we dont know how lucky we are!!!
Hundreds of millions of people have been left without electricity in northern and eastern India after a massive power breakdown.
More than half the country was hit by the power cuts after three grids collapsed - one for a second day.
Hundreds of trains have come to a standstill and hospitals are running on backup generators.
The country's power minister has blamed the crisis on states drawing too much power from the national grid.
The breakdowns in the northern, eastern, and north-eastern grids mean around 600m people have been affected in 20 of India's states.
Tuesday 31 July 2012
London 2012 Olympics: What's it like to bring the kids?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19056831
an interesting article. I will tell your our experiences after the 10th
we could only get tickets for an evening session 19.00 - 21.00 hrs. but it was our only opportunity.
watch this space...
an interesting article. I will tell your our experiences after the 10th
we could only get tickets for an evening session 19.00 - 21.00 hrs. but it was our only opportunity.
watch this space...
Monday 30 July 2012
Rise in private tenants may expose more people to risk of electric shock and fire
The Electrical Safety Council (ESC) believes many more people may become exposed to risk of potentially lethal electric accidents and fires in the home if the UK experiences a ‘steep’ and long term rise in the number of people living in private rented accommodation in the UK, which was forecast in a recent report from Shelter and the Resolution Foundation.
Research from the ESC in February found that misunderstandings between landlords and tenantsoverresponsibilities for safety are already exposing millions of tenants to life-threatening electrical dangers. It believes a significant increase in the number of private tenants may further compromise safety and is reissuing its guidance for tenants and landlords, including details of how to download its free smartphone safety app, allowing anyone to carry out a simple electrical safety check of their home.
Electricity kills at least one person every week in the home and almost 1,000 are seriously injured every day. Electricity causes around 20,000 fires a year - almost half of all accidental UK house fires. The ESC has found that of all the people receiving an electric shock, private tenants are disproportionately affected: with 16% of the UK population living in private rented properties, they account for 20% of UK adults receiving an electric shock.
More than one fifth of all private tenants (21%) already report concerns with the electrical safety in their home and three quarters of private tenants (75%) can’t recall discussing electrical safety with their landlord.
The ESC research highlighted that many landlords and tenants are simply confused over their responsibilities to safety and are not discussing the vital issue. By law, landlords must ensure electrical installations and wiring are maintained in a safe condition throughout the tenancy. And tenants should feel obliged to flag electrical problems a soon as they appear, as well as maintain any electrical items they bring into the house.
Research from the ESC in February found that misunderstandings between landlords and tenantsoverresponsibilities for safety are already exposing millions of tenants to life-threatening electrical dangers. It believes a significant increase in the number of private tenants may further compromise safety and is reissuing its guidance for tenants and landlords, including details of how to download its free smartphone safety app, allowing anyone to carry out a simple electrical safety check of their home.
Electricity kills at least one person every week in the home and almost 1,000 are seriously injured every day. Electricity causes around 20,000 fires a year - almost half of all accidental UK house fires. The ESC has found that of all the people receiving an electric shock, private tenants are disproportionately affected: with 16% of the UK population living in private rented properties, they account for 20% of UK adults receiving an electric shock.
More than one fifth of all private tenants (21%) already report concerns with the electrical safety in their home and three quarters of private tenants (75%) can’t recall discussing electrical safety with their landlord.
The ESC research highlighted that many landlords and tenants are simply confused over their responsibilities to safety and are not discussing the vital issue. By law, landlords must ensure electrical installations and wiring are maintained in a safe condition throughout the tenancy. And tenants should feel obliged to flag electrical problems a soon as they appear, as well as maintain any electrical items they bring into the house.
Sunday 29 July 2012
repelling sharks by electrical shocks
The waters along Western Australia's South West coast may look pristine but they are also the world's deadliest for shark attacks.
It's a reputation nobody wants and the State Government has thrown money at a range of techniques and experts to try to keep white pointers at bay.
Shark tagging and aerial patrols are being used in the fight against attacks but a very different experiment has also shed light on the movements of the notoriously elusive great white.
Shark foetuses are proving immensely valuable in finding ways to protect WA waters from one of Australia's deadliest predators.
Researchers from the University of Western Australia's Oceans Institute have been shocking embryos with electrical pulses for the past few months to measure reactions.
A video recently released by UWA shows an embryonic bamboo shark being shocked, before it shuts down its own heart and plays dead.
Researchers say it's an amazing example of the shark's ability to detect weak electrical stimuli from the muscle contractions of other animals.
While most sharks use this to find and slaughter prey, smaller sharks can use it to avoid becoming that prey.
It's a reputation nobody wants and the State Government has thrown money at a range of techniques and experts to try to keep white pointers at bay.
Shark tagging and aerial patrols are being used in the fight against attacks but a very different experiment has also shed light on the movements of the notoriously elusive great white.
Shark foetuses are proving immensely valuable in finding ways to protect WA waters from one of Australia's deadliest predators.
Researchers from the University of Western Australia's Oceans Institute have been shocking embryos with electrical pulses for the past few months to measure reactions.
A video recently released by UWA shows an embryonic bamboo shark being shocked, before it shuts down its own heart and plays dead.
