There are many factors to consider when choosing which extractor fan is best for your bathroom including the extraction rate and type of operation. However, finding the quietest extractor fan is crucial to ensuring that you can use the fan whenever you need to. Nothing is worse than lying in a hot bath with a noisy extractor fan disrupting your opportunity to relax. Likewise, using the bathroom when people in the house are asleep can become an issue if the extractor fan is too noisy.

The table below sets out a selection of our quietest extractor fans which are popular among customers who are looking for low noise ventilation solutions.

Vent Axia Silent Fans VASF100

The Vent Axia Silent Fan range is a popular choice for those looking for silent bathroom fans. These 4 inch extractor fans are a versatile choice for bathrooms as they are suitable for mounting on walls, windows, ceilings or panels and are IPX5 rated meaning they can be used in Zone 1, close to baths and showers. The VASF100 range is also highly energy efficient running at just 5W on the highest speed.

Available with (VASF100T, VASF100TV) or without (VASF100B) overrun timers

Envirovent Silent 100 Fans SIL100

Envirovent SIL100 bathroom extractor fanscombine a sleek, modern design with high performance. This energy efficient range of bathroom fans includes models with timer, humidistat and timer and PIR.

Suitable for wall or ceiling mounting Envirovent SIL100 Fans also benefit from a five year guarantee.

Greenwood Airvac CV2GIP

Running at just 10 dB(A), the CV2GIP is a near silent, continuously running fan which boasts 9 registered patents.

A solid circular fascia provides the fan with a smooth, discreet asthetic whilst integrated SMART technology helps to reduce energy wastage, improves performance and stops nuisance running.

A short spigot design means that the CV2GIP is also ideal for use where ceiling voids are shallow.

Manrose Quiet Fan QF100

Manrose Quiet Fans are equipped with high performance turning vane systems which improve fan performance by maintaining a high output. Suitable for wall or ceiling mounting QF100 fans are available with models which benefit from either a timer, pullcord or humdistat. Manufactured using high ABS thermoplastics for strength and durability, these quiet fans come with a three year guarantee for peace of mind.

National Ventilation Monsoon MONS100T

Complete with an adjustable overrun timer, the National Ventilation MONS100T will run for 2-30 minutes after the bathroom has been vacated to ensure proper ventilation without unnecessary energy wastage.

Manufactured from a lightweight, UV-resistant plastic, the MONS100T is suitable for wall, ceiling and window mounting in bathroom Zone 1. An integrated spirit level and larger terminal block allow for accurate, level installation and easy wiring.

Airflow QuietAir Fan QT100

Airflow QuietAir Fans are highly efficient extractor fans suitable for use in bathroom Zone1 and Zone 2.

The smooth, compact facade of the QT100 not only provides a sleek asthetic but also makes cleaning much easier. A manintenance free motor is hidden behind the rotatable front facade for a sleek asthetic which requires minimal cleaning. QT100 fans also benefit from round cable storage which allows for easy connection without the need for special tools.

Models in the range include basic (controlled via a remote switch), timer and humidistat and timer options. Models with timers also benefit from delay on settings to prohibit the fans from running immediately. This can be beneficial in stopping the fan running during short night-time bathroom trips.

So, Which Extractor Fan is Best for My Bathroom?

You may have noticed that the silent fans such as the Greenwood Airvac CV2GIP and the Vent Axia Silent Fans have a lower extraction rate. Because of their lower extraction rate these fans are better suited to smaller bathrooms, toilet or cloakroom areas. For larger bathrooms, the National Ventilation Monsoon is the best quiet extractor fan - operating at a decibel reading only slightly louder than rustling leaves -  if you are looking for a fan with a high extraction rate and the lowest decibels.

We hope that you have been able to find the best quiet extractor fan for your bathroom with the help of this post. However, if you would like any further help, please feel free to contact our friendly team for some expert advice on 0203 994 5470, drop us an email at sales@electricpoint.com or use our Contact Form.

