Tuesday, 31 December 2013
2014 Here We Come!
Say goodbye to year 2013 and Fresh HOPES, Fresh PLANS, Fresh EFFORTS, Fresh FEELINGS, Fresh COMMITMENT. Welcome 2014 with a fresh ATTITUDE.
Welcome a brand new year 2014 and some Fresh new Idea's
Welcome a brand new year 2014 and some Fresh new Idea's
Monday, 30 December 2013
North London landlord fined for fire safety breach
A landlord based in Haringey, London who lets out a property in Muswell Hill has been fined a five-figure sum for failing to ensure the premises was in check with fire safety laws.
Wayne Chodosh was found to be guilty of four offences under to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 at the home on Duke's Avenue.
He was sentenced at Tottenham Magistrates' Court and subsequently fined a total of £12,520.
Firefighters were alerted to the fire safety failings when the London Fire Brigade was called to a fire at the three-storey property on January 10th 2011 whereupon they found no blaze, just a badly working dehumidifier, but did notice a number of other issues with the premises.
An inspection carried out between the London Fire Brigade's fire safety officers and Haringey Council found that fire doors had been poorly maintained, no functional alarm system and no emergency lighting. Meanwhile, a fire risk assessment had not been carried out on the property.
It was also found that the house, which was set up as nine separate flats, had not been properly licensed properly as a 'house of multiple occupancy'.
"Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that the people living in the properties that they own are safe from the risk of fire," said Steve Turek, London Fire Brigade's assistant commissioner for fire safety regulation.
"If we find people ignoring these responsibilities and putting people’s lives at risk by flouting these laws we will have no hesitation in prosecuting them."
The property is no longer under the ownership of Mr Chodosk, but it has been refurbished and now no longer is kept as a house of multiple occupancy.
This inspection marks one of the 16,000 that the London Fire Brigade carries out each year on premises throughout the capital.
Commercial buildings, non-domestic and multi-occupancy premises in England and Wales are already forced to undertake a 'suitable and sufficient' fire risk assessment carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
While the overwhelming majority of premises do this, if the assessment is thought to have been carried out to an insufficient extent, the Responsible Person can face an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.
from - http://www.fia.uk.com/en/Information/Details/index.cfm/North-London-landlord-fined-for-fire-safety-breach
Wayne Chodosh was found to be guilty of four offences under to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 at the home on Duke's Avenue.
He was sentenced at Tottenham Magistrates' Court and subsequently fined a total of £12,520.
Firefighters were alerted to the fire safety failings when the London Fire Brigade was called to a fire at the three-storey property on January 10th 2011 whereupon they found no blaze, just a badly working dehumidifier, but did notice a number of other issues with the premises.
An inspection carried out between the London Fire Brigade's fire safety officers and Haringey Council found that fire doors had been poorly maintained, no functional alarm system and no emergency lighting. Meanwhile, a fire risk assessment had not been carried out on the property.
It was also found that the house, which was set up as nine separate flats, had not been properly licensed properly as a 'house of multiple occupancy'.
"Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that the people living in the properties that they own are safe from the risk of fire," said Steve Turek, London Fire Brigade's assistant commissioner for fire safety regulation.
"If we find people ignoring these responsibilities and putting people’s lives at risk by flouting these laws we will have no hesitation in prosecuting them."
The property is no longer under the ownership of Mr Chodosk, but it has been refurbished and now no longer is kept as a house of multiple occupancy.
This inspection marks one of the 16,000 that the London Fire Brigade carries out each year on premises throughout the capital.
Commercial buildings, non-domestic and multi-occupancy premises in England and Wales are already forced to undertake a 'suitable and sufficient' fire risk assessment carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
While the overwhelming majority of premises do this, if the assessment is thought to have been carried out to an insufficient extent, the Responsible Person can face an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.
from - http://www.fia.uk.com/en/Information/Details/index.cfm/North-London-landlord-fined-for-fire-safety-breach
Sunday, 29 December 2013
Safety isnt annoying - its just Safety
We all know why smoke alarms are torn off the ceiling or missing batteries: because every time you burn the Toast, smoke alarm cries wolf. Or just as you’re falling asleep, you hear a low-battery chirp.
In over half the home fires in Great Britain, there was no smoke alarm or the smoke alarm failed according to the Department of Communities and Local Government.
a lot of it is down to design. there are products to suit virtually every location. you just need professional advice on what goes where.
a year ago we did a house with a heat detector in the kitchen and multi sensors in the dining room (open plan to the kitchen) and on the landing.
GUESS WHAT - Not one single false alarm
that's a result you would like.
Ask more about fire protection
New Year Resolution - Kick Start Safety
In over half the home fires in Great Britain, there was no smoke alarm or the smoke alarm failed according to the Department of Communities and Local Government.
a lot of it is down to design. there are products to suit virtually every location. you just need professional advice on what goes where.
a year ago we did a house with a heat detector in the kitchen and multi sensors in the dining room (open plan to the kitchen) and on the landing.
