and are ideally suited for energy tariffs such as E.ON’s Charge EV and EDF’s GoElectric.

You can even take advantage of free energy generated by your Solar PV. Your EV charger can be integrated with an existing Solar PV system allowing the energy generated to be diverted to the charging of your electric vehicle giving true 100% renewable energy and cost free charging.

Smart Chargers Explained

The latest Smart chargers are integrated with the latest technology and hardware. They will communicate seamlessly with your electric vehicle via cloud based apps to allow for the most efficient and energy saving charging.

Some of their features include:

• Deciding the total amount of charge your vehicle needs

• Automatically schedule charging times to take advantage of the best tariff

• Checking the amount of power required elsewhere in your home whilst charging

• Monitoring the energy use in your neighbourhood so as not to overload the grid

• Complete integration with Solar PV and home electricity storage systems

• Compile charging data to your phone using the app

Which EV Charger?

The main consideration when deciding on an EV charger is which will best suit your vehicle.

There are two main types of charger; t ethered lead and socketed. A tethered lead charger has an integrated lead which is permanently connected to the unit. A socketed charger on the other hand has a socket which is compatible with the charging lead that came with the car, often this is the most flexible as it means that you can utilise the supplied charging lead whilst away from home.

Finally, most electric vehicles will either use a 'type 1'or 'type 2' charging plug with the 'type 2' being the most common.

This is an important consideration when selecting a charger to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.

At Evolve Electrical Services we are pleased to be able to offer the latest EV chargers available from manufacturers such as ROLEC, myenergi, EO, Pod Point and Hypervolt to name but a few.

All chargers that we offer are Smart compatible, with cloud based phone apps offering full customer information and control of the chargepoint. Most chargers are supplied with a 2 or 3 year manufacturer’s warranty which can be extended if required. We provide a complete installation service that is second to none and are NICEIC approved electrical contractors.

How Can I Find Out More?

We are always happy to discuss your requirements, offer advice and provide a bespoke solution for your EV charging needs.

For further information and advice on the current grant scheme or to arrange a free quotation why not give us a call on 01953 789140 or email us at info@evolveelectricalservices.co.uk.

Smoke Alarms Explained...

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 16:10:11 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating well or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

There are three main types of smoke and heat alarms, which are designed for use in specific rooms in the house and to detect the types of smoke and fires that can commonly start in those rooms.

It is best practice to have a combination of all of the alarms.

Ionisation Smoke Alarms

Probably the most common smoke alarm and least expensive. Ionisation smoke alarms use a low radioactive element to create a small electrical current between two ion charged plates, smoke disrupts the flow of ions triggering the alarm. Designed to quickly react to fast flaming fires, ionisation smoke alarms are most sensitive to small particles in the air. When fires produce little or no smoke but the fuel is subject to rapid combustion, the ionisation smoke alarm is the quickest to sense its presence. Ideally positioned on an upstairs landing, stairwell or in a bedroom.

Optical Smoke Alarms

Also known as photo-electric smoke alarms and the second most common. They work by using infrared beams and photosensors to see smoke particles because they block the beam activating the alarm. Optical smoke alarms are much quicker at detecting slow smouldering fires and large particles in the air and better for avoiding false alarms from burning toast and cooking fumes. They are suitable to be positioned in a downstairs hallway adjacent to a kitchen but should not be installed in areas open to the elements or in dusty environments.

Heat Alarms

As the name suggests they respond to heat rather than smoke and are ideal for installation in kitchens. They work by using an internal thermostat to continuously monitor the temperature of the air in a room, when this temperature reaches 58°C the alarm will activate. Heat alarms are also suitable for use in a garage where dust or vehicle fumes may be present.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms (CO)

Not a smoke alarm but just as important for areas containing a fuel burning appliance, these alarms activate when they detect carbon dioxide in the air. There is not much chance of a false alarm as they use a chemical reaction to any amount of CO, so if an alarm is triggered it is highly likely that there is a leak. Carbon monoxide is an odourless and colourless gas which is produced by burning fuels. When inhaled, carbon monoxide can prevent the amount of oxygen in the blood being carried around the body. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include headaches, dizziness and nausea. Often called the silent killer, prolonged exposure can even prove fatal.