Researchers say it's an amazing example of the shark's ability to detect weak electrical stimuli from the muscle contractions of other animals.
While most sharks use this to find and slaughter prey, smaller sharks can use it to avoid becoming that prey.
Saturday 28 July 2012
shared neutral between the upstairs and downstairs
After replacing a consumer unit, it is found that there is a shared neutral between the upstairs and downstairs lighting circuits. Would it comply with BS 7671 if I put the lighting onto one circuit to avoid the RCD tripping?
The Electrical Safety Council’s Best Practice Guide No 6 (Consumer unit replacement in domestic premises) sets out a procedure to help avoid such foreseeable circumstances.
In any event, the shared neutral situation must be corrected to remove the electric shock hazard.
Preferably each circuit should be provided with its own neutral to satisfy Section 314.
However, where this is not practicable, the two lighting circuits sharing the neutral may be connected to a single protective device (creating a single circuit), provided that the circuit is suitable for the connected load.
Regulation number(s)
314
The Electrical Safety Council’s Best Practice Guide No 6 (Consumer unit replacement in domestic premises) sets out a procedure to help avoid such foreseeable circumstances.
In any event, the shared neutral situation must be corrected to remove the electric shock hazard.
Preferably each circuit should be provided with its own neutral to satisfy Section 314.
However, where this is not practicable, the two lighting circuits sharing the neutral may be connected to a single protective device (creating a single circuit), provided that the circuit is suitable for the connected load.
Regulation number(s)
314
Friday 27 July 2012
The Olympics
Dear Friends,
London 2012 Olympics is a great event, highly anticipated not only by us Brits, but also tourists from all around the world. The next few weeks will have a huge impact on history and change London as we know it.
its a different world from when London rose from the ashes of WWII, then the Olympics helped to unite the world once again but in these recessionary times, maybe even more important.
We all hope that you are ready for the Olympics opening ceremony, and are as excited about the Games as we are!
We wish you an amazing time during these special days!
Enjoy it!
The D A Woolgar team
London 2012 Olympics is a great event, highly anticipated not only by us Brits, but also tourists from all around the world. The next few weeks will have a huge impact on history and change London as we know it.
its a different world from when London rose from the ashes of WWII, then the Olympics helped to unite the world once again but in these recessionary times, maybe even more important.
We all hope that you are ready for the Olympics opening ceremony, and are as excited about the Games as we are!
We wish you an amazing time during these special days!
Enjoy it!
The D A Woolgar team
Testing your house!!!!
Who should carry out the periodic inspection and what happens?
Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians. They will check the condition of the electrics against the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations).
The inspection takes into account all the relevant circumstances and checks on:
The adequacy of earthing and bonding.
The suitability of the switchgear and controlgear. For example, an old fusebox with a wooden back, cast-iron switches, or a mixture of both will need replacing.
The serviceability of switches, sockets and lighting fittings. Items that may need replacing include: older round-pin sockets, round light switches, cables with fabric coating hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches and sockets mounted in skirting boards.
The type of wiring system and its condition. For example, cables coated in black rubber were phased out in the 1960s. Likewise cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing (modern cables use longer-lasting pvc insulation).
Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians. They will check the condition of the electrics against the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations).
The inspection takes into account all the relevant circumstances and checks on:
The adequacy of earthing and bonding.
The suitability of the switchgear and controlgear. For example, an old fusebox with a wooden back, cast-iron switches, or a mixture of both will need replacing.
The serviceability of switches, sockets and lighting fittings. Items that may need replacing include: older round-pin sockets, round light switches, cables with fabric coating hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches and sockets mounted in skirting boards.
The type of wiring system and its condition. For example, cables coated in black rubber were phased out in the 1960s. Likewise cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing (modern cables use longer-lasting pvc insulation).
- Sockets that may be used to supply portable electrical equipment for use outdoors, making sure they are protected by a suitable residual current device (RCD).
- The presence of adequate identification and notices.
- The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration.
- Any changes in the use of the premises that have led to, or may lead to, unsafe conditions.
- The competent person will then issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standard that might give rise to danger.
Data Management at the Olympics
Content providers whose material is likely to be popular with attendees have been asked to strike a balance between the kind of material they want to offer and its impact on data usage.
"The BBC's iPlayer will adjust throughput speeds [affecting video quality] depending on the capacity available because the broadcaster is working with operators to control that," said Mr Newstead.x
"We have also encouraged developers including the creators of Locog's [London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games] official app to gather as much pre-loaded information as possible before the user arrives at the site."
Mobile phone and computer users are not the only ones using the wireless spectrum.
The Join In app is designed to download data before the user arrives Communications regulator Ofcom has licensed about 20,000 frequencies to allow:
- Broadcasters to use wireless cameras, microphones and talkback systems
- Olympic organisers to use wireless timing and scoring equipment
- Olympic officials, team members, support staff and emergency services to have reliable communication systems.
To secure capacity it borrowed spectrum from the Ministry of Defence and has used frequencies freed up by the switch-off of analogue TV signals.