Are Redring Showers Any Good?

As part of the Glen Dimplex brand, Redring has over 50 years' experience in water heating. The trusted global brand manufacture their products in the British Isles and offer a range of reliable, innovatively designed electric showers with guarantees of two or more years. Meeting the highest safety, quality and ethical standards, Redring expertly apply their broad technical knowledge and industry experience to all of their products. 

In this electric shower buying guide, we aim to answer a range of common questions about the purchase and use of electric showers.

We’ll start by introducing the models in the Redring electric showers range, discussing how they work and highlighting the key features of each model.

How do electric showers work?

Redring instant electric showers heat water on demand, making them highly efficient, with no energy or temperature losses. Requiring only a cold mains water connection and an electrical supply to install, the showers work by warming the cold water as it passes over the heating element inside the shower unit. It is then dispensed through the shower head. This makes them ideal for larger households, or homes with smaller tanks which may run out of hot water when using a mixer shower which relies on drawing hot water directly from the boiler. Because Redring electric showers only heat the water that is required, they can be a more cost effective way of enjoying hot showers than heating a boiler full of hot water.

Which Redring electric shower should I buy?

Redring Bright and Glow models feature SmartFit Technology and have been designed to make installation easy. SmartFit showers feature eight plumbing entry options, twin terminal blocks and five cable entry options. Their larger size makes them ideal as an easy replacement of most electric showers without having to retile or redecorate. 

Redring Glow showers are available in 8.5kW, 9.5kW and 10.5kW models and benefit from a 5 mode showerhead, digital display and chrome accents for a modern feel. Glow showers also provide the additional benefit of phased shutdown anti-scaling technology which not only protects your shower from scale build up but provides a safe cool start up for the next user. 

Redring Bright showers feature a 3 mode, easy clean shower head and SmartFit technology for ease of installation. The Bright range is a popular choice for those looking for a replacement shower as it is easy to install and benefits from larger dimensions, meaning there is less chance of having to redecorate the shower area after replacement. Bright showers are available in 8.5kW and 9.5kW models. 

The Redring Pure electric shower combines an attractive price point with a compact, modern design, making Pure an ideal model for cost and style conscious customers. Available in 8.5kW and 7.5kW models, Pure showers feature simple-to-use rotary dials for temperature and power settings and a simple start/stop push button for operation. 

We’ve put together this table to help you to decide which electric shower to buy from the Redring Electric Showers range

Redring Electric Shower Model Comparison Table

Are electric showers powerful?

Very simply, the higher the kW rating of a shower, the more powerful it will be in pressure and temperature.

Remembering the way electric showers work - by passing cold water over a heating element - allows us to understand how the kW rating will affect the power of an electric shower. Higher kW showers will heat cold water quicker than lower kW showers. The quicker the water is heated, the faster it can be dispensed through the shower head at your desired temperature. A faster flow means a higher pressure. This is why you might notice a dip in water pressure when you increase the temperature as the flow will slow down in order to allow the water to heat. However, higher kW showers can heat and dispense water more quickly allowing the shower to maintain a higher and more consistent pressure

What kW electric shower should I buy?

Lower kW showers are ideal if you have a smaller water tank, a smaller household or are trying to keep running costs low. 7.5kW and 8.5kW showers provide a gentler flow of water and are usually cheaper models both to buy and run. 

A higher kW rate provides a more powerful shower with a more consistent flow of water at your preferred temperature. Higher pressure showers such as 9.5kW and 10.5kW models are better for washing products such as shampoo and conditioner out of longer, thicker hair too, meaning you won’t need to spend as long in the shower.

How much does an electric shower cost to run?

To work out how much it costs to run an electric shower:

Multiply the wattage of your shower by the amount of hours it is in use (work out the fraction of an hour where usage is needed in minutes), then divide this figure by 1,000. This will give you the kWhs used. Multiply the kWhs used by your suppliers electricity rate. 

