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Control & Automation

Published 27/4/2022

How control & automation can protect your staff and put you in control

While many modern machines are created with automation in mind, countless factories still run on old, inefficient technology. But without efficient equipment, systems and processes, your costs become unpredictable. If you’re still using outdated technology in your manufacturing plant, you’re likely paying over the odds for staffing, machinery and utilities. And old equipment isn’t just […]

Published 14/3/2022

Understanding the design process in new factory installations

The key to achieving an efficient production plant lies in its design. Whether you’re creating a brand new facility or simply assessing your current installations to make improvements, getting the design spot-on is essential to the production output. In this article, we’re looking at manufacturing design in more depth – asking questions about the DFM […]

Published 30/11/2021

How automation can make a dramatic impact in manufacturing

With AI and robotics advancing at an astounding rate, there aren’t many parts of a manufacturing process that can’t now be automated at some level. In this article, we’re looking at how automation can dramatically impact the productivity and profitability of manufacturers in any sector. What can be automated? It’s easy to think of […]

Published 16/6/2022

5 most common electrical problems in factories

Manufacturers rely heavily on electricity, often grinding to a halt if electrical problems occurs. What’s more, serious electrical faults can trigger a fire or explosion, leading to injuries or, much worse, fatalities. As a plant or production manager, you don’t need to understand how to fix your factory’s electrical faults yourself – that’s our job. […]

Published 17/5/2022

Key factors when planning a factory extension

Customer demand can peak and trough, but if demand for your products is constantly rising, it could be time to expand. However, upsizing a factory is not straightforward. There are multiple components to think about before you begin to extend, and you might even find that relocation is a more viable option (although this is […]

Published 14/3/2022

Understanding the design process in new factory installations

Published 31/1/2022

Top 5 tips for minimising production downtime

Unplanned downtime – every production line will experience it, but none will welcome it. It’s among the biggest concerns for anyone running a manufacturing plant, capable of causing havoc in seconds and resulting in severe financial losses. Of course, not all production downtime is bad. If you’re upgrading a major system or implementing a brand […]

Published 23/6/2021

Bright Spark – What you need in place… if it all goes wrong

with Carl Johnson – Electrical Technician Let’s face it, we live in a country that has an enviably reliable power supply – certainly by comparison with many developing countries. However, that doesn’t mean that from time to time an office, factory or other organisation won’t find itself unexpectedly without power. This might be down to […]

Published 6/1/2021

Is a contractor only as good as the equipment they install?

Lee Johnson, Managing Director of Advanced Electrical Services explains… Here’s a bold statement for you: ‘A contractor is only as good as the equipment they install.’ I read this recently in a trade magazine article and it caught my attention because it only tells half of the story. Although we all understand the importance of […]

Published 2/12/2020

Bright Spark – Electrical maintenance tips

Electrical maintenance tips We’ve all heard the addage, ‘If it ‘ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. But when it comes to electrical systems, a lack of moving parts doesn’t mean that nothing can go wrong – and leaving well alone can simply store up problems for the future. By having a programme of planned preventative maintenance […]

Published 25/11/2020

Jargon Busted: Single-phase and Three-phase electrical power – what’s the difference?

The electrical world can be confusing and we’ve all come across some terms that don’t make much sense. That’s why in each issue of Wired we unravel a piece of industry gobbledygook and tell you what it means – In plain old English. In a nutshell… When you plug in your kettle, phone charger or […]

Published 10/11/2020

Get the Facts – The importance of planning work and producing drawings

Hands up those of you who like spending more than you need to on electrical services? Thought so. Yet time and time again, the AES team sees examples of how bad planning and a lack of drawings end up causing clients unnecessary costs.Have you co-ordinated your services? One of the key causes is failing to […]

Published 19/8/2020

Bright Spark – Electrical Thermal Imaging

It’s particularly useful for checking hidden wiring, otherwise inaccessible systems and machinery that is permanently in use and would be inconvenient to turn off. While all systems can be checked, the focus is usually on key electrical panels and any connections that carry a high load.

Published 16/2/2020

Jargon Busted: Thermal Imaging

The electrical world can be confusing and we’ve all come across some terms that don’t make much sense. That’s why in each issue of Wired we unravel a piece of industry gobbledygook and tell you what it means – In plain old English. One of the tricky things about electrical systems is that often you […]

Published 9/12/2019

Jargon Buster: Power factor correction

So what exactly is power factor? Simply put: it’s all about efficiency. Technically, power factor is the ratio of the true power (kW) that is used to do work in electrical equipment and the apparent power (kVA) that is supplied to the circuit. If you’re scratching your head right now, all this means is that […]

Published 27/11/2019

Six things to consider before hiring an electrical contractor

No one likes to waste money – least of all us. But we also like to see our clients spend their hard-earned pennies wisely. Electrical contractors are not all the same, so if you need help with general maintenance work, a refit or an emergency job, take a look at our top tips before you […]

Published 17/11/2019

Jargon Buster – Electrical data logging and recording

The electrical world can be confusing and we’ve all come across some terms that don’t make much sense. That’s why in each issue of Wired we unravel a piece of industry gobbledygook and tell you what it means – In plain old English. Electrical data logging and recording What is data logging and why is […]

Published 8/9/2019

Jargon Buster – Who to call when the lights go out!