It also has spare frequencies that it can hand out to mitigate any problems.
cleaver eh!!!
Thursday 26 July 2012
Wednesday 25 July 2012
Useful Metric Conversions for the mathematically challenged
1 trillion microphones = 1 megaphone
1 millionth of a fish = 1 microfiche
1 trillion pins = 1 terrapin
10 rations = 1 decoration
10 millipedes = 1 centipede
3 1/3 tridents = 1 decadent
2 monograms = 1 diagram
2 wharves = 1 paradox
D A Woolgar
1 millionth of a fish = 1 microfiche
1 trillion pins = 1 terrapin
10 rations = 1 decoration
10 millipedes = 1 centipede
3 1/3 tridents = 1 decadent
2 monograms = 1 diagram
2 wharves = 1 paradox
D A Woolgar
Geothermal energy
Geothermal could account for a significant amount of UK energy if government support is increased
Deep geothermal resources in the UK have the potential to provide around 83TWh of electrical energy annually, which is around 20% of the nation's annual electricity consumption, and 875TWh of heat energy each year, which is more than sufficient to supply the total current space heating and water heating requirements in the country. The energy used for heating in the UK each year amounts to around half of its total energy consumption.
The energy demand for space heating in the UK is approximately 400TWh each year, and the annual water heating demand is around 105TWh. The new report, Geothermal potential in Great Britain and Northern Ireland (May 29, 2012), is the first thorough study of the potential for geothermal energy in the UK since the 1980s. Deep geothermal hotspots are well distributed around the UK in Cornwall, Weardale, the Lake District, East Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Cheshire, Dorset, Worcester, Hampshire, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
Deep geothermal resources in the UK have the potential to provide around 83TWh of electrical energy annually, which is around 20% of the nation's annual electricity consumption, and 875TWh of heat energy each year, which is more than sufficient to supply the total current space heating and water heating requirements in the country. The energy used for heating in the UK each year amounts to around half of its total energy consumption.
The energy demand for space heating in the UK is approximately 400TWh each year, and the annual water heating demand is around 105TWh. The new report, Geothermal potential in Great Britain and Northern Ireland (May 29, 2012), is the first thorough study of the potential for geothermal energy in the UK since the 1980s. Deep geothermal hotspots are well distributed around the UK in Cornwall, Weardale, the Lake District, East Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Cheshire, Dorset, Worcester, Hampshire, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
Monday 23 July 2012
Height of a fuse box???
Are there any particular requirements relating to the mounting height or location of consumer units for electrical installations in new dwellings?
The provision of access to consumer units is not specifically covered by Building Regulations or BS 7671. However, consumer units need to be so located as to enable reasonable access by the users, including for the purpose of testing the RCDs at regular intervals, and in case of emergency.
BSI Draft for development DD 266: 2007 – Design of accessible housing: Lifetime homes – Code of practice, explains how, by following the principles of inclusive design, general needs housing can be made sufficiently flexible and convenient to meet the existing and changing needs of most households, and so give disabled and older people more choice over where they live.
Amongst other things, the code of practice recommends that meters and consumer units should be mounted 1200 mm to 1400 mm from the floor so that the readings and switches can be viewed by a person standing or sitting, and should be positioned to be accessible.
Regulation number(s)
132.12341.1513.1
The provision of access to consumer units is not specifically covered by Building Regulations or BS 7671. However, consumer units need to be so located as to enable reasonable access by the users, including for the purpose of testing the RCDs at regular intervals, and in case of emergency.
BSI Draft for development DD 266: 2007 – Design of accessible housing: Lifetime homes – Code of practice, explains how, by following the principles of inclusive design, general needs housing can be made sufficiently flexible and convenient to meet the existing and changing needs of most households, and so give disabled and older people more choice over where they live.
Amongst other things, the code of practice recommends that meters and consumer units should be mounted 1200 mm to 1400 mm from the floor so that the readings and switches can be viewed by a person standing or sitting, and should be positioned to be accessible.
Regulation number(s)
132.12341.1513.1
Sunday 22 July 2012
The electric flour voltage test
Ordinary flour isn’t the most electrifying substance, but spilling a box of the stuff yields a jolt of voltage that has scientists excited about their prospects for sensing catastrophic events like earthquakes and industrial accidents.
Scientists have known for years that materials including rock, crystals and adhesives like ordinary office tape can produce an electrical signal as they fracture or crack under a load. It’s also known that before a granular material can flow, the space it takes up has to enlarge — think of a traffic jam in which another lane opens up and cars begin to move again. The voltage measured in the flour may be a signal of this ‘dilation,’ which indicates flow is about to happen.
“We’ve known about dilation and that there’s an electrical signal when things fail, but nobody has put these two together before,” says chemical engineer Joseph McCarthy of the University of Pittsburgh, who wasn’t involved in the work. “This is a really, really interesting observation.”
Scientists have known for years that materials including rock, crystals and adhesives like ordinary office tape can produce an electrical signal as they fracture or crack under a load. It’s also known that before a granular material can flow, the space it takes up has to enlarge — think of a traffic jam in which another lane opens up and cars begin to move again. The voltage measured in the flour may be a signal of this ‘dilation,’ which indicates flow is about to happen.