GUESS WHAT - Not one single false alarm
that's a result you would like.
Ask more about fire protection
New Year Resolution - Kick Start Safety
Saturday, 28 December 2013
Its been quite a year for Energy Companies
2013. It has been a bad, bad, bad, bad, bad year for the BIG 6 energy suppliers in terms of publicity
Pardon the pun, but it has not been a positive experience.
Back in February British Gas announced a rise in profits off the back of an extremely cold winter. That didn’t go down too well.
The Green Deal launched only to fall flat like a whimpering poodle.
SSE got into hot water for alarmist considerations referring to energy scarcity
In March, data was released showing that the Big Six energy companies collectively received more than 15,000 complaints ever day
Yet more news about a rise in profits during August
Winter energy prices increase really was the icing on the cake!!!
we really do wonder that 2014 will bring.
Pardon the pun, but it has not been a positive experience.
Back in February British Gas announced a rise in profits off the back of an extremely cold winter. That didn’t go down too well.
The Green Deal launched only to fall flat like a whimpering poodle.
SSE got into hot water for alarmist considerations referring to energy scarcity
In March, data was released showing that the Big Six energy companies collectively received more than 15,000 complaints ever day
Yet more news about a rise in profits during August
Winter energy prices increase really was the icing on the cake!!!
we really do wonder that 2014 will bring.
Friday, 27 December 2013
Thursday, 26 December 2013
Wednesday, 25 December 2013
Tuesday, 24 December 2013
Happy Christmas.
I am dreaming of white Christmas,
with every Christmas card I write,
May your days be merry and bright,
and May all your Christmases be white.
Happy Christmas.
with every Christmas card I write,
May your days be merry and bright,
and May all your Christmases be white.
Happy Christmas.
Christmas Opening Hours
Before we reach the end of another hectic and successful 12 months, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
There are exciting times ahead for Woolgar Electrical so keep checking back here for updates as we enter 2014.
Please note the office will be closed from 12.00(ish) on the 24th Christmas Eve 25th – 26th December , likewise we will be doing a half day on New Year’s Eve also and we will be closed 1st January 2013.
Having said that – if the lights do go out – our 24/7 emergency call out number is 07746 243 248
The engineer on call until Friday will be Robert Sneddon
We can sort out most things, but if your oven goes wrong on Christmas day, in all probability we won’t have the part for a repair so you might have to barbeque the turkey
*A call out will cost a minimum charge of £98.50 plus VAT
There are exciting times ahead for Woolgar Electrical so keep checking back here for updates as we enter 2014.
Please note the office will be closed from 12.00(ish) on the 24th Christmas Eve 25th – 26th December , likewise we will be doing a half day on New Year’s Eve also and we will be closed 1st January 2013.
Having said that – if the lights do go out – our 24/7 emergency call out number is 07746 243 248
The engineer on call until Friday will be Robert Sneddon
We can sort out most things, but if your oven goes wrong on Christmas day, in all probability we won’t have the part for a repair so you might have to barbeque the turkey
*A call out will cost a minimum charge of £98.50 plus VAT
Monday, 23 December 2013
Primary Authority to be extended to fire safety
The government is set to extend Primary Authority to fire safety from next April as part of efforts to relieve burdens on business through guaranteeing that regulation is enforced efficiently.
As a result commercial property owners and multi-site landlords will collaborate with a single local authority to ensure that they have the best advice on how to implement the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order when it comes into effect on April 6th 2014.
The same authority will also coordinate inspections and enforcement, and all together the new system should be clearer and more consistent.
"No enterprise should be held back by confusing or contradictory advice from regulators," said business minister Michael Fallon.
"Primary Authority is designed to make sure that hard-pressed businesses know what's expected of them under the law – and receive clear guidance on how to maintain the highest safety standards."
Meanwhile, Helen Dickinson, the director general of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has explained how she is ecstatic that such a "common sense approach" is being taken, as it means there is a better way of working for all parties involved.
"The BRC strongly supported the pilot which tested whether this move could work in practice, and which demonstrated that businesses and fire authorities both stand to gain from partnership working," she continued.
The extension will only apply to England and Wales at present.
To help businesses make the most of the scheme, the Chief Fire Officers' Association ( CFOA ) and the Better Regulation Delivery Office (BRDO) have collaborated to produce a series of training and engagement events that will take place next year between January and March.
Commercial buildings, non-domestic and multi-occupancy premises in England and Wales are already forced to undertake a 'suitable and sufficient' fire risk assessment carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
While the overwhelming majority of premises do this, if the assessment is thought to have been carried out to an insufficient extent, the Responsible Person can face an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.
From - http://www.fia.uk.com/en/Information/Details/index.cfm/Primary-Authority-to-be-extended-to-fire-safety
As a result commercial property owners and multi-site landlords will collaborate with a single local authority to ensure that they have the best advice on how to implement the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order when it comes into effect on April 6th 2014.