As an example, to work out how much it would cost to run a 10.5kW shower for ten minutes where energy rate is 0.14p per kWh: 

10500x0.167 = 1753.5/1000 =1.7535x0.14= 0.24549

Therefore:

A ten minute shower with a 10.5 kW shower costs: 0.25p

A ten minute shower with a 9.5kW shower costs: 0.22p

A ten minute shower with a 8.5kW shower costs: 0.20p

We hope this shower buying guide has been useful ,if you need any further assistance please give us a call on 0203 994 5470, drop us an email at sales@electricpoint.com or use our Contact Form.

Which Portable Heater is Best?

Portable heaters are a quick and economical way to create a comfortable temperature in rooms such as offices and workshops and other individual living spaces.

In this guide, we will cover how different portable heaters work, what the benefits to each type of heater are and which product best suits your requirements. 

How do oil filled radiators work?

Oil filled radiators work by heating oil held in pipes with an electrical element, this heat is then pushed out into the room to heat the air. 

What are the benefits of an oil filled radiator?

These types of radiators can take slightly longer to heat up than other portable heating options but the benefit of oil filled heaters is that they can emit heat for hours after they are switched off, making them ideal for smaller rooms and bedrooms where you may wish to turn off the heat before sleeping but still keep a chill out of the air. They are also fairly silent which makes them a great space heater for offices, bedrooms or other quiet areas.

Once heated, the warm oil covers the entire surface of the heater which creates an even distribution of heat eliminating issues such as cold spots that can occur through the use of central heating. 

Oil filled radiators are largely maintenance free. The oil inside does not need to be replaced or replenished, making electric oil filled heaters a more fuss-free option than central heating. 

How do oil free radiators work?

Unlike oil filled radiators, oil free heaters utilise thermal components such as aluminium to create heat. However, they still generate heat through the same process of convection and radiation as an oil filled radiator meaning they heat a room quickly and evenly.

What are the benefits of an oil free radiator?

Oil free radiators are more suited to heating larger areas or rooms with high ceilings because they generate heat more rapidly than their oil filled counterparts. However, this type of portable heater does not share the same benefit of heat retention as oil filled heaters as they cool down much quicker after they are switched off. 

Other than this, they remain similar to oil filled radiators in that they are very quiet and heat the room with the same mixture of radiant and convected heat, creating a comfortable warmth throughout a room.

What’s the difference between an oil filled radiator and an oil free radiator?

The biggest differences between oil filled and oil free radiators are the unit weight and the impact on the environment. Oil free radiators are better for the environment as they leave a smaller carbon footprint and are easier to recycle at the end of life. They are also lighter and easier to move around as they rely on materials such as aluminium instead of heavier liquids such as oil to create heat.

How do convector heaters work?

Convector heaters warm a room from the top down by utilising the natural movement of air which rises as it heats and drops as it cools. These heaters are filled with water and utilise an internal element to produce hot air to create a heat circulation system throughout the room.

What are the benefits of a convector heater?

Convector heaters such as the Dimplex DXC20Ti are generally cheaper to buy than oil filled or oil free radiators and can heat a smaller room quite rapidly and evenly as the warm air spreads uniformly across enclosed spaces. They are also a quiet method of heating which means they are suitable for use in a range of different settings. 

Convector heaters are not ideal for use in areas where there may be draughts or regular blasts of colder air because any re-circulated air will be cooler than the other air in the room and will need to be heated. They are also not the most energy efficient option for use in larger rooms as it can be harder to control a natural air flow in these areas.

Allergy sufferers may find that an oil filled or oil free heater is better for them as the warm air generated by a convector heater doesn't pass through any filters, meaning allergens and dust can build up and spread throughout the room. Regular cleaning can help to eliminate this issue but it is still worth consideration. 

Which type of heat is most comfortable?

The heat felt from radiators is similar to the heat you would feel from the sun. Radiators work by emitting energy rays which create heat once they hit an object or body within the room. Convector heaters work by heating the air and pushing it through the room. 

