Topic: electrical contracting
Blog Articles
What a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) Should Include and Why It Matters
Installing new machinery, production equipment or automated systems into a factory is rarely a small decision. For most manufacturers, it involves significant capital investment, careful planning, disruption to normal operations and a clear expectation that the new equipment will improve output, efficiency, quality or safety. That is why a Factory Acceptance Test, often shortened to […]
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UK Manufacturing in 2026: Trends Shaping Your Electrical Infrastructure
Introduction: As manufacturers gear up for 2026, the industry faces a wave of change. In our latest white paper, “UK Manufacturing Trends 2026: What They Mean for Your Electrical Infrastructure,” we explore the top trends set to reshape factories across the country. From the rise of smart automation to the pursuit of net-zero, these developments […]
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Why Electrical Contracting Needs Are Evolving in UK Manufacturing
The UK manufacturing sector has always relied on robust, reliable electrical systems to power production, maintain safety, and drive efficiency. But over the past decade, and particularly in the last five years, the electrical contracting needs of manufacturing businesses have shifted dramatically. From the rise of automation to decarbonisation targets and the integration of smart […]
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How to Prepare Your Facility for Workplace EV Charging Infrastructure
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to surge in popularity, businesses in the manufacturing and industrial sectors are increasingly recognising the strategic benefits of investing in workplace EV charging infrastructure. Whether you’re transitioning a vehicle fleet to electric, offering EV charging as an employee benefit, reducing Scope 2 emissions, or aligning with your company’s ESG goals, […]
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Shocking Stats on Downtime: £80 Billion Lost – How Manufacturers Can Fight Back
Unplanned downtime is the silent profit killer for manufacturers, with the latest figures indicating that UK and European factories could lose over £80 billion this year alone due to unexpected equipment failures, power interruptions, and control system issues. In an industry where every second counts, this level of disruption can devastate balance sheets, delay customer […]
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Our Top Tips for Installing Plant Equipment Efficiently
Whether you’re installing plant equipment in a new facility or replacing old machinery in an existing space, you’ll want to get everything operational as quickly and efficiently as possible. Two key elements of efficient installation are thorough planning and good communication. Knowing exactly who is responsible for what and planning the timings for each stage […]
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The Key Components of Electrical Problem Solving
The last thing you want when you’re on a tight production schedule is a power issue bringing things to a halt. Unfortunately, electrical faults can and do occur. If you do experience a problem with your electrical systems and equipment, you’ll want to get things back up and running as quickly as possible, so it […]
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Our guide to factory acceptance testing
Factory acceptance testing is a process carried out by a manufacturer or supplier before they deliver plant, machinery or equipment to the customer. It involves a series of tests and inspections to ensure the product meets the specified requirements, design criteria, and functionality. The purpose is to prevent issues at the customer’s site by checking […]
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Reactive maintenance – the importance of having an option on standby
Equipment maintenance is essential in any manufacturing facility. But even with the most effective planned maintenance schedule, you can never completely avoid unplanned faults or breakdowns. And when those unexpected faults and breakdowns do occur, you’ll want to get things back up and running as quickly as possible. That’s when it pays to have a […]
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What is load frequency control?
A simple way to understand Load Frequency Control (LFC) is to think of it like a production line. If consumer demand is high and you don’t increase production accordingly, then production will fall behind. If customer demand decreases and you don’t adjust, you have the problem of overproduction. In a power system, “load” refers to […]
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The AES guide to choosing the right commercial lighting
People rarely pay much attention to commercial lighting if it’s doing its job correctly. However, they do take notice if it’s particularly bad, unreliable or inadequate in some way. Poor lighting in a workplace can cause headaches or eyestrain, reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents. And that’s why it’s important to get it […]
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Our guide to electrical transformers
You don’t need to become an expert on electrical systems to run a manufacturing business, but understanding the basic components can be useful. When you understand how your system is made up, it can help you identify inefficiencies or determine the cause of a fault more easily. Electrical transformers are a fundamental component in electrical […]
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Our guide to creating an effective backup plan
It’s so easy to take our electricity supply for granted, but what would happen to your factory if the power went out suddenly? How much disruption would it cause if your machinery, equipment, lighting, ventilation, heating and cooling all shut down simultaneously? Even a partial outage or an electrical fault can cause chaos, not to […]
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What is a switchgear and why are they so important?