“We’ve known about dilation and that there’s an electrical signal when things fail, but nobody has put these two together before,” says chemical engineer Joseph McCarthy of the University of Pittsburgh, who wasn’t involved in the work. “This is a really, really interesting observation.”
Saturday 21 July 2012
inspection (and testing if included) involves
In general, inspection (and testing if included) involves the following.
• Collecting information for the condition report.
• Gaining access to various parts of the electrical installation in the home (including, where appropriate,
areas such as the loft), and buildings outside, such as the garage and shed.
• Gaining access to any earthing or bonding safety clamps. These clamps may be fitted to the water and
gas pipes (where they enter the property). In general, green or green and yellow cables connect between the clamps and electrical equipment, such as the consumer unit (fuse box). For more information see our leaflet
• Removing and replacing covers from a sample of accessories, such as light switches and sockets.
• Removing and replacing the cover of the consumer unit (fuse box)
• Collecting information for the condition report.
• Gaining access to various parts of the electrical installation in the home (including, where appropriate,
areas such as the loft), and buildings outside, such as the garage and shed.
• Gaining access to any earthing or bonding safety clamps. These clamps may be fitted to the water and
gas pipes (where they enter the property). In general, green or green and yellow cables connect between the clamps and electrical equipment, such as the consumer unit (fuse box). For more information see our leaflet
• Removing and replacing covers from a sample of accessories, such as light switches and sockets.
• Removing and replacing the cover of the consumer unit (fuse box)
Friday 20 July 2012
Regs - Meter tails
Do ‘meter tails’ concealed in walls or partitions need to be protected in accordance with Regulations 522.6.101 and/or 522.6.103?
Yes. Meter tails concealed in a wall or partition at a depth of less than 50 mm from a surface must be protected in accordance with Regulation 522.6.101 Also, irrespective of the depth from a surface, meter tails concealed in a wall or partition having internal metallic parts (except nails and screws, etc) are subject to the requirements of Regulation 522.6.103
However, additional protection for meter tails by means of an RCD is not an acceptable option in respect of Regulation 522.6.102 (which in consequence rules out reliance on 522.6.101(v), routing in the ‘safe zones’ alone), or in respect of Regulation 522.6.103(v). Also, for TT systems, the only option remaining is to provide suitable mechanical protection (that is, to comply with Regulations 522.6.103(iv) and/or 522.6.101(iv) as appropriate).
Regulation number(s)
522.6.101522.6.103314.1314.2
Yes. Meter tails concealed in a wall or partition at a depth of less than 50 mm from a surface must be protected in accordance with Regulation 522.6.101 Also, irrespective of the depth from a surface, meter tails concealed in a wall or partition having internal metallic parts (except nails and screws, etc) are subject to the requirements of Regulation 522.6.103
However, additional protection for meter tails by means of an RCD is not an acceptable option in respect of Regulation 522.6.102 (which in consequence rules out reliance on 522.6.101(v), routing in the ‘safe zones’ alone), or in respect of Regulation 522.6.103(v). Also, for TT systems, the only option remaining is to provide suitable mechanical protection (that is, to comply with Regulations 522.6.103(iv) and/or 522.6.101(iv) as appropriate).
Regulation number(s)
522.6.101522.6.103314.1314.2
Thursday 19 July 2012
Domestic electrical installation condition reports
To get a quote from us for a condition report on the electrical installation in your property or the property you are planning to buy
Decide which of the following two domestic electrical installation condition reports you need.
• Visual condition report (includes inspection but not testing) typical cost £42 ex VAT
• Periodic inspection report (includes inspection and testing) typical cost £126 ex VAT
for a more acurate price contact us
Decide which of the following two domestic electrical installation condition reports you need.
• Visual condition report (includes inspection but not testing) typical cost £42 ex VAT
• Periodic inspection report (includes inspection and testing) typical cost £126 ex VAT
for a more acurate price contact us
Wednesday 18 July 2012
What kind of RCD should you fit?
RCD in your fusebox - will give the highest level of protection to your family and home as it covers all wiring, sockets and appliances on a circuit
Plug-in RCD - can be plugged into any socket and will protect you if a problem arises when using a particular appliance. You can get it from most home-improvement stores and garden centres.
I hope this helps
Plug-in RCD - can be plugged into any socket and will protect you if a problem arises when using a particular appliance. You can get it from most home-improvement stores and garden centres.
I hope this helps
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Periodic Inspection Explained
All electrical installations deteriorate with age and use. They should therefore be inspected and tested at appropriate intervals to check whether they are in a satisfactory condition for continued service. Such safety checks are commonly referred to as 'periodic inspection and testing'.
A periodic inspection will:
A periodic inspection will:
- Reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded.
- Find any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards.
- Identify any defective electrical work.
- Highlight any lack of earthing or bonding.
Tests are also carried out on wiring and fixed electrical equipment to check that they are safe. A schedule of circuits is also provided, which is invaluable for a property.
How often is a periodic inspection required? Your electrics should be inspected and tested every:- 10 years for an owner-occupied home.