Mains or Battery Powered?

Battery powered smoke alarms should always be installed as the very minimum. Lithium battery technology has seen many advances in recent years allowing some manufacturers to offer longer battery life, some up to 10 years. Other models also feature a wireless base unit which can link several alarms together. Installing interlinked alarms mean that, should a fire be detected downstairs, the alarm will also activate other linked alarms throughout the property affording the earliest warning and the best chance of planning an escape in the event of a fire. In new or refurbished properties Part ‘B’ of the building regulations state that mains operated, interlinked smoke alarms must be installed and should conform to BS 5839-6 grade D.

Mains powered smoke detectors and heat alarms should contain a back-up battery so that, in the event of a mains failure, the back-up battery ensures that the alarm will continue to power until the mains feed is restored.

What About the Disruption?

Many people request that their old battery powered alarms are upgraded to new mains powered versions but are concerned about any disruption caused by installing the new wiring. Whilst a new dedicated circuit would be the ideal scenario, it is not always feasible. In most cases we can still install the new alarms powered by the existing lighting circuits with wireless interlinked bases achieving a full system.

I Have a Rental Property?

Since October 2015 it has been a legal requirement to ensure your rental property has adequate smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed. The regulations require private landlords to have:

• At least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of the rental property which is used as living accommodation.

• A carbon monoxide alarm installed in any room used as living accommodation where solid fuel is used.

• The landlord must ensure that the alarms are in good working order at the start of each new tenancy.

New Landlords often think that they are required to install mains powered alarms but this is not the case. The regulations do not stipulate the type of alarms to be installed but suggest that landlords make an informed decision and choose the best alarms for their properties and tenants.

A Final Note

Whilst having working smoke detectors will give you peace of mind for many years, it should be noted that regular testing, maintenance and battery replacement will ensure that they will operate effectively should the worst happen.

Many manufacturers recommend that their smoke and heat alarms should be replaced after ten years, as they can then start to become less reliable.

For further information or to arrange a quotation why not use our contact form.

Cash Is No Longer King...

Sun, 29 Nov 2020 19:28:50 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating well or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Cash transactions and the value of each cash transaction is down. ATM use is in decline, to the point where some banks are removing their machines from high streets due to a lack of demand.

In place of cash, people are often choosing credit and debit cards for their purchases, even for small payments such as buying a latte.

Financial experts predict that by 2027, just 16% of purchases will involve cash. Meanwhile, debit card sales are set to increase by 49% and credit card sales are also forecast to grow.

And even more recently, during the current nationwide situation where the coronavirus is still at large, most people would prefer to avoid handling cash and would rather pay for services by card.

We have had many requests recently to consider offering our customers the opportunity to pay for their electrical work by card payment and we have listened.

Evolve Electrical Services are pleased to announce that we can now accept payments from all major debit and credit cards. We hope people will take advantage of this new facility, which will not only add convenience but should hopefully avoid the financial worry of having essential work carried out allowing the cost to be deferred to a credit card until payday.

We have capped the maximum value of a transaction at £500, which we feel should be appropriate in most scenarios. For trade customers, or large ongoing projects we can still offer the benefit of having a 30 day account where the balance can be cleared by bank transfer.

We appreciate that some customers may still prefer to pay for our services the traditional way and we are still happy to accept payments by cash, cheque and BACS.

Please contact us for further information if required.

COVID-19 Safe Working Guidance...

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 17:53:11 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating well or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Both domestic and commercial electricians are encouraged to follow strict COVID-19 guidance in order to stop the spread of coronavirus and to keep themselves and others safe.

The key message here is to continue to work if it is safe to do so and to follow social distancing rules wherever possible.

A Message to our Customers

The safety of our customers, employees and their families remain our top priority. As Coronavirus continues to spread, we are monitoring the situation closely, and are continually updating our working procedures in line with government and World Health Organization recommendations.

Customer Safety - What are we doing?

We would like to provide an update for our customers on how we are helping reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and to provide peace of mind to anyone who requires our services. We have introduced new guidance to our engineers, who have completed full health and safety training, and have received regular toolbox talks on the latest working practices.