You don’t have to be an expert in electrical systems to operate a successful factory, but it does help if you have a basic understanding of the key components and their importance. One key element of your electrical system is the switchgear. Switchgear is a broad term that typically covers several devices that work together […]
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Future-proofing your factory
With compliance regulations and market demand constantly changing, it can be tough for manufacturers to keep on top of emerging trends. Even the best business strategies need to be flexible to ensure they can be adapted when necessary. So how do you prepare for the unknown? How can you future-proof your factory to ensure you […]
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What can cause power outages (and how to protect against them)?
A reliable power supply is crucial for factories to maintain uninterrupted operations. Any power outage can lead to delays in production, resulting in significant losses in terms of productivity and revenue. Understanding the causes of power outages helps you to prepare effectively for potential disruptions. Appropriate measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of […]
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How far does power travel and what impact does distance have on performance
It’s easy to take our electricity supply for granted. We flick a switch and instantly have light or power. We don’t even think about it unless there’s an issue or an outage. But when there is an issue or outage, the impact can be significant. For manufacturers, even the smallest change in power can make […]
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Will security lighting help to protect my staff?
Looking after the safety and well-being of employees should be a priority for any business. And while it’s not possible to mitigate every risk, there are measures you can take to improve their safety and security. One measure that is often overlooked is the installation of security lighting. When daylight disappears, visibility is reduced, increasing […]
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Top 5 considerations when comparing electrical quotes
Budget is always a factor when you’re considering any type of upgrade, revamp, or maintenance work within your factory. But when it comes to electrical work, you have to consider more than just money. Don’t rush into accepting the cheapest electrical quotes without knowing exactly what you’re getting. Electrical work is not an area where […]
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How to identify when an electrical job is too big for you
You probably don’t want to call your electrical contractor every time a lightbulb needs replacing in the staff room – there are plenty of small electrical jobs you can handle in-house. But what about the larger jobs? How do you determine when an electrical job is too big for your onsite team? Here are some […]
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Why is it important to control voltage?
In the UK, commercial electricity suppliers are permitted to feed power from the grid into a network at 230v with a tolerance of -5/+10%. This means the supply may increase to 240v or reduce to 225v at any given time. On average, the supply runs as high as 242v. Most small work tools such as […]
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How often should I undertake an electrical audit?
All businesses have a responsibility to undertake a periodic electrical audit to ensure electrical safety. Part of this responsibility includes having an up-to-date commercial Periodic Inspection Report (PIR), also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Commercial properties should get an EICR every five years or whenever there is a change of occupancy. Industrial […]
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Why is certification so important?
Having the right certification in place isn’t just about ticking boxes. If you don’t have the right certification, you can face penalties, fines, and even prison time. That’s why it’s so important to understand your responsibilities. Electrical safety and compliance BS 7671 is the British Standard for “Requirements for Electrical Installations.” You may also hear […]
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Our guide to EV Charging at work
The EV revolution is well underway with over 700,000 electric vehicles on the road just in the UK. And with the government’s plan to ban sales of new petrol or diesel cars by 2035, the switch to EV shows no signs of slowing down. Combined with pressure on businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, it’s […]
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10 signs that indicate you should be getting your wiring checked
When is the right time to get your factory wiring checked? What warning signs should you be on the lookout for? No manufacturer wants to disrupt production unless it’s absolutely vital. But equally, it’s not sensible to ignore warning signs and risk a minor issue turning into a major problem. 1. Frequent electrical surges […]
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How to carry out vital electrical works without interrupting production
Unexpected downtime is never good, but if your power fails and you need to carry out electrical works, it’s unavoidable. This is why you need to be proactive with testing, inspecting, and maintaining electrical equipment and installations. But even planned downtime can cause disruptions to production which isn’t ideal when you’re on a tight schedule. […]
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What actually is a power surge?