- 5 years for a rented home.
- 3 years for a caravan
- 1 year for a swimming pool.
Other times when a periodic inspection should be carried out are:
- When a property is being prepared for letting.
- Before selling a property or buying a previously-occupied property.
Sunday 15 July 2012
You’ve plugged it in but it hasn’t come on.
Check that the problem is the socket. Do this by plugging an appliance that you know is working into the socket. Also try other sockets to see whether the problem is with one or, as will probably be the case, several sockets.
Appliance – if it is the appliance, check the plug and try replacing the fuse. If this does not work, the appliance may need to be repaired or replaced.
Socket – find and open your fusebox. Check the circuit breaker for that particular socket’s circuit. You will also need to check the residual current device (RCD).
The circuit breaker and/or the RCD may have turned themselves off due to a faulty appliance being plugged in. You won’t be able to reset the devices until the faulty item has been unplugged.
If you are not sure which one caused the problem, unplug them all. Reset the circuit breaker and/or RCD. Then plug each appliance back in, one by one, until you find the faulty item that trips the switch again. If you can’t reset the circuit breaker or RCD with everything disconnected, I am afraid you will need to call us!!!.
Appliance – if it is the appliance, check the plug and try replacing the fuse. If this does not work, the appliance may need to be repaired or replaced.
Socket – find and open your fusebox. Check the circuit breaker for that particular socket’s circuit. You will also need to check the residual current device (RCD).
The circuit breaker and/or the RCD may have turned themselves off due to a faulty appliance being plugged in. You won’t be able to reset the devices until the faulty item has been unplugged.
If you are not sure which one caused the problem, unplug them all. Reset the circuit breaker and/or RCD. Then plug each appliance back in, one by one, until you find the faulty item that trips the switch again. If you can’t reset the circuit breaker or RCD with everything disconnected, I am afraid you will need to call us!!!.
Saturday 14 July 2012
safety in the home
Check your electrics at home and take the following precautions:
- Avoid using faulty or damaged electrical appliances, lighting and switches
- Consider upgrading to a modern fusebox (consumer unit) with built-in RCDs or get a plug-in RCD from your local DIY store or garden centre - it could save your life
- If you have any doubt about electrical safety in your home or if your electrics keep tripping, contact us
Friday 13 July 2012
Cooker switch used as a means of emergency switching
Is a cooker switch or cooker control unit required to be provided as means of emergency switching for an electric cooker?
Generally, cooker switches and cooker control units are provided as a local means of isolation and switching off for mechanical maintenance.
In most cases, the controls incorporated in a cooker can be used to remove the source of heat if danger arises.
However, a cooker switch or cooker control unit may also be provided as a means of emergency switching if the designer of the electrical installation decides that it is necessary, in which case it must be located so as to be readily accessible.
Generally, cooker switches and cooker control units are provided as a local means of isolation and switching off for mechanical maintenance.
In most cases, the controls incorporated in a cooker can be used to remove the source of heat if danger arises.
However, a cooker switch or cooker control unit may also be provided as a means of emergency switching if the designer of the electrical installation decides that it is necessary, in which case it must be located so as to be readily accessible.
Thursday 12 July 2012
ESC LAUNCHES FREE SAFE ISOLATION IPHONE APP
The ESC has based the Safe Isolation app on its Best Practice Guide No 2 (Guidance on the management of electrical safety and safe isolation procedures for low voltage isolation). It is designed to be as easy to use as possible, taking a step-by-step approach to achieving safe isolation with a series of illustrations and simple instructions.
The app is available on iPhone and iPad and allows electrical engineers and electricians to access this important information while they are working to help keep themselves and others safe.
Martyn Allen, the ESC’s Head of Technical Development, said: “There is no excuse for inappropriate live working, or inadequate safety precautions.
"By routinely and invariably following a simple, step-by-step approach to safe isolation, injuries and fatalities can be prevented.
"The ESC’s Safe Isolation app has been developed to remind everyone working on, or near, electrical equipment how to work safely.”
There have been several prosecutions in recent years over breaches of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, highlighting the dangers of working when electrical systems are live. These accidents could have been easily avoided by taking the time to work thoroughly through the safety precautions.
The app can be found at the App Store by searching for ‘safe isolation’ and then following the download instructions.
For more information visit the ESC’s website http://www.esc.org.uk/ where more information can be found on the Best Practice Guide No 2.
The app is available on iPhone and iPad and allows electrical engineers and electricians to access this important information while they are working to help keep themselves and others safe.
Martyn Allen, the ESC’s Head of Technical Development, said: “There is no excuse for inappropriate live working, or inadequate safety precautions.
"By routinely and invariably following a simple, step-by-step approach to safe isolation, injuries and fatalities can be prevented.
"The ESC’s Safe Isolation app has been developed to remind everyone working on, or near, electrical equipment how to work safely.”
There have been several prosecutions in recent years over breaches of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, highlighting the dangers of working when electrical systems are live. These accidents could have been easily avoided by taking the time to work thoroughly through the safety precautions.
The app can be found at the App Store by searching for ‘safe isolation’ and then following the download instructions.