The same authority will also coordinate inspections and enforcement, and all together the new system should be clearer and more consistent.
"No enterprise should be held back by confusing or contradictory advice from regulators," said business minister Michael Fallon.
"Primary Authority is designed to make sure that hard-pressed businesses know what's expected of them under the law – and receive clear guidance on how to maintain the highest safety standards."
Meanwhile, Helen Dickinson, the director general of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has explained how she is ecstatic that such a "common sense approach" is being taken, as it means there is a better way of working for all parties involved.
"The BRC strongly supported the pilot which tested whether this move could work in practice, and which demonstrated that businesses and fire authorities both stand to gain from partnership working," she continued.
The extension will only apply to England and Wales at present.
To help businesses make the most of the scheme, the Chief Fire Officers' Association ( CFOA ) and the Better Regulation Delivery Office (BRDO) have collaborated to produce a series of training and engagement events that will take place next year between January and March.
Commercial buildings, non-domestic and multi-occupancy premises in England and Wales are already forced to undertake a 'suitable and sufficient' fire risk assessment carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
While the overwhelming majority of premises do this, if the assessment is thought to have been carried out to an insufficient extent, the Responsible Person can face an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.
From - http://www.fia.uk.com/en/Information/Details/index.cfm/Primary-Authority-to-be-extended-to-fire-safety
Sunday, 22 December 2013
Self-Driving Nissan Electric Car Takes to Road
Nissan said a self-driving version of its electric Leaf car made its first foray onto public roads. Its guidance system, called Autonomous Drive, senses road conditions and operates the car’s steering, acceleration and braking as it merges into traffic, changes lanes and makes adjustments to keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
The Leaf drove on Japan’s Sagami Expressway in Kanagawa prefecture, southwest of Tokyo. Nissan vice chairman Toshiyuki Shiga and the prefecture’s Governor, Yuji Kuroiwa, rode in the car during the test, which marked a major step toward Nissan’s goal of selling self-driving cars to consumers by 2020.
A bigger step might be getting all to accept the concept
Many car makers have experimented with autonomous passenger vehicles in part as a way to increase safety and efficiency. Technology company Google has a fleet of self-driving cars that have been on the road for years. Some safety experts have long said our highways would be much safer if cars drove themselves, cutting the chance of human error.
The Leaf drove on Japan’s Sagami Expressway in Kanagawa prefecture, southwest of Tokyo. Nissan vice chairman Toshiyuki Shiga and the prefecture’s Governor, Yuji Kuroiwa, rode in the car during the test, which marked a major step toward Nissan’s goal of selling self-driving cars to consumers by 2020.
A bigger step might be getting all to accept the concept
Many car makers have experimented with autonomous passenger vehicles in part as a way to increase safety and efficiency. Technology company Google has a fleet of self-driving cars that have been on the road for years. Some safety experts have long said our highways would be much safer if cars drove themselves, cutting the chance of human error.
Saturday, 21 December 2013
14 kitchen appliances on one socket causes a fire
A house fire in Wrexham turned out to be a timely warning to residents to switch on to being electrically safe this Christmas - and to avoid overloading electrical sockets, especially as decorations start to go up in time for the festive season.
Noirth Wales firefighters called to a washing machine fire at a property in Henblas Road, Rhostyllen at 12.34hrs on Monday 2nd December arrived to find a total of 14 kitchen appliances running off the same electrical socket.
"These residents were lucky - they smelled smoke when the washing machine overheated and called us for assistance. The damage could have been worse if they had been out at the time or even more serious if they had been asleep in their beds," said Steve Houghton from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
In February this year the Griffith family of seven were rescued through their window following an electrical fire in their Barmouth home and later featured in a campaign by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service to appeal to residents across the region to 'Get switched on to fire safety!'
Gary Brandrick, Senior Fire Safety Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: "So many residents use old or dangerous electrical items and overload their sockets, causing a potentially fatal fire risk. We attend around 470 accidental fires in dwellings each year and electricity or electrical items are responsible for over 300 of these fires.
Stay safe!
Noirth Wales firefighters called to a washing machine fire at a property in Henblas Road, Rhostyllen at 12.34hrs on Monday 2nd December arrived to find a total of 14 kitchen appliances running off the same electrical socket.
"These residents were lucky - they smelled smoke when the washing machine overheated and called us for assistance. The damage could have been worse if they had been out at the time or even more serious if they had been asleep in their beds," said Steve Houghton from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
In February this year the Griffith family of seven were rescued through their window following an electrical fire in their Barmouth home and later featured in a campaign by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service to appeal to residents across the region to 'Get switched on to fire safety!'
Gary Brandrick, Senior Fire Safety Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: "So many residents use old or dangerous electrical items and overload their sockets, causing a potentially fatal fire risk. We attend around 470 accidental fires in dwellings each year and electricity or electrical items are responsible for over 300 of these fires.
Stay safe!
Friday, 20 December 2013
Thursday, 19 December 2013
An Ipad that charges when you use it...