A power surge is a sudden, temporary increase in voltage that occurs in an electrical system, usually lasting only a fraction of a second. These surges can enter your factory through power lines and affect all electronic devices connected to your electrical system. Power surges can be caused by various factors, including: Electrical overload A […]
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What to take into account when designing a new factory
Planning a new factory is exciting, but there are lots of factors to consider. Poor planning can result in expensive problems later down the line, so it pays to invest time and money into getting it right. Factory design should be a collaborative effort involving engineers, architects, production managers, electrical contractors and other relevant stakeholders. […]
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5 ways electrical contractors can improve your working environment
Most manufacturers rely heavily on electricity to power their factories and warehouses, which is why having reliable electrical contractors to call on should be a no-brainer. But the best electrical contractors aren’t just there to tick compliance boxes or fix things when they go wrong. A good electrical contractor should help you improve your business, […]
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Why proactive preventative maintenance is key to factory efficiency
When it comes to maintenance, many manufacturers opt for a “we’ll fix it when it breaks” approach, doing the bare minimum to stay compliant and operational, rather than taking a preventative maintenance stance. But being proactive with maintenance improves factory efficiency. And factory efficiency has a direct impact on productivity and profitability, so it’s not […]
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What is Power Factor Correction?
Power Factor Correction (PFC) is the process of improving power factor (and, therefore, power quality) by reducing the reactive power component of an AC circuit. Power factor measures how efficiently your electrical power is being used. It looks at the ratio between real power and reactive power to determine total power drawn by a single […]
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Business continuity- are you prepared?
Most manufacturers rely on electricity to power their heating, lighting and ventilation, machinery and equipment. But what happens when machines break down, or the power goes out? How much would it cost your business if your production lines went down or you were without power for an hour, a day, or a week? We can’t […]
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How a factory audit can identify potential savings
In most manufacturing facilities, the top three operating expenses are labour, materials and energy, with energy often coming out as the highest cost. A free energy reduction audit from AES will identify potential energy savings across your factory, helping you minimise your carbon footprint whilst improving your work environment and reducing costs. What are the […]
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Top tips to lighting a factory
Manufacturing plants need adequate lighting – if your teams can’t see, they can’t work. But lighting big spaces can be a challenge, not to mention a huge investment. With health and safety, energy efficiency and cost all playing a part, it pays to plan. In this article, we’re sharing our top tips to lighting a […]
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5 Key questions in choosing an electrical contractor
If you’re planning a major electrical installation or upgrade at your commercial premises, you’ll need an electrical contractor. But a quick search on the internet will show you thousands of electrical contractors, possibly hundreds just in your local area. So how do you know which is right for your business? This article looks at the […]
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What electrical regulations do I need to know about?
We all know health and safety at work is a big deal. Business owners want a clean sheet on safety for many reasons, not least to keep a happy and healthy workforce operating at its best. In the past fifty years, much has been done to create procedures to support workplace health and safety. From […]
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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. […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 moreCase Study
Case Study – Kerry Foods
Operational efficiencies maximised with new equipment integration.
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Case Study – HSG Bradford
Flexibility key in creating new state-of-the-art energy efficient building on schedule.
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Case Study – Rakusens
Rapid response minimises production downtime and prevents safety issues
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Case Study – Harrison Spinks
Smart project planning from AES ensures extension hits deadline and saves money.
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New factory design and installation for HSL
As the UK’s leading manufacturer of back-care chairs, recliners and adjustable beds, HSL’s focus is on making life easier for others. So when the company approached AES to design the electrical installation for its new factory, the team put in every effort to make life easier for HSL. An important part of the design element […]
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Guide – Electrical Contracting
Proactive electrical maintenance to minimise production downtime and eliminate inefficiencies
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