For more information visit the ESC’s website http://www.esc.org.uk/ where more information can be found on the Best Practice Guide No 2.
Wednesday 11 July 2012
Tuesday 10 July 2012
Latest Product recalls
What’s causing a problem – Here you’ll find a listing of all the current electrical equipment currently being recalled by manufacturers to rectify faults.
01/06/12
Charger "Travel charger for O2XDA Mini" (NOT ORIGINAL PRODUCT)
01/06/12
Charger For iPhone 3GS/4G Accessories (NOT ORIGINAL PRODUCT)
01/06/12
i-Power Home Charger for new iPod and iPod mini
01/06/12
Charger Travel Charger for iPhone 4&3GS/ipod (NOT ORIGINAL PRODUCT)
25/05/12
"L-Chocolate Cellular Charger"
25/05/12
Travel charger for iPhone 4/3GS/3G (NOT ORIGINAL PRODUCT)
25/05/12
USB Charger YXT-030 for 3G/3Gs/4G
25/05/12
Travel Charger (with dual LED indication) for G600
25/05/12
Charger Charger For iPhone 3G 2.2 Charger (NOT ORIGINAL PRODUCT)
25/05/12
Charger For iPhone 3GS Accessories (NOT ORIGINAL PRODUCT)
22/05/12
Wilkinsons Travel Plug Adaptor
14/05/12
Travel Hairdryer offered in The Sun
04/05/12
Lenovo All-In-One Desktop PC
01/06/12
Charger "Travel charger for O2XDA Mini" (NOT ORIGINAL PRODUCT)
01/06/12
Charger For iPhone 3GS/4G Accessories (NOT ORIGINAL PRODUCT)
01/06/12
i-Power Home Charger for new iPod and iPod mini
01/06/12
Charger Travel Charger for iPhone 4&3GS/ipod (NOT ORIGINAL PRODUCT)
25/05/12
"L-Chocolate Cellular Charger"
25/05/12
Travel charger for iPhone 4/3GS/3G (NOT ORIGINAL PRODUCT)
25/05/12
USB Charger YXT-030 for 3G/3Gs/4G
25/05/12
Travel Charger (with dual LED indication) for G600
25/05/12
Charger Charger For iPhone 3G 2.2 Charger (NOT ORIGINAL PRODUCT)
25/05/12
Charger For iPhone 3GS Accessories (NOT ORIGINAL PRODUCT)
22/05/12
Wilkinsons Travel Plug Adaptor
14/05/12
Travel Hairdryer offered in The Sun
04/05/12
Lenovo All-In-One Desktop PC
Monday 9 July 2012
Earth loop
Where the earth fault loop impedance for a circuit exceeds the maximum Zs for the overcurrent device, is it permissible to use an RCD?
Yes.
Regulation number(s)
411.4.4411.5.2
Yes.
Regulation number(s)
411.4.4411.5.2
Sunday 8 July 2012
Troubleshooting...
Have the lights gone out? Is a socket or appliance not working? Here are some simple suggestions as to what might be wrong.
The lights aren’t working
If your wall or ceiling light won’t come on it’s either a blown bulb or a problem with the circuit. If it’s just a bulb then the lights in the other rooms will be working. If it is a circuit problem then all the lights on the circuit will be out.
Blown bulb – make sure the light is off. Wait for the bulb to cool down, and change it for a new one of the correct size.
Circuit – find and open your fusebox. Most homes have two lighting circuits, one for upstairs and one for downstairs. Check if the circuit breaker has turned off. If it has, reset it by switching it back on. The lights should now work.
Note: most modern circuit breakers are sensitive and a bulb blowing can easily trip them.
If resetting the circuit breaker does not work, call us
The lights aren’t working
If your wall or ceiling light won’t come on it’s either a blown bulb or a problem with the circuit. If it’s just a bulb then the lights in the other rooms will be working. If it is a circuit problem then all the lights on the circuit will be out.
Blown bulb – make sure the light is off. Wait for the bulb to cool down, and change it for a new one of the correct size.
Circuit – find and open your fusebox. Most homes have two lighting circuits, one for upstairs and one for downstairs. Check if the circuit breaker has turned off. If it has, reset it by switching it back on. The lights should now work.
Note: most modern circuit breakers are sensitive and a bulb blowing can easily trip them.
If resetting the circuit breaker does not work, call us
Saturday 7 July 2012
Sparks before it colapsed!!!
Mysterious electrical bursts warn of material collapse
Inexplicable flashes of electricity burst out of powdery materials seconds before they form cracks and fail. If better understood, the flashes could be monitored to forewarn of earthquakes, concrete bridge collapses or failures in the ceramic components of engines, such as turbine blades.
Troy Shinbrot of Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey, and colleagues discovered the flashes by studying small avalanches created in the lab by swirling powders, such as flour, in revolving cylinders.
Electrical charges as large as 500 volts were detected up to 4.5 seconds before the avalanches occurred.
The team found that the bursts originated from tiny flaws in the structure of the densely packed powder. These propagated towards the surface as the cylinder revolved, eventually resulting in a crack that sheared off a portion of the powder from the main body.