A biotemplated design of a flexible piezoelectric energy harvesting nano generator.
The flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator was created by modifying an M13 viral gene that is harmless to humans and widely exists in nature, and then synthesizing a highly piezoelectric inorganic material, barium titanate (BaTiO3, or BTO).
By using this biotemplated piezoelectric material, a high-output flexible nano generator with enhanced performance could be fabricated.
A flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator that converts mechanical energy of tiny movements into electrical energy is ideal for the next generation energy harvesting technology.
Clever...
The flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator was created by modifying an M13 viral gene that is harmless to humans and widely exists in nature, and then synthesizing a highly piezoelectric inorganic material, barium titanate (BaTiO3, or BTO).
By using this biotemplated piezoelectric material, a high-output flexible nano generator with enhanced performance could be fabricated.
A flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator that converts mechanical energy of tiny movements into electrical energy is ideal for the next generation energy harvesting technology.
Clever...
Virgin in Formula E electric car racing series
Virgin is to enter a team for the first FIA Formula E Championship, which gets out of the grids next year.
The electric racing car series will take place on purpose-built street circuits in 10 cities around the world.
The Virgin Racing Formula E Team is headed by team principal Alex Tai and has the backing of Sir Richard Branson.
The announcement means just one more team is left to be announced before the inaugural 2014/2015 season gets under way.
The championship is intending to showcase electric car technology and speed up development and innovation amongst manufacturers.
Wednesday, 18 December 2013
Next Gen solar
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have demonstrated a new way for extracting energy from light, a finding that could improve technologies for generating electricity from solar energy and lead to more efficient optoelectronic devices used in communications.
Its exciting if this is a process that is much more efficient than conventional potoconduction
The new work centers on plasmonic nanostructures, specifically, materials fabricated from gold particles and light-sensitive molecules of porphyin, of precise sizes and arranged in specific patterns.
Plasmons, or a collective oscillation of electrons, can be excited in these systems by optical radiation and induce an electrical current that can move in a pattern determined by the size and layout of the gold particles, as well as the electrical properties of the surrounding environment.
In some cases they designed the material, an array of gold nanoparticles, using a technique Bonnell’s group invented, known as ferroelectric nanolithography.
Its exciting if this is a process that is much more efficient than conventional potoconduction
The new work centers on plasmonic nanostructures, specifically, materials fabricated from gold particles and light-sensitive molecules of porphyin, of precise sizes and arranged in specific patterns.
Plasmons, or a collective oscillation of electrons, can be excited in these systems by optical radiation and induce an electrical current that can move in a pattern determined by the size and layout of the gold particles, as well as the electrical properties of the surrounding environment.
In some cases they designed the material, an array of gold nanoparticles, using a technique Bonnell’s group invented, known as ferroelectric nanolithography.
0-62mph in 2.15 seconds
The DUT13, an ultra-light single-seater car is not only more than half a second faster than the existing record holder, it's faster than any production car -- including the Bugatti Veyron.
The car, called the DUT13, was built by a group of Delft University of Technology students and, thanks to a generous helping of carbon fibre in the construction process, the finished car, which looks like a Formula One racer that's been put on too hot a rinse cycle in the washing machine, weighs in at just over 145kg (320lbs).
To give it sufficient ‘oomph' to get off the line it uses not one, but four individual electric motors, one at each wheel -- just like Mercedes-Benz's all-electric supercar, the SLS AMG Electric Drive.
The car, called the DUT13, was built by a group of Delft University of Technology students and, thanks to a generous helping of carbon fibre in the construction process, the finished car, which looks like a Formula One racer that's been put on too hot a rinse cycle in the washing machine, weighs in at just over 145kg (320lbs).
To give it sufficient ‘oomph' to get off the line it uses not one, but four individual electric motors, one at each wheel -- just like Mercedes-Benz's all-electric supercar, the SLS AMG Electric Drive.
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
Online retail sales reached £10.1bn last month
Online spending in the UK cleared £10bn for the first time ever in November as heavy discounts on Black Friday encouraged shoppers to buy electrical items.
Online retail sales in November rose by 20pc compared to the same month last year and grew 30pc on October, the largest increase ever recorded by the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index.
In total, online retail sales reached £10.1bn last month, the first time the £10bn mark has been breached in a month. Sales of electrical items grew 63pc month-on-month thanks to Black Friday discounts and also the launch of new iPads and iPhones by Apple.
Put safety on Your Christmas list
Christmas trees, decorations, cards and wrapping paper can all act as extra fuel for a fire sparked by candles, overheated sockets, faulty fairy lights or cigarettes.
The risks increase when you add cooking, drinking, parties and guests into the mix.
Festive celebrations bring extra fire risks into the home, including the distractions of a crowded house while cooking, slower reaction times that result from alcohol consumption, and the potential dangers of overloaded plug sockets, flammable decorations and unattended candles.