The electrical world can be confusing and we’ve all come across some terms that don’t make much sense. That’s why in each issue of Wired we unravel a piece of industry gobbledygook and tell you what it means – In plain old English. From the CEGB and AEBs to RECs and DNOS: Who to […]

Published 30/6/2019

Jargon busted – Amps

The electrical world can be confusing and we’ve all come across some terms that don’t make much sense. That’s why in each issue of Wired we unravel a piece of industry gobbledygook and tell you what it means – In plain old English. What is an amp? An amp – or ampere, to give […]

Published 3/3/2019

Bright Spark – How to cut down time and costs

By Carl Johnson, Electrical Technician You don’t invest in machinery for it to sit there looking pretty – every machine you have is there to make you money. So if it’s not working, it’s not doing its job – and it’s therefore losing you money. Simply by following a few simple maintenance rules, you can […]

Published 28/4/2018

Get the Facts – 5 things to consider when extending your premises

1. What is going in the extension? It sounds like an obvious question, doesn’t it? But it’s surprising how many people don’t plan ahead. First make a simple list of all the equipment that will be going into the new extension. Next to each item, add the recommended supply size and load of the equipment […]

Published 2/6/2022

Voltage optimisation explained

Recent increases in energy costs mean power consumption has become one of the biggest concerns for companies in the manufacturing sector. Streamlining the production process to remove unnecessary and costly consumption points is a good exercise. But one of the easiest and most effective ways to manage energy consumption and reduce costs is voltage optimisation. […]

Published 14/4/2022

Will modern equipment reduce commercial energy costs

As a sector, manufacturing is responsible for using millions of megawatts of energy daily, long since a concern for anyone managing production and even more so in a period when commercial energy costs are heading upwards. With energy prices rising at an unprecedented rate, it has never been more critical to consider ways to streamline […]

Published 25/2/2022

LED lighting – what’s all the fuss?

Energy prices are a huge concern for everyone right now, so it’s not surprising that most businesses are looking for ways to save. But cost shouldn’t be the only reason to adopt energy-efficient ways of working. Making your factory more efficient reduces your carbon footprint as well as your bills. Rapid advancements in lighting technology […]

Published 16/2/2022

How Variable Speed Drives can make an impact

The manufacturing sector seldom sleeps. Across the world, production facilities operate around the clock to meet their customers’ demands. Anyone overseeing a manufacturing plant knows there are three key components to its operational success: • Using machinery that is fit for purpose • Conducting regular planned maintenance to keep machinery in good condition • Implementing […]

Published 14/12/2021

A Carbon Free Energy Vision (and what we can all do to contribute)

Fossil fuels have been used as fuel for many centuries and are still the biggest energy source for generating electricity. In fact, around 75% of electricity in the UK still comes from power plants that rely on fossil fuels. Unfortunately, coal and oil are not renewable energy sources, meaning there is a finite amount available. […]

Published 2/11/2021

The Future of Energy Efficient Factories

There’s no denying that in recent years there has been a substantial focus on carbon emissions. The growing pressure on governments to decarbonise energy systems is filtering down to manufacturers who are having to seriously evaluate their impact on the environment. Leading companies are proactively implementing initiatives to reduce their carbon emissions. Some companies are […]

Published 23/9/2021

How to slash 20% off your energy costs

Saving money on your electric bills is much easier than you think and could save you up to 20% off your annual energy costs. It’s better for the environment too, because using less energy cuts your carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Here we look at some of the ways in which we can help […]

Published 2/3/2021

Bright spark – Top Three Energy-Saving Ideas

with Carl Johnson – Electrical Technician It’s 2015 and it’s payback time – in a good way! After some challenging years for businesses during the economic downturn, we’ve decided it’s time to shout a little louder about the major savings that your company could be enjoying. When times are tough companies tend not to invest […]

Published 26/8/2020

Get the Facts – Lighting Control

As we all know, energy efficiency is not something to make light of. Businesses looking to save costs and reduce energy usage often focus on machinery, but lighting control can also make a significant contribution to these goals. Clearly good lighting is a must in any business, to ensure that staff can work safely and […]

Published 17/2/2020

Six things to consider when choosing low energy lighting

There are two ways to reduce your running costs for lighting: first, replace your existing lights with ones which use less energy and second, if they aren’t needed turn them off. 1. Replacing light fittings can be expensive. As the aim is to get a return on your investment, ask how any return has been […]

Published 20/7/2019

Bright Spark – LED lighting

Carl Johnson – Electrical Technician How does LED lighting work – and how can it save you money? Has traditional lighting had its day? It may have taken 100 years of development, but LED lighting is finally offering an affordable energy-saving alternative. Unless you only work outdoors and only in the daytime, it’s likely your […]

Published 10/2/2019

Generating a crisis?