Many people will have questions regarding engineers entering their homes, so we are sharing our step-by-step guide that our engineers follow in order to minimize the risk of infection and for our business to remain COVID secure:

• Engineers to adhere to social distancing rules where possible.

• Avoid close work with others.

• Try to work with adequate ventilation.

• Wash hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.

• Engineers are provided with hand sanitizer where soap and water is not available.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided for engineers and is replaced regularly.

• Engineers to disinfect electrical materials and accessories upon completion.

• Regularly disinfect hand-tools and equipment.

• Whilst our engineers love a tea or coffee, they have been advised to supply their own refreshments.

• COVID19 Screening - Our engineers undertake daily temperature checks and, in the event of possible symptoms, are asked to isolate in accordance with current government guidance whilst waiting a test and subsequent results.

How you can help us

Whilst we are making every effort to maintain our safe working practices, we encourage our customers to do the same. We will contact customers to check that they are well have no symptoms or concerns prior to our visit. In the event of a concern being raised, we will be more than happy to reschedule the appointment for a later date.

We ask that you bear with us during these unprecedented times and together we will come out the other side.

For more information or any queries please contact us.

Home Security Advice...

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 00:40:46 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating well or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Over 2,400 burglaries were reported in Norfolk between October 2019 and September 2020. We’ve listed some suggestions below to help keep your home secure.

Secure Doors & Windows

Windows and doors are the most common entry points for intruders. Unfortunately, some locks and latches are just not secure enough and do not act as much of a deterrent to a would-be thief. We can supply and install standalone door and window alarms for you, offering another level of protection and peace of mind. And, for your front door, why not boost security with a video doorbell?

Light Up The Garden

As well as providing some mood lighting on those summer evenings, or that much needed guidance to the shed in the dark, outside lighting has another obvious benefit. Thieves and vandals do not appreciate being put in the spotlight! Installing lights at the front and rear of the property, along pathways, garages and other outbuildings will keep crooks away and will also help to avoid trips and falls in the dark.

Don’t Forget The Garage

This entry point to your home is becoming more popular with criminals. And, even if they can’t access your house, the chances are that you have plenty of expensive items stored in the garage. As well as making a habit to lock all doors to the garage, why not consider a standalone alarm system for your garage or other outbuildings.

Set Up a Security System

The ultimate form of protection for your home is a fully installed security alarm. This is probably the best all round deterrent available for keeping your home secure with the added benefit that you could save money on your home insurance! We can retrofit a range of wired alarm systems, or a fully wireless system which are ideal for listed or period properties. Why not add a speech or email dialler which will notify you of a triggered alarm whilst you are out? For any budget or requirement, we have a solution!

Add Security Cameras

CCTV is becoming ever more popular these days, not only as home security but also as a deterrent and a means to get justice. We can provide security cameras as part of a complete home security system or they can be installed to work on their own. Whichever way you go, we recommend using a security camera with a mobile app, so you can access footage in real time and store it if you ever need to go to the police.

Some must-have features include:

• Motion detection

• Night vision

• Wi-Fi capability

• Local or cloud storage

• Weatherproof casing (for outdoor cameras)

Smart Home Technology

Home automation can give you remote (or scheduled) control of lights, appliances, heating, security cameras and other devices. You can get real time alerts about suspicious activity while you are away from home, so you can respond quickly to potential thieves.

Some of the additional benefits of Smart Home integration are:

• Schedule lights or even your TV to turn on and off when you’re out.

• Turn on, off or adjust your heating ready for when you get home.

• Multi room audio can be integrated wirelessly to any room.

• Entire lighting schemes can be created for functionality or mood.

Before You Go

Deciding how to secure your home doesn’t have to be a hassle. Evolve Electrical Services are available for advice and information. To book a free consultation, get in touch using our contact form.

Get Winter Ready...

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 00:40:46 GMT

There are so many good reasons to communicate with site visitors. Tell them about sales and new products or update them with tips and information.

There are many electricity related problems which can affect us during the winter months.

Homeowners, especially in rural areas like Tacolneston, are no doubt aware that among other things, severe weather can cause issues. Heavy snow, rain and strong winds can cause power cuts, fluctuations and other electrical hazards around the home. Electrical faults can arise causing all manner of problems and inconvenience which, in many cases, could be avoided.