We're just asking people to be aware of the risks and to make a few simple checks, so that everyone can enjoy a happy and safe Christmas.
Seasonal safety tips:
•Ensure you have a working smoke alarm installed on all levels of your home.
Test your smoke alarms weekly and never remove batteries to power presents.
•Check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas to ensure their safety.
•Never leave cooking unattended. The majority of fires start in the kitchen, so this is a high risk area. Avoid cooking while under the influence of alcohol, and always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.
•Never leave candles unattended. Keep candles out of the reach of children, and away from decorations, cards, wrapping paper, fires, lights and heaters.
•If you smoke, make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished, and take extra care if you are tired or have had a drink. It’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and set furniture alight.
•Don’t overload sockets – ensure only one plug per socket.
•Switch off fairy lights before you go out or go to bed. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598).
•Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment. It instantly switches off the power if there is a fault and can be found in DIY stores.
•In the event of fire, get out, stay out and call 999. Make sure everyone staying with you over Christmas knows what to do in an emergency.
Stay Safe
The risks increase when you add cooking, drinking, parties and guests into the mix.
Festive celebrations bring extra fire risks into the home, including the distractions of a crowded house while cooking, slower reaction times that result from alcohol consumption, and the potential dangers of overloaded plug sockets, flammable decorations and unattended candles.
We're just asking people to be aware of the risks and to make a few simple checks, so that everyone can enjoy a happy and safe Christmas.
Seasonal safety tips:
•Ensure you have a working smoke alarm installed on all levels of your home.
Test your smoke alarms weekly and never remove batteries to power presents.
•Check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas to ensure their safety.
•Never leave cooking unattended. The majority of fires start in the kitchen, so this is a high risk area. Avoid cooking while under the influence of alcohol, and always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.
•Never leave candles unattended. Keep candles out of the reach of children, and away from decorations, cards, wrapping paper, fires, lights and heaters.
•If you smoke, make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished, and take extra care if you are tired or have had a drink. It’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and set furniture alight.
•Don’t overload sockets – ensure only one plug per socket.
•Switch off fairy lights before you go out or go to bed. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598).
•Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment. It instantly switches off the power if there is a fault and can be found in DIY stores.
•In the event of fire, get out, stay out and call 999. Make sure everyone staying with you over Christmas knows what to do in an emergency.
Stay Safe
Monday, 16 December 2013
Recycling Facility to Process 600 Flat Panels TVs Every Hour
A recycling plant claimed to be the first in the world to mechanically process LCD Flat Panel Displays (FPD) has received full UK approval from the Environment Agency.
Electrical Waste Recycling Group (EWRG), it has spent two years developing and testing the equipment which is now fully operational allowing for automated in-house mechanical FPD processing at a rate of one every six seconds.
Manually dismantle CRT’s at speeds of up to one every minute but FPD’s provide a greater degree of difficulty and even the most proficient operators have failed to achieve anything quicker than 4 units per hour in a fully compliant process and often less dependent on size of the monitor.
Under its FPD Recycle Division, EWRG said that it has now been granted full license and approval for processing FPDs in its automated mechanical system at speeds of 600 per hour using its Best Available Treatment.
Recovery and Recycling Techniques (BATRRT) compliant system.
According to the recycler, the system is also fully mercury abated, removing the risk faced in manually stripping the mercury bearing backlights from the panels.
The facility, which has a capacity to handle 20 tonnes of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) per hour, also features in-house mercury distillation, copper recycling, the largest lamp recycling facility in the UK and battery recycling capabilities.
Electrical Waste Recycling Group (EWRG), it has spent two years developing and testing the equipment which is now fully operational allowing for automated in-house mechanical FPD processing at a rate of one every six seconds.
Manually dismantle CRT’s at speeds of up to one every minute but FPD’s provide a greater degree of difficulty and even the most proficient operators have failed to achieve anything quicker than 4 units per hour in a fully compliant process and often less dependent on size of the monitor.
Under its FPD Recycle Division, EWRG said that it has now been granted full license and approval for processing FPDs in its automated mechanical system at speeds of 600 per hour using its Best Available Treatment.
Recovery and Recycling Techniques (BATRRT) compliant system.
According to the recycler, the system is also fully mercury abated, removing the risk faced in manually stripping the mercury bearing backlights from the panels.
The facility, which has a capacity to handle 20 tonnes of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) per hour, also features in-house mercury distillation, copper recycling, the largest lamp recycling facility in the UK and battery recycling capabilities.
Sunday, 15 December 2013
Fake Chargers
A growing number of counterfeit chargers are ending up in UK homes and they are now one of the main fake electrical products entering the country.
The serious risks of fake mobile phone chargers are making big news at the moment with stories of fire, electrocutions and more serious injuries.
A campaign is required, about the potential hazards of charging our gadgets or even highlight the levels of knowledge and safety.
Please don't buy fake, its just NOT worth it.
The serious risks of fake mobile phone chargers are making big news at the moment with stories of fire, electrocutions and more serious injuries.