Lee Johnson, Managing Director of Advanced Electrical Services explains… Turn on the TV recently and you will no doubt have heard about the ‘crisis’ in the energy sector. The generation and distribution of electricity has certainly been in the headlines over the past few months, but what’s all the fuss about? Reducing carbon and greenhouse […]

Published 5/5/2018

Get the Facts – Carbon footprint

How big will the government allow your carbon footprint to get? When did you first hear the phrase ‘carbon footprint’? While it relates specifically to the amount of carbon dioxide a person, home or business produces, it’s often taken to represent the amount of energy we use in more general terms. The Carbon Trust (www.carbontrust.com), […]

Published 31/3/2022

What are the DSEAR regulations surrounding hazardous areas?

There are many hazards in the workplace, particularly within the manufacturing sector. Consequently, a fundamental for any manufacturing business is workplace safety. Indeed, with the number of opportunities for accidents at their greatest in this type of environment – thanks to the machinery and materials used – it’s imperative you have robust procedures to protect […]

Published 19/11/2021

What is CompEx & ATEX?

If you work within the manufacturing industry, you might well be familiar with the terms ATEX and CompEx, but do you know how they relate to your business? In this short article, we’re explaining exactly what the terms mean and why they should matter to you and your teams. What is ATEX? ATEX derives from […]

Published 28/6/2021

Lee’s Landmarks – Skerryvore Lighthouse, Headingley Stadium, Thames Barrier

If you find that organising electrical jobs at your workplace can be hard work at times, imagine the challenges that those running major landmarks have to face. Here, we look at some of the awe-inspiring stats of three familiar landmarks. Skerryvore Lighthouse The tallest lighthouse in Scotland, Skerryvore was built on a reef of the […]

Published 22/6/2021

Lee’s Landmarks – Electric Mountain, Green Britain Centre and Brighton Pier

If you find that organising electrical jobs at your workplace can be hard work at times, imagine the challenges that those running major landmarks have to face. Here, we look at some of the awe-inspiring stats of three familiar landmarks. Electric Mountain The Dinorwig Power Station, known as Electric Mountain, is located 750m inside […]

Published 5/4/2021

Bright Sparks – Nikola Tesla

The modern world would look very different without the contributions of those who helped us harness electricity and develop electrical equipment. Here, we focus on some of the pioneers of the electrical world and their remarkable achievements. NAME: Nikola Tesla DATES: 10 July 1856 (Smiljan, Lika, Croatia) – 7 January 1943 (Hotel New Yorker, New […]

Published 24/3/2021

Lee’s Landmarks – National Media Museum, York Minster and British Museum

If you find that organising electrical jobs at your workplace can be hard work at times, imagine the challenges that those running major landmarks have to face. Here, we look at some of the awe-inspiring stats of three familiar landmarks. National Media Museum Located in Bradford, the museum opened on 16 June 1983 as The […]

Published 19/1/2021

Bright Sparks: Alessandro Volta

The modern world would look very different without the contributions of those who helped us harness electricity and develop electrical equipment. Here, we focus on some of the pioneers of the electrical world and their remarkable achievements. NAME: Alessandro Volta  (Conte Alessandro Giuseppe Antonio Anastasio Volta) DATES: 18 February 1745 (Como, Italy) – 5 March […]

Published 12/12/2020

Bright Sparks – Caroline Haslett

The modern world would look very different without the contributions of those who helped us harness electricity and develop electrical equipment. Here, we focus on some of the pioneers of the electrical world and their remarkable achievements. NAME: Caroline Haslett DATES: 17 August 1895 (Worth, Suffolk) – 4 January 1957 (Bungay, Suffolk) EARLY LIFE: Haslett […]

Published 3/11/2020

Lee’s Landmarks – Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Forth Bridge, Wembley Stadium

If you find that organising electrical jobs at your workplace can be hard work at times, imagine the challenges that those running major landmarks have to face. Here, we look at some of the awe-inspiring stats of three familiar landmarks. Yorkshire Sculpture Park Set in the stunning grounds of the 18th century Bretton Estate, Yorkshire […]

Published 20/10/2020

Bright Spark – Hertha Ayrton

The modern world would look very different without the contributions of those who helped us harness electricity and develop electrical equipment. Here, we focus on some of the pioneers of the electrical world and their remarkable achievements. NAME: Hertha Ayrton DATES: 28 April 1854 (Portsea, Hampshire) – 23 August 1923 (North Lancing, Sussex) EARLY […]