It is well known that failing materials, and earthquakes, release electrical signals. What's new, Shinbrot says, is the discovery that the discharges are triggered by structural flaws preceding the failure itself. The researchers saw the same thing in powders used to make pharmaceuticals.
They have no explanation as yet but have ruled out a build-up of static electricity, chemical production of electricity and pressure effects.
Friday 6 July 2012
Thursday 5 July 2012
P A Testing, What does the law say?
You must maintain electrical equipment if it can cause danger, but the law* does not say how you must do this or how often. You should decide the level of maintenance needed according to the risk of an item becoming faulty, and how the equipment is constructed.
This includes any electrical equipment your employees use at work, whether it is their own or supplied by you. You have a joint responsibility to maintain any equipment used by your employees that is either leased (eg a photocopier) or provided by a contractor (but not equipment both provided and used by a contractor).
You will need to check periodically if any work needs doing. How you do this depends on the type of equipment.
Not every electrical item needs a portable appliance test (PAT)
In some cases, a simple user check and visual inspection is enough, eg checking for loose cables or signs of fire damage and, if possible, checking inside the plug for internal damage, bare wires and the correct fuse.
Other equipment, eg a floor cleaner or kettle, may need a portable appliance test, but not necessarily every year.
You should consider:
- the increased risk if the equipment isn’t used correctly, isn’t suitable for the job, or is used in a harsh environment; and
- if the item is not double insulated, for example some kettles are earthed but some pieces of hand-held equipment, such as hairdryers, are usually double insulated. See page 4 for more information on earthed equipment and double insulated equipment.
You will need to check periodically if any work needs doing. How you do this depends on the type of equipment.
Not every electrical item needs a portable appliance test (PAT)
In some cases, a simple user check and visual inspection is enough, eg checking for loose cables or signs of fire damage and, if possible, checking inside the plug for internal damage, bare wires and the correct fuse.
Other equipment, eg a floor cleaner or kettle, may need a portable appliance test, but not necessarily every year.
Higgs boson – its damn complicated
Without the Higgs boson, the universe and everything in it – including you, me and the computer you're reading this on – could not exist. Because the Higgs Boson is “cosmic treacle”, the glue that joins it all together…
At least, that is according to the “Standard Model” theory that describes all the particles, forces and interactions that make up the cosmos.
The Standard Model is a mathematical construction that seems to be a good reflection of reality.
While nearly all the building blocks of the universe it predicts have been observed, one very important particle is missing – the one that makes energy turn into mass.
Professor Peter Higgs theorised that this missing particle – the Higgs boson – or rather the field associated with it, is the sub-atomic particle that gives matter mass and weight.
Without it, all our atoms would not be able to stick together and would simply turn into energy – meaning we would all float away like balloons.
Describing how the Higgs gives matter mass requires some imaginative analogy.
As we said, the Higgs field has been described as a kind of all-pervading “cosmic treacle” spread throughout the universe.
Particles moving through the “treacle” stick to it, slow down, lose energy, and become heavier.
Tadaahh!! Simples
Wednesday 4 July 2012
String Theory simplified
The “theory of everything,” includes such unusual concepts as superstrings, branes, and extra dimensions. Scientists are hopeful that string theory will unlock one of the biggest mysteries of the universe, namely how gravity and quantum physics fit together.
String theory is a work in progress, so trying to pin down exactly what the science is, or what its fundamental elements are, can be kind of tricky.
The basic are
•All objects in our universe are composed of vibrating filaments (strings) and membranes (branes) of energy.
•String theory attempts to reconcile general relativity (gravity) with quantum physics.
•A new connection (called supersymmetry) exists between two fundamentally different types of particles, bosons and fermions.
•Several extra (usually unobservable) dimensions to the universe must exist.
There are also other possible string theory features, depending on what theories prove to have merit in the future. Possibilities include:
•A landscape of string theory solutions, allowing for possible parallel universes.
•The holographic principle, which states how information in a space can relate to information on the surface of that space.
•The anthropic principle, which states that scientists can use the fact that humanity exists as an explanation for certain physical properties of our universe.
•Our universe could be “stuck” on a brane, allowing for new interpretations of string theory.
Key Events in String Theory History
Although string theory is a young science, it has had many notable achievements. What follows are some landmark events in the history of string theory:
1968: Gabriele Veneziano originally proposes the dual resonance model.
1970: String theory is created when physicists interpret Veneziano’s model as describing a universe of vibrating strings.
1971: Supersymmetry is incorporated, creating superstring theory.
1974: String theories are shown to require extra dimensions. An object similar to the graviton is found in superstring theories.
1984: The first superstring revolution begins when it’s shown that anomalies are absent in superstring theory.
1985: Heterotic string theory is developed. Calabi-Yau manifolds are shown to compactify the extra dimensions.
1995: Edward Witten proposes M-theory as unification of superstring theories, starting the second superstring revolution. Joe Polchinski shows branes are necessarily included in string theory.
1996: String theory is used to analyze black hole thermodynamics, matching earlier predictions from other methods.
2012: a glimmer of the Higg Boson. Keep your fingers crossed guy.
