Type: Blog Articles
Control & Automation
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 […]
Read moreelectrical contracting
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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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.
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
Read moreEnergy Reduction
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 […]
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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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
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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 […]
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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), […]
Read moreHazardous Areas (CompEx / ATEX)
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 […]
Read moreInteresting Facts
Lee’s Landmarks – Skerryvore Lighthouse, Headingley Carnegie 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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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) […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
Read morelighting
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read moreLow Energy Lighting
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read morePower & Distribution
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read moreSafety Compliance
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 […]
Read more
Jargon Buster – Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)
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 Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) SO WHAT IS AN EICR? You […]
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Jargon Busted – MCBs
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 does MCB stand for? MCB stands for Miniature Circuit Breaker – […]
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Jargon Buster – CHAS
CHAS – Contractors Health & Safety Assessment Scheme These days you’ll often hear people saying: ‘It’s health and safety gone mad.’ But the truth is, regulations for health and safety are there for a reason – and anyone booking an electrical installation would expect the electrical engineers to operate with the protection of the […]
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Get the facts – Using electricity outside
Flashing fairy lights, nodding Rudolphs and dancing Santas – a favourite local news story at this time of year is the over-the-top neighbour who has filled their garden and covered their house with Christmas lights and decorations. If you’re unlucky you might live next door to one – or perhaps you’re one yourself… While some […]
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Don’t start the new year with a bang…
Lee Johnson, Managing Director of Advanced Electrical Services explains… This January marks the 15-year anniversary of part P, which for those of you who don’t know is the part of the building regulations that apply to electrical installations in domestic properties. For me it’s a memorable time: the introduction of part P meant that […]
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Jargon Busted – Halloween Horror Stories
As it’s the season of all things spooky, we thought we’d let you in on some of the horror stories we’ve encountered in our many years in the business. Just don’t read this at night in a haunted house – you may (not) live to regret it! Things that go bump, not always in the […]
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Jargon Busted – Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS)
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. Any company looking to contract work to an electrical engineer would expect […]
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Jargon Busted – Wiring Regulations BS7671
Here’s a question for you: What’s the only thing more exciting than your team winning the cup the same week you win the lottery? Answer: Wiring regulations! Joking aside: even electricians who dream of electric sheep (extra brownie points to anyone who recognises the book/ movie reference here) might struggle to get excited about new […]
Read moreSmall Power
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 […]
Read moreVariable Speed Drive
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 […]
Read morevariable speed drives
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 […]
Read moreVoltage Optimisation
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more