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Electrical Upgrades Limerick, Rylanes Ballingarry, Limerick (2026)

08/05/2016

What an RCD does and how it protects you and your family home.

An RCD stands for Residual Current Device. It is an essential safety device that automatically cuts off the electricity if there is a problem. This might sound pretty boring and bog standard, and you might even wonder what the point of having one is.

An RCD is a quick mover. It detects a problem before you even realise there is one and cuts the power in less than a split second. As an example, if you were mowing your lawn with an electric mower and you accidentally cut through the wire, the RCD would activate and save your life. If you went out and left your washing machine running and it developed a fault, the RCD could save your home from burning to the ground.

Many home owners ask me what is the point of an RCD, especially when fuses and circuit breakers also cut the power if a problem develops. The fact is an RCD is far more sensitive and will definitely activate in the event of a problem. A Fuse or circuit breaker is not guaranteed to react fast enough and it might be too late.

A fixed RCD device has been fitted to virtually all circuits in new or rewired houses. If you have one fitted that is great, if you haven't it is highly recommended that you do so in order to stay electrically safe in your home.

If you have one, it is important that you test them regularly. They are 97% effective, but in the same vain as you test your fire alarm weekly it is worth getting into the habit of testing your RCD every 3 months. The effectiveness does of course improve if you test it. Simply press the test button and the electricity supply should cut out. If it does not, then you will need to seek advice from a qualified, registered electrician.

There are also two other types of RCD devices that are found within homes. These are RCD Sockets and portable RCD's. These should be tested each time they are used. RCD sockets replace standard sockets and provide RCD protection for anyone using electrical equipment plugged into those sockets. A Portable RCD is plugged into a conventional socket and this then provides RCD protection to the person who plugs their electrical equipment into the socket. The advantage to these is that they can be moved around and used for riskier jobs such as lawn mowing or on higher power appliances such as kettles.

Remember RCD sockets and portable RCDs only provide protection to the person using the appliances plugged into them, it does not protect the whole household. However, I always say, some RCD protection is better than none at all. I always recommend to my customers that if they do not have the budget to install fixed RCD protection in their home to at least buy a few portable RCD's to use around their home, particularly in the garden.

An RCD is there to prevent death or serious injury please use them.

Your Local Electrician
Electrical Upgrades.

25/03/2016

Important Notice - Smoke Alarms

Today is the day that you should be checking your Smoke alarms.

Take just five minutes today and check that the smoke alarms in your house are all working as they should be.

Press the test button on each one independently (be careful if using a ladder), ensure that the sounder sounds and can be heard throughout the property. If your Smoke alarms are linked then check that when you press one all of the sounders work.

You may also want to consider changing the battery, yes even if your system is connected to the mains it will have a 9V back up battery.

Keep Safe.

Cathal Moore

Your Local Electrician.

15/11/2015

Twinkle Twinkle….

It’s all Twinkly Fairy Lights and Christmas Cheer Every year. I see increasing numbers of creative Christmas Lighting displays located both indoors and outdoors.
In the run up to Christmas I receive many calls from customers reporting problems with their electrics. Hopefully when you read my Electric Tips, you will avoid this scenario occurring and you can get on and enjoy your festivities without electrical problems getting in the way of your enjoyment!

My First Tip is to check that all cables and plugs are free from damage and are intact. Many people don’t pack Christmas decorations away correctly and cables can become knotted and then damaged in an attempt to untangle them.
After checking the plugs and cables, plug them in and make sure all the lights work! Blown bulbs will often cause the whole display to stop working so re-stock on spares – if you can.
LED lamps that power modern Christmas lights cannot be replaced. It is better to find this out now than after you have spent hours assembling the displays. It also means there is stock available in the shops so you aren’t rushing around in a last minute panic.

My Second Tip is to ensure your outdoor lighting is safe. Always ensure that the lighting is suitable for outdoor use.
Remember water and electricity don’t mix, so any cables and sockets used must be suitable for outdoor use. There is nothing quite as nice as seeing a garden decorated in true Christmas style but every year I do come across incorrect lighting being used simply because the home owner likes that particular light and wants people to be able to see it!
If you are concerned about the suitability and would like some professional advice on what is needed please consult your registered electrician (Me).

My Third bit of advice is, if you are out buying new decorations for your home this year, do hold onto the packaging. It is far safer to re-pack your decorations into their original packaging than bundling them into a carrier bag! I appreciate it is far more time consuming but next year you’ll be glad you made the effort!