Published 15/10/2020

Lee’s Landmarks – Royal Albert Hall

If you find that organising electrical jobs at your workplace can be hard work at times, imagine the challenges that those running major landmarks have to face. Here, we look at some of the awe-inspiring stats of some familiar landmarks. Albert Hall Opened by Queen Victoria in 1871 and named in memory of her husband, […]

Published 8/10/2020

Lee’s Landmarks – Scott Monument

If you find that organising electrical jobs at your workplace can be hard work at times, imagine the challenges that those running major landmarks have to face. Here, we look at some of the awe-inspiring stats of some familiar landmarks. Scott Monument Commemorating Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832), the Scott Monument is located in his birthplace […]

Published 1/10/2020

Lee’s Landmarks – Chatsworth House

If you find that organising electrical jobs at your workplace can be hard work at times, imagine the challenges that those running major landmarks have to face. Here, we look at some of the awe-inspiring stats of some familiar landmarks. Chatsworth House Located near Bakewell in Derbyshire, Chatsworth House is the home of the Duke […]

Published 3/8/2020

Lee’s Landmarks – Blackpool Tower, Eden Project, London Eye

If you find that organising electrical jobs at your workplace can be hard work at times, imagine the challenges that those running major landmarks have to face. Here, we look at some of the awe-inspiring stats of three familiar landmarks. The Blackpool Tower An iconic landmark along the Golden Mile in one of Britain’s best-known […]

Published 22/6/2019

Bright Sparks – Michael Faraday

The modern world would look very different without the contributions of those who helped us harness electricity and develop electrical equipment. Here, we focus on some of the pioneers of the electrical world and their remarkable achievements. NAME: Michael Faraday DATES: 22 September 1791 (Newington, Surrey, UK) – 25 August 1857 (Richmond Upon Thames, UK) […]

Published 19/4/2019

Lee’s Landmarks – Emley Moor Station, Principality Stadium, Houses of Parliament

If you find that organising electrical jobs at your workplace can be hard work at times, imagine the challenges that those running major landmarks have to face. Here, we look at some of the awe-inspiring stats of three familiar landmarks. Emley Moor Station The tallest self-supporting structure in the UK, the concrete tower, locally known […]

Published 2/4/2019

Bright Sparks – Georg Ohm

The modern world would look very different without the contributions of those who helped us harness electricity and develop electrical equipment. Here, we focus on some of the pioneers of the electrical world and their remarkable achievements. NAME: Georg Ohm DATES: 16 March 1789 (Erlangen, Bavaria) – 6 July 1854 (Munich, Germany) EARLY LIFE: Born […]

Published 20/10/2018

Bright Sparks – Thomas Edison

The modern world would look very different without the contributions of those who helped us harness electricity and develop electrical equipment. Here, we focus on some of the pioneers of the electrical world and their remarkable achievements. NAME: Thomas Alva Edison DATES: 11 February 1847 (Ohio, US) – 18 October 1931 (New Jersey, US) EARLY […]

Published 26/1/2018

Lee’s Landmarks – Meadowhall, LBA, Olympic Park

If you find that organising electrical jobs at your workplace can be hard work at times, imagine the challenges that those running major landmarks have to face. Here, we look at some of the awe-inspiring stats of three familiar landmarks. Meadowhall The largest shopping centre in Yorkshire and the 10th largest in the UK, Sheffield’s […]

Published 25/2/2022

LED lighting – what’s all the fuss?

Published 26/8/2020

Get the Facts – Lighting Control

Published 17/2/2020

Six things to consider when choosing low energy lighting

Published 8/9/2019

Jargon Buster – Who to call when the lights go out!

The electrical world can be confusing and we’ve all come across some terms that don’t make much sense. That’s why in each issue of Wired we unravel a piece of industry gobbledygook and tell you what it means – In plain old English. From the CEGB and AEBs to RECs and DNOS: Who to […]

Published 20/7/2019

Bright Spark – LED lighting

Published 14/4/2022

Will modern equipment reduce commercial energy costs

Published 25/2/2022

LED lighting – what’s all the fuss?

Published 23/9/2021

How to slash 20% off your energy costs

Published 2/3/2021

Bright spark – Top Three Energy-Saving Ideas

Published 26/8/2020

Get the Facts – Lighting Control

Published 17/2/2020

Six things to consider when choosing low energy lighting

Published 20/7/2019

Bright Spark – LED lighting

Published 15/1/2022

Why machine risk assessments are business critical

While health and safety should be a priority for all commercial businesses, the manufacturing industry has additional considerations. Plant machinery and electrical equipment must be installed and operated safely. If a machine is modified, reconfigured, or interlinked on a production line, this can affect the integrity. And it’s the company operating the machine that is […]

Published 23/9/2021