A campaign is required, about the potential hazards of charging our gadgets or even highlight the levels of knowledge and safety.
Please don't buy fake, its just NOT worth it.
Saturday, 14 December 2013
Brightest Flashlight app telling Advertiser all about you
Android users have been "deceived" by a developer who covertly gathered personal data, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said.
GoldenShores Technologies took ID and location data from the millions using its Brightest Flashlight app.
The developer shared the data with ad networks but did not tell users about this practice, an FTC statement said.
To settle the charges, GoldenShores has agreed to give users more control over what happens to their data.
In its statement, the FTC criticised GoldenShores for its poor privacy policy, which did not let people know that the app was logging their precise location and a unique identifier for their phone and was then sharing that information with advertisers.
Although the free app offered people an opt-out clause, the FTC said this was "meaningless" because data from all users of the Brightest Flashlight app was shared whether they agreed or not.
GoldenShores Technologies took ID and location data from the millions using its Brightest Flashlight app.
The developer shared the data with ad networks but did not tell users about this practice, an FTC statement said.
To settle the charges, GoldenShores has agreed to give users more control over what happens to their data.
In its statement, the FTC criticised GoldenShores for its poor privacy policy, which did not let people know that the app was logging their precise location and a unique identifier for their phone and was then sharing that information with advertisers.
Although the free app offered people an opt-out clause, the FTC said this was "meaningless" because data from all users of the Brightest Flashlight app was shared whether they agreed or not.
Friday, 13 December 2013
The NSA are 'tracking' your mobile phone.
Five billion mobile phone location records are logged by the NSA every day, according to the Washington Post.
Citing documents leaked by the former intelligence analyst Edward Snowden, the newspaper says the information can be used to track people's movements and chart their relationships.
Big Brother is not watching you, he's in your pocket
Ed, we love you!
Citing documents leaked by the former intelligence analyst Edward Snowden, the newspaper says the information can be used to track people's movements and chart their relationships.
Big Brother is not watching you, he's in your pocket
Ed, we love you!
Thursday, 12 December 2013
Fuel Poverty
Energy prices must be seen in the context of people's ability to pay them, and fuel poverty is seen as a major concern within the UK, where 6.5% of the population say they cannot afford to keep their homes adequately warm, according to European Union figures.
But spare a thought for those living in Bulgaria, where almost half the population (47%) say they cannot afford to heat their homes properly. Many Lithuanians (34%), Cypriots (31%), Portuguese (27%) and Greeks (26%) in particular also struggle to keep their homes warm.
Its not just us!
But spare a thought for those living in Bulgaria, where almost half the population (47%) say they cannot afford to heat their homes properly. Many Lithuanians (34%), Cypriots (31%), Portuguese (27%) and Greeks (26%) in particular also struggle to keep their homes warm.
Its not just us!
The Cool Crisp Power of LED
Before
After
 |
| With the New LED Lighting |
and the new lights use Less Electric and don't need maintenance for at least 4 years
Result!
Wednesday, 11 December 2013
It's 11/12/13 - the last consecutive date for another 90 years
It's 11/12/13 - the last consecutive date for another 90 years
Briefly this afternoon it was 11/12/13 14:15 and 16 seconds
11/12/13 is the last date this century with three consecutive numbers - the next for the UK will be February 1, 2103.
Briefly this afternoon it was 11/12/13 14:15 and 16 seconds
11/12/13 is the last date this century with three consecutive numbers - the next for the UK will be February 1, 2103.
Driverless cars
We are expecting a review next year to ensure that the legislative and regulatory framework is in place for Driverless vehicles to be incorporated on Britain's roads.
There will be a £10m prize to fund a town or city to become a testing ground for autonomous vehicles.
Milton Keynes is already experimenting with driverless pods.
By mid-2017 it is planned that 100 fully autonomous vehicles will run on the town's pathways along with pedestrians, using sensors to avoid collisions.
There will be a £10m prize to fund a town or city to become a testing ground for autonomous vehicles.
Milton Keynes is already experimenting with driverless pods.
By mid-2017 it is planned that 100 fully autonomous vehicles will run on the town's pathways along with pedestrians, using sensors to avoid collisions.
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
Monday, 9 December 2013
Sunday, 8 December 2013
Saturday, 7 December 2013
If you know what you are doing, your consumer unit will look something like this (inside)
Fuse Box
Good Job Rob
Friday, 6 December 2013
Is there energy competition?
The Big Six suppliers provide about 98% of all household energy and gas. They also control 74% of electricity generation.
If you are honest, you think the energy market is it's somehow rigged in favour of the big energy companies.
We have no evidence other than our bills, but the perception the market doesn't work as well as it should is at the fore.
We are most suspicious because there is little or no transparency on pricing or genuine choice for consumers.
Its hard to understand what isn't working.
Vertical integration, with power generation and retailing joined together is certainly NOT helping, and a limiting factor on competition.