Be Prepared

Being prepared is the key to ensuring you stay safe from electrical hazards and breakdowns this season.

Below are six basic electrical tips that can be helpful in getting ready for winter:

1. Have additional power outlets or sockets installed by a qualified electrician. This will help avoid those circumstances where you have no option but to overload your existing sockets using multi-adaptor plugs and extension leads.

2. Make a habit of ensuring that all unused appliances and equipment are switched off before going to bed. You will not only save money on your electricity bill but will also avoid the risks that come from short-circuiting of plugged in appliances in the event of lightning, power surges or fluctuations.

3. If your home has electrical heating, such as night storage heaters, electric radiators and hot water immersion heaters, it is a good idea to have these checked for operation early to avoid being without heat.

4. Make it a routine to regularly check the condition of your wiring, sockets, plugs, switches and so on. These things get damaged or worn out over time and, when that happens, you must have them replaced or repaired. The longer they stay that way, the worse they become and the higher the risks of an electrical hazard. These checks should be carried out by an electrician if you are not confident to do it yourself.

5. Check outdoor electrical lighting and fittings for signs of damage and water ingress. Replace any faulty equipment and ensure lamps are working for when it gets dark. Be aware of damaged overhead power cables and report these to your local utility company.

6. And, finally, make sure you know where your homes' fuse box or consumer unit is located. It is surprising how many of us are unsure of its location or are unable to access it in an emergency. If your property still uses re-wireable fuses, make sure that you have spare fuse wire and are familiar with how to use it.

How Can We Help?

Evolve Electrical Services can undertake all aspects of your domestic electrical work. For a competitive quote or, if you are just in need of some advice, we are here to help.

Give us a call or email us on the details below.

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) Explained...

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 00:40:45 GMT

Old or faulty wiring is one of the main causes of electrical fires in the home. You can reduce the risk of a fire by checking the condition of your cables, switches, sockets and other accessories regularly.

How old is my electrical installation?

Clear signs that can help you tell the age of equipment in the electrical installation of your home include:

• Fixed cables coated in black vulcanised rubber insulation (stopped being used in the 1960s).

• Fixed cables coated in lead or fabric (used before the 1960s).

• A fuse box with a wooden back, cast iron switches, or a mixture of fuse boxes (used before the 1960s).

• Old style round pin sockets, braided flex hanging from ceiling pendants, Bakelite (brown or black) switches and sockets mounted in or on skirting boards (used before the 1960s).

However old your electrical installation is, it may get damaged and will suffer from wear and tear. You should get a qualified electrician to check its condition at least every 5 years or when you move into a new property.

What is the aim of an EICR?

The EICR will show whether the electrical installation is in a 'satisfactory' or 'unsatisfactory' condition and will detail a list of observations affecting the safety or which may require improvements.

These observations will be supported by codes.

Unsatisfactory Codes are:

• C1 - Danger present, risk of injury, immediate remedial action required.

• C2 - Potentially Dangerous, urgent remedial action required.

• FI - Further investigation required.

A Satisfactory Code is:

• C3 - Improvement recommended or does not comply with the latest electrical regulations.

The five main aims of an EICR are:

1. Record the results of the inspection and testing to make sure the electrical installation is safe to be used until the next inspection (following any work needed to make it safe).

2. Find any damage and/or wear and tear that might affect safety and report it.

3. Find any parts of the electrical installation that do not meet the current IET Wiring Regulations (BS7671 - 18th Edition).

4. Help find anything that may cause electric shocks and high temperatures.

5. Provide an important record of the installation at the time of the inspection and for further testing in the future.

Types of condition report

In general, there are two types of domestic electrical installation condition report:

• Visual condition report - this does not include testing and is only suitable if the installation has been tested recently.

• Periodic inspection reports - this is what we would normally recommend, as it tests the installation and would find any hidden damage.

Who should produce your condition report?

At Evolve Electrical Services our qualified electricians can carry out your EICR at a time that suits you. We are ELECSA accredited giving you peace of mind that your electrical installation has been professionally inspected to the latest industry standards.

Our competitive rates and pricing structure mean that there are no hidden costs and for landlords we can offer a cost effective maintenance plan.

Give us a call to find out what we can do for you.