Oil filled and oil-free radiators use a combination of convected and radiant heat creating a more comfortable warmth than convection heaters

Are portable heaters safe?

As long as they are used correctly, electric heaters are one of the safest ways to heat a room. Electric heaters do not rely on burning fuel internally, so there is no naked flame, fumes or risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

You should be sure that you are purchasing a safe portable heater. One of the best ways to do this is to look for the BEAB approved mark. The BEAB mark is a European Safety Mark which demonstrates that the product’s safety has been verified by Interek, an independent third party.

The BEAB mark is the highest safety standard in the UK market and ensures the production of high quality goods that are manufactured in an inspected factory, aa well as a commitment to best practice and consumer safety. 

All our Dimplex Oil Filled Radiators and Dimplex Oil Free Radiators are BEAB approved and boast a variety of safety features including: run back timers eliminate energy waste; dust filters which are easy to clean; thermal cut-outs; or a built-in tilt switch which turns off the heater in the case of it being knocked over. .

Other safety considerations for portable heaters include:

• Keeping the heater on a level surface ensuring it remains unobstructed
• Do not power a heater from an extension lead as these can be easily overloaded causing fires
• Do not cover electric heaters and do not use them to dry clothes
• Ensure the heater is kept at least a metre from curtains and furniture
• Regularly check the heater for any damage and deterioration. Do not continue use if there is any apparent damage.
• Do not purchase second hand heaters, buy from recognised retailers.

How much do portable heaters cost to run? 

For a general idea of the running costs of a portable heater use this calculator:

 Energy input (kW) x pence per kWh= running cost

 For example a 2kW oil filled heater running continuously for 1 hour would cost:

 2kW x 14p/kWh = 28 pence per hour

(Calculation is based on 0.14p per kWh - please check your most current electricity bill for an accurate electricity price. Running costs also vary due to a number of factors including number of doors, windows, type of insulation etc.)

Which portable heater is best for use in my home?

Our Dimplex Eco Cadiz Range is a popular choice of portable heater for the home as they can save up to 30% more energy on heating a room and generate 50% more heat in half the time of an oil filled equivalent. This makes them ideal for heating bedrooms, living areas and home offices.

Eco Cadiz Heaters work by emitting both radiated and convected heat through twin panels which can be controlled individually to provide an economical heating solution. This lightweight heating technology also means that the Eco range is also up to 45% lighter than other portable heating options. 

The Dimplex Cadiz CDE2Ti benefits from a 24-Hour programmable timer which can be set digitally or with a remote control. Both the 2kw ECC and 3kw ECC models feature precise Electronic Climate Control which can be programmed in 1oC increments from 5oC to 35oC

Which portable heater is best for use in my garage?

We have a range of garage and workshop heating available including convector heaters such as the Dimplex MPH1000 1000w Workshop Heater and the Dimplex MPH500 500w Workshop Heater which are splashproof and benefit from frost protection. As these are convector heaters they are well suited to heating smaller spaces. 

We hope that you have found our portable heating guide useful however, if you have any further questions please give us a call on 0203 994 5470, drop us an email at sales@electricpoint.com or use our Contact Form.

Take control of your security with motion sensors. Microwave Sensors and PIR's are two of the leading technologies on the motion sensor market. They can help provide you with increased autonomy and security throughout your home, garden or office, whilst helping to cut down your energy bills at the same time.

With the ever increasing popularity of motion detection technology an influx of new products have hit the market all with unique and exciting capabilities. We thought that we would give you an insight into the motion sensor market to help give you decide which products are right for you. We're really excited about motion sensor products and think that you should be too 

How does a PIR Sensor work?

Through detecting Infrared radiation, a PIR sensor detect heat and movement across their detection range. When an object which is radiating heat, such as a person or animal crosses their detection range, the sensor triggers, switching on the attached device, for example an LED Floodlight. Making a PIR Sensor extremely useful for detecting people and helping to