We need an energy enquiry by the Competition Commission aimed at creating a level playing field for smaller competitors.
Recent announcements by Npower has done little to restore the trust of consumers.
We wonder when we will get a fair deal. While wholesale energy prices rise, the debate will get noisier.
Making the market work better could require tearing down the industry's complex structure and rebuilding it from the foundations.
If you are honest, you think the energy market is it's somehow rigged in favour of the big energy companies.
We have no evidence other than our bills, but the perception the market doesn't work as well as it should is at the fore.
We are most suspicious because there is little or no transparency on pricing or genuine choice for consumers.
Its hard to understand what isn't working.
Vertical integration, with power generation and retailing joined together is certainly NOT helping, and a limiting factor on competition.
We need an energy enquiry by the Competition Commission aimed at creating a level playing field for smaller competitors.
Recent announcements by Npower has done little to restore the trust of consumers.
We wonder when we will get a fair deal. While wholesale energy prices rise, the debate will get noisier.
Making the market work better could require tearing down the industry's complex structure and rebuilding it from the foundations.
Thursday, 5 December 2013
The Big picture of where all our power comes from
have you ever thought Where does our power come from?
probably not, you only notice electricity when it isn't there, i.e. - a power cut
But how much of it do we use, and where does it come from?
In fact, we consume less energy in the UK today than we did in 1970, and this despite an extra 6.5 million people living on this little island.
simply put - we are more efficient both in producing energy and using it. The rise of the less energy-intensive service sector at the expense of industry has also played a part.
Households use 12% less, while industry uses a massive 60% less. This is largely offset by a 50% rise in energy use in the transport sector, due to the huge rise in the number of cars on the road - more than 27 million today compared with 10 million in 1970. The big increase in the number of flights is another important factor.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) forecasts that energy efficiencies will continue to offset population growth, so that we will use about the same amount of energy in 2030 as we do today. In other words, the UK will use less energy in 2030 than it did in 1970.
The major change in the make-up of our energy consumption is the rapid decline in the use of coal and fuels made from it, such as coke and blast furnace gas.
In 1970, we used almost 57,000 tonnes of oil equivalent in coal and manufactured fuels. Last year, we used less than 3,000 tonnes.
Bear in mind, however, that we are talking here about the primary source of the energy we consume - coal, oil and gas are also used to generate electricity.
The void left by the fall in coal use has been filled largely by a rapid rise in the use of natural gas and, to a lesser extent, an increase in electricity usage.
By contrast, the use of petrol has remained pretty consistent throughout.
But to get a full picture of where all our power comes from, we also need to look at how electricity is generated.
And here the change in energy mix has been more dramatic. In 1970, coal accounted for about two-thirds of all electricity. Last year, it accounted for less than half, although for a number of years prior to that it made up one-third.
Apart from a sharp dip in the mid 1980s because of the miners' strike, coal use fell most dramatically during the 1990s. It has actually made something of a comeback in the past four years as the price has fallen, in part due to cheap imports from the US.
Oil use has also fallen sharply, from more than 13 million tonnes in 1970 to just 780,000 tonnes last year.
The big fall in coal and oil use in the 1990s was because of the so-called dash for gas, which was underpinned by cheap North Sea gas and the privatisation of the electricity market.
The eagle-eyed among you might notice the amount of electricity in the chart below is much greater than that shown in the chart above. This is because the chart below refers to the amount of primary energy sources that go into generating electricity, whereas the figures above represent final consumption.
For fossil fuels, the conversion efficiency of power stations is about 40%-65%, depending on the fuel type - in other words, only half the energy stored in the primary fuel ends up as electrical energy. On top of this, power stations consume some energy themselves, while more still is lost during transmission over the national grid.
Despite the recent resurgence of coal, DECC expects its use in electricity generation to fall sharply over the next 10 years.
But it does expect coal and gas-fired power stations fitted with carbon capture and storage (CCS) - designed to siphon off CO2 and bury it underground - to start producing electricity in 2017. Some would argue this is rather optimistic given the fact there are no large-scale, fully operational CCS stations in the UK.
In the short term, DECC believes natural gas and renewables - such as wind and solar - will take up the slack, with renewables taking an ever greater share over the next 20 years. By 2030, it expects renewables to be by far the biggest source of energy used in electricity generation, making up about 40% of the overall mix.
In the late 2020s, nuclear is also set to contribute more as the UK's new generation of nuclear power stations comes online.
So we may still be using the same amount of energy in 2030 as we were in 1970, but we'll be generating it in very different ways.
Without electricity there would be no artificial light, no long-distance communication, no mass transport or large-scale manufacturing. Facebook and Twitter would not even exist. food for thought!
Info from the BBC :)
probably not, you only notice electricity when it isn't there, i.e. - a power cut
But how much of it do we use, and where does it come from?
In fact, we consume less energy in the UK today than we did in 1970, and this despite an extra 6.5 million people living on this little island.
simply put - we are more efficient both in producing energy and using it. The rise of the less energy-intensive service sector at the expense of industry has also played a part.
Households use 12% less, while industry uses a massive 60% less. This is largely offset by a 50% rise in energy use in the transport sector, due to the huge rise in the number of cars on the road - more than 27 million today compared with 10 million in 1970. The big increase in the number of flights is another important factor.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) forecasts that energy efficiencies will continue to offset population growth, so that we will use about the same amount of energy in 2030 as we do today. In other words, the UK will use less energy in 2030 than it did in 1970.
The major change in the make-up of our energy consumption is the rapid decline in the use of coal and fuels made from it, such as coke and blast furnace gas.
In 1970, we used almost 57,000 tonnes of oil equivalent in coal and manufactured fuels. Last year, we used less than 3,000 tonnes.
Bear in mind, however, that we are talking here about the primary source of the energy we consume - coal, oil and gas are also used to generate electricity.
The void left by the fall in coal use has been filled largely by a rapid rise in the use of natural gas and, to a lesser extent, an increase in electricity usage.
By contrast, the use of petrol has remained pretty consistent throughout.
But to get a full picture of where all our power comes from, we also need to look at how electricity is generated.
And here the change in energy mix has been more dramatic. In 1970, coal accounted for about two-thirds of all electricity. Last year, it accounted for less than half, although for a number of years prior to that it made up one-third.
Apart from a sharp dip in the mid 1980s because of the miners' strike, coal use fell most dramatically during the 1990s. It has actually made something of a comeback in the past four years as the price has fallen, in part due to cheap imports from the US.
Oil use has also fallen sharply, from more than 13 million tonnes in 1970 to just 780,000 tonnes last year.
The big fall in coal and oil use in the 1990s was because of the so-called dash for gas, which was underpinned by cheap North Sea gas and the privatisation of the electricity market.
The eagle-eyed among you might notice the amount of electricity in the chart below is much greater than that shown in the chart above. This is because the chart below refers to the amount of primary energy sources that go into generating electricity, whereas the figures above represent final consumption.
For fossil fuels, the conversion efficiency of power stations is about 40%-65%, depending on the fuel type - in other words, only half the energy stored in the primary fuel ends up as electrical energy. On top of this, power stations consume some energy themselves, while more still is lost during transmission over the national grid.
Despite the recent resurgence of coal, DECC expects its use in electricity generation to fall sharply over the next 10 years.
But it does expect coal and gas-fired power stations fitted with carbon capture and storage (CCS) - designed to siphon off CO2 and bury it underground - to start producing electricity in 2017. Some would argue this is rather optimistic given the fact there are no large-scale, fully operational CCS stations in the UK.
In the short term, DECC believes natural gas and renewables - such as wind and solar - will take up the slack, with renewables taking an ever greater share over the next 20 years. By 2030, it expects renewables to be by far the biggest source of energy used in electricity generation, making up about 40% of the overall mix.
In the late 2020s, nuclear is also set to contribute more as the UK's new generation of nuclear power stations comes online.
So we may still be using the same amount of energy in 2030 as we were in 1970, but we'll be generating it in very different ways.
Without electricity there would be no artificial light, no long-distance communication, no mass transport or large-scale manufacturing. Facebook and Twitter would not even exist. food for thought!
Info from the BBC :)
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Changes for government renewable energy subsidies
The government is to make big changes to the way it subsidises renewable energy.
They will cut support for onshore wind and solar energy, but give more backing to offshore wind power.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander described the shift in subsidy as "a rebalancing" and said overall spending would not change.
The price producers are promised for onshore wind power and solar energy will be cut from 2015, while the amount paid for offshore wind power will be increased.
The shift on wind energy comes ahead of Chancellor George Osborne's Autumn Statement, which he will deliver to MPs on Thursday.
Other pre-statement announcements include:
They will cut support for onshore wind and solar energy, but give more backing to offshore wind power.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander described the shift in subsidy as "a rebalancing" and said overall spending would not change.
The price producers are promised for onshore wind power and solar energy will be cut from 2015, while the amount paid for offshore wind power will be increased.
The shift on wind energy comes ahead of Chancellor George Osborne's Autumn Statement, which he will deliver to MPs on Thursday.
Other pre-statement announcements include:
- Details of the National Infrastructure Plan (NIP), with plans for £375bn of investment in energy, transport, communications, and water projects
- The NIP also entails selling off the government's 40% stake in the Eurostar rail service as part of a plan to double the target for the sale of corporate and financial assets, from £10bn to £20bn, between 2014 and 2020
- It features a further £50m for a redevelopment of the railway station at Gatwick Airport and financial support for the development of a new nuclear power station at Wylfa, north Wales
- There is also confirmation that a UK guarantee has now been agreed for the £1bn Northern Line extension to Battersea in London
- Road projects in the NIP include improvements to the A50 around Uttoxeter, in Staffordshire, and improvements to the A14 around the port of Felixstowe in Suffolk
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