Steven Hawkin bet $100 bucks against it…
Have they found the Higgs boson
LHC claims new particle discovery. Cern scientists reporting at conferences in the UK and Geneva
The particle has been the subject of a 45-year hunt to explain how matter attains its mass.
CMS, one of the two Higgs-hunting experiments at the Large Hadron Collider, has reached a level of certainty worthy of a "discovery".
The other experiment, Atlas, has yet to report its results.
The team claimed they had seen a "bump" in their data corresponding to a particle weighing in at 125.3 gigaelectronvolts (GeV) - about 133 times heavier than the proton at the heart of every atom.
Indications are strong, but it remains to be seen whether the particle the team reports is in fact the Higgs - those answers will certainly not come on Wednesday.
The result announced at Cern, home of the LHC in Geneva
The CMS team claimed that by combining two of its data sets, the researchers had attained a confidence level just at the "five-sigma" point - about a one-in-3.5 million chance that the signal they see would appear if there were no Higgs particle.
However, a full combination of the CMS data brings that number just back to 4.9 sigma - a one-in-2 million chance.
Excited to see what Atlas finds!!!
A mathematician, an engineer and a physicist
sat around a table discussing how to measure the volume of a cow.
The mathematician suggested the use of geometry and symmetry relationships of the cow, but his idea was
rejected on the grounds of being too time consuming.
The engineer suggested placing the cow in a pool of water and measuring the change in the height of the
water, but his idea was rejected on the grounds of impracticality.
"It's easy," said the physicist. "We'll make an asumption that the cow is a small sphere, calculate the
volume and then blow it up to the actual size."
The mathematician suggested the use of geometry and symmetry relationships of the cow, but his idea was
rejected on the grounds of being too time consuming.
The engineer suggested placing the cow in a pool of water and measuring the change in the height of the
water, but his idea was rejected on the grounds of impracticality.
"It's easy," said the physicist. "We'll make an asumption that the cow is a small sphere, calculate the
volume and then blow it up to the actual size."
Tuesday 3 July 2012
How safe if your password????
Think your password is good? is it really? since the latest hack - Linke in, we have learned a lot about the most popular passwords.
“Link” was the number one hacked password. But many other LinkedIn users also picked passwords — “work” and “job” for example — that were associated with the career site’s content.
Religion was also a popular password topic — “god,” “angel” and “jesus” also made the top 15. Number sequences such as “1234″ and “12345″ also made the list.
if your password is on this list, you really need to change it now!
“Link” was the number one hacked password. But many other LinkedIn users also picked passwords — “work” and “job” for example — that were associated with the career site’s content.
Religion was also a popular password topic — “god,” “angel” and “jesus” also made the top 15. Number sequences such as “1234″ and “12345″ also made the list.
if your password is on this list, you really need to change it now!
Monday 2 July 2012
If Cloud computing doesnt take off!!!
How big will your hard drive be in the future????
1 Bit = Binary Digit
8 Bits = 1 Byte
1000 Bytes = 1 Kilobyte
1000 Kilobytes = 1 Megabyte
1000 Megabytes = 1 Gigabyte
1000 Gigabytes = 1 Terabyte
1000 Terabytes = 1 Petabyte
1000 Petabytes = 1 Exabyte
1000 Exabytes = 1 Zettabyte
1000 Zettabytes = 1 Yottabyte
1000 Yottabytes = 1 Brontobyte
1000 Brontobytes = 1 Geopbyte
1 Bit = Binary Digit
8 Bits = 1 Byte
1000 Bytes = 1 Kilobyte
1000 Kilobytes = 1 Megabyte
1000 Megabytes = 1 Gigabyte
1000 Gigabytes = 1 Terabyte
1000 Terabytes = 1 Petabyte
1000 Petabytes = 1 Exabyte
1000 Exabytes = 1 Zettabyte
1000 Zettabytes = 1 Yottabyte
1000 Yottabytes = 1 Brontobyte
1000 Brontobytes = 1 Geopbyte
Sunday 1 July 2012
More on the Wii U
The most important visual spec is probably this one: up to 1080p support. The Wii U finally brings Nintendo into the high-definition
Yay!!! streaming movie playback topping the list — but above all, it means we’ll no longer be subject to blurry, interpolated video because of a mismatch between the system’s visual output and a flatscreen TV’s native resolution.
Even if, the Wii U is only “as powerful” or “slightly more powerful than” current-gen systems, I don’t see the problem. I never hear anyone complain that iPad games don’t look as good as PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 ones, for instance, or that PC games
Nobody cares, well a few have this rather narrow minded “mine’s bigger than yours” minority. As long as it looks good, most of us just don’t care.
We like the idea of an optical drive (25GB discs) what do you think Microsoft and Sony plan??? No other option!!! Games aren’t getting any smaller and there’s still the question of Internet access to consider. Don’t forget that some ISPs are moving backwards when it comes to data caps and cracking down on monthly limits. If you’re in a pay-as-you-go situation, as many people I know are, the last thing you want is a game system you can’t play games on because it’s download-only — here comes the new Zelda-whatever, and you’re at your monthly ceiling.
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