And finally early in the New Year consider having a home electrical inspection carried out if you haven’t had one done within the last 10 years.
It is your peace of mind that the electrics in your home have been inspected and are safe. Many problems occur with electrics because there is too much electrical demand placed on the system.
Many older electrical systems were not designed to cope with today’s demand for electricity.

Have a Happy and Safe Christmas...

Electrical Upgrades
Your Local Electrician.

04/07/2015

"Real Electricians" Have experience and understanding. We care about your safety, not just taking your money. Our customer relationships are important to us. Once you are our customer we expect you to be pleased enough with our work to use us for all future needs. Most of us have come into the industry via apprenticeships because of an interest in the subject. We will respect your home and leave it safe.

How can you tell who is a "Real Electrician"

Nowadays, in order to carry out domestic electrical work, you must be a registered Electrical Contractor.Here are just a few basic tips on how to limit your risk when engaging an electrician:

1. Do Look for a scheme membership:- At least if things go wrong you have a scheme provider to fall back on, but check if they are actually a member.

2. Do get a written detailed quote:- This is almost like a contract and ensures that you have written exactly what the electrician is supposed to do for you.

3. Do take up references (so few people do this):- Good electricians will have no problem supply a list of names of satisfied customers, calling one or two could save you a lot of hassle later.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for qualifications (actually ask to see the documents):- Again, a qualified electrician will have no issue with providing documents on request. Check dates and determine how new to the industry they are. Are they a full time electrician? Also, be careful, there is a whole industry out there that provides fake Documents.

5. Trust your instincts:- If it feelswrong, it normally is. We all usually know when something doesn't feel right.

6. Don't... Don't...Don't always opt for the cheapest:- Ask yourself why is it cheaper than others. What is not included? Is the quote fully descriptive of what you asked for?.

7. Get Certificates after all work is completed.

Until the next time. "Your Local Electrician"

Electrical Upgrades.

10/05/2015

Energy Saving Tips For Homeowners.

Change your habits and save money. With these simple energy saving tips we'll show you just how easy it is to cut the cost of your household electricity bill...

Turn it off!

It sounds simple when said but it’s still something many are guilty of, not using it? Then turn it off! Make sure you turn off appliances and chargers when you're not using them. And if you're not in a room turn off the light!

It's a myth that turning a normal light on and off uses more energy than leaving it on and nearly all electrical devices and electronic appliances can be safely turned off at the plug.

A family could save between €50 and €90 a year just by remembering to turn things off.

Replace your bulbs

Are you still using incandescent or halogen light bulbs? If so, why? You can now get LED spotlights that are bright enough to replace your halogen bulbs and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) for all of your other light fittings.

So why replace? Well, in most homes lighting accounts for around 15% of the household electricity bill, if you replace an incandescent with a CFL bulb you could save around €3 a year. So by replacing all of your bulbs with energy savings ones you would be looking at savings of around €55 a year!

Careful cooking

Taking a little extra care in the kitchen can save you cash! A few simple tips include using the right sized pan for the food and hob when cooking, keeping the saucepan lid on to keep in the heat and using the toaster to make toast and not the grill. Also get out of the habit of filling the kettle right up every time you make a drink, only boiling the water you need, will save you so much money in the long run.

Wash wisely

Don't just take care with your delicates, whites and colours, take care with your washing machine settings too. When you have a load of clothes that have only been worn once and that are not really visibly dirty try putting them on a 30°C wash, anything more than this is just unnecessary and a waste of energy.

Perhaps another obvious one but if it's dry outside why are you using the tumble dryer? Only use the tumble drier when you really need to, i.e. rainy days and you'll soon notice a difference in your electricity bills.

Electrical Upgrades
Your Local Electrician.

04/05/2015

Electrical Inspections.

Many clients are surprised to find that an electrical inspection test is very straightforward and hassle free.

I'm going to tell you what happens when an electrician comes to your home to carry out an electrical inspection. The inspection is based on the electrical system of each individual household and includes the following:

The adequacy of earthing and bonding.

The suitability of the switch gear and control gear. For example an old fuse box with a wooden back, cast iron switches, or a haphazard mixture of both will need replacing.

The serviceability of switches, sockets and light fittings. The following may all require replacing; older round pin sockets, round light switches, braided flex 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 pvc insulation).

The provision of residual current devices for sockets that may be used to plug in outdoor electrical equipment.

The presence of adequate identification and notices.

The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration.

The changes in house which have led to, or may lead to, problematic wiring.

An electrical inspection is known as a Periodic Inspection Report at the end of the inspection you will receive a written report telling you of the condition of your home electrical system.

It is recommended that every homeowner has a Periodic Inspection Report carried out every 10 years. If you have not had a Periodic Inspection Report carried out over that time then I would strongly recommend you have an electrical safety test carried out asap, even if your electrics appear to be working as normal.

Different rules apply to rental homes, businesses, caravans and swimming pools as well as when you buy or sell a home.

Finally, always check that your electrician is able to carry out a Periodic Inspection Report for you by contacting the relevant organisation your electrician is registered with.

Being a qualified electrician alone does not automatically mean they can carry out a Periodic Inspection Report so please check first.

26/04/2015

Lighting Design & Installation

One of the most popular and exciting electrical projects home owners contact me about is their lighting requirements. Many of my clients within Limerick city and county have very specific ideas about how they want their room to look.

One of my favourite aspects of being a registered electrician is helping my clients achieve their dream of perfect lighting in their home. It is my job to ensure that each customer is left with an optimum lighting system both inside and outside their home that they're 100% happy with.

Lighting installations carried out correctly will transform your home and there is never a better time to do this than following a house rewire or room redecoration.

When planning a lighting project it is best to leave it to a qualified electrician. They will know what bulbs (lamps) will be needed to achieve the desired effect and how many lamps will be required. You will also have the lighting installed to current regulations, so using a qualified electrician to carry out this work is a worthy investment. They will also have access to the highest quality and safest lighting available on the market today. Please do not be tempted by cheaper lighting found elsewhere - the end results are often disappointing with inferior light quality and light fittings that need replacing on a regular basis.

Interior lighting is generally trouble free,one of the more challenging aspects of lighting design is outdoor lighting. I have seen outdoor lighting poorly designed to the point where it shines in through neighbouring windows or is triggered by traffic or passing pedestrians. I have also seen lighting which does not switch off in the day and which contain no energy saving lamps!

My electrical tip when thinking about your next lighting design is to use a qualified electrician to install your lighting - this way you will avoid any pitfalls and will stay on good terms with your neighbours.

The most exciting aspect of lighting design is discovering what type of light fitting you are after and what will go with your interior style. I am happy to leave this aspect to you!

Electrical Upgrades,

Your Local Electrician.

15/04/2015

Your garden has so much potential.

It can now be regarded as another room in your home.

The last few years have seen rise to people opting for decking in their gardens - after all it is low maintenance, versatile and allows friends to congregate in one area with the possibility of stylish lighting added.

Decking lighting - and indeed other forms of garden lighting whether this is lighting to sheds and other outbuildings, outdoor lighting, security lighting or perimeter lighting can transform your garden, is relatively low cost to run and nowadays offers many lighting options.

LED lighting is very popular for decking as the lighting can produce dramatic effects and are available in a range of colour options - another advantage to garden lighting is you can choose from different effects that would not be an option within the home.

Other popular options for garden lighting include low voltage lamps for use on driveways. Many of these lamps enable you to walk over or drive over them without fear of damage. These are known as recessed lighting.

Whatever lighting you opt for, it is important that a qualified, competent electrician installs your garden lighting for you especially if you are looking at pond, pool or water feature lighting. Remember that water and electricity do not mix!

I see many dangerous outdoor electrical works on properties throughout Limerick city and county. There are increasing numbers of people who are prepared to tinker with outdoor lighting as the perception of fire decreases with outside installations. Remember with outdoor installations, resistance to weather is a must - the correct cables and sockets must be used and these are just the basics.

Often I come across outdoor lighting installed using cables for use indoors. The cable had been left exposed to the elements and had someone like a child had touched the cable, they would have received an electric shock as the cable had no protection at all.

Incorrect cable also deteriorates quickly leading to shock and is dangerous when in use.

Always ensure you use the services of a suitably qualified registered electrician to carry out garden lighting and power to outbuildings.

You can then relax and enjoy your social gatherings with friends and family with peace of mind that electrically you are safe.

ELECTRICAL UPGRADES
The Switched On Electricians

14/04/2015

Are You Being Over Charged?

Being over charged doesn't necessarily mean looking at the total price of the job - although to be fair the vast majority of us do look at that bottom line to determine whether or not to proceed.

When it comes to having electrical work carried out in your home, it is important that the electrician who carries out the work is going to leave your home in a safer state than it was before.

This week, I'm going to outline some simple fundamentals you need to think about when receiving quotes for electrical work.

Firstly, ensure that your quote contains a detailed breakdown of what work is going to be carried out along with a material breakdown- what’s included in your quote? This is important.

I have seen first hand the devastation caused to home owners over the years from simple misunderstandings between the homeowner and electrician.

What materials are going to be used? This may seem silly to suggest that the materials the tradesperson uses will be inferior but unfortunately it does happen.

The use of inferior products obtained cheaply can leave your home in a dangerous condition, leading to increased risk of fire and electric shock.

If the quote you've received seems very cheap, I would suggest asking the electrician how the work can be done so cheaply - remember an electrician has to issue certificates, buy quality materials, provide a high standard of workmanship, be reliable and trustworthy, and above all be suitably qualified and insured to carry out the work. This is in addition to buying their tools and running costs of their van.

Quoting a customer for remedial work following shoddy and dangerous workmanship is never a pleasant experience and of course this has cost the customer more money in the longer term. I have seen jobs where the electrician has left part way through the job as the money had ran out leaving the customers home in a worse condition than it was in before.

I have also seen instances where the incorrect cable sizes have been used to connect household items such as cookers and showers leading to cable meltdown and fire. Live cables being left in customers homes when the electrician has left the job temporarily (often to go to a bigger, more lucrative job).

Don't feel pressured into accepting a quote, take the time to think about what is right for your home.

An electrician doesn't cost the earth, but please don't fall into the trap of accepting very cheap quotes thinking that you will save money.

If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn't, trust your instincts and go elsewhere!

ELECTRICAL UPGRADES
The Switched On Electricians

09/04/2015

Competition Time… keep reading and answer the question below.

Garden Safety

Now that we are well into spring, it is time to get back into the garden and clear away all the post winter debris. Many people are replacing fence panels blown over in the storms and there is the usual leaf clearance and lawn trimming that invariably takes place at this time of year.

Whatever your plans, it is important that you use electrical tools safely in your garden. In particular I recommend the use of an RCD socket on all electrical tools. Of course if your home already has up to date RCD protection then you do not need to worry, however for households who are yet to upgrade to full RCD protection, then an RCD socket is your safest option.

• Using an RCD socket on a lawnmower could save you from an electric shock if you mow your lawn on grass that is too wet.

• Using an RCD socket whilst using DIY tools such as drills protects you from electric shock should you accidentally drill through outside cables.

• If your leaf clearer motor becomes jammed, or a fault develops, the RCD socket would cut the power before electrical injury could occur.

In a nutshell, an RCD socket should be considered a gardening essential.
Have you thought about outdoor sockets and garden lights?
Summer is always a busy time of year for electricians who are often found in local gardens installing decking lights, pond lights and garden lights ahead of summer parties. Why not get ahead of the rush (and ultimately avoid disappointment) by planning ahead this year?

• Consider your needs for outdoor sockets. It is far safer than trailing cable into an indoor socket or worse still using sockets designed for indoor use outside! Outdoor sockets are useful for water features, pond filters and Summer entertainment.

• Garden lighting. Enhance the look of your garden and even your home exterior by having outdoor lighting installed in areas such as roof pitches, trellis', decking, ponds, patios, driveways – virtual any place you can think of. Not only is this an attractive home feature, it offers low cost lighting at garden parties and BBQ's.

Competition

There is a Qualcast GG T450A1 Electric Grass Trimmer-450W to win. Simply answer the question below and send your answer by Text to 0872315801 or e-mail to [email protected] with the answer your name & address. Entries to be in by 30 April 2015, at which point we will select a winner at random from the entries.

Question:

Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are often used with outdoor electrical equipment such as electric lawnmowers to:

• Protect people from electric shock.
• Protect the equipment from damage.
• Protect the garden.

05/04/2015

General advice when using power tools and garden equipment.

The summer will soon be upon us, it’s a time when many get out the gardening tools and get to work on sorting out their gardens.

The winter has taken its toll, and fences, paving and steps will all need repair from the winter freezing and thawing. Hedges will need trimming and of course the grass is now growing so will need to be cut back and kept tidy.

But what of those power tools that have been sat in a shed over the winter, how has life treated them, have they gotten damp, have the mice who have been seeking some warmth been nibbling the cables and flexes.

Please think before using garden power tools and check them over for signs of damage before plugging into the mains.

Additional tips...

DO check, flexes and plug-tops before use.

DO replace a damaged flex or plug-top.

DO keep trailing flexes behind you when cutting, trimming etc.

DO unplug a lawnmower before removing debris from the blades.

DO wear rubber boots when using appliances in the garden.

DO treat all powered cutting tools with care.

DO NOT extend a flex with home-made plug and socket assemblies.

DO NOT leave garden appliances or tools unattended when they are plugged in.

"Safety doesn't happen by accident"

Electrical Upgrades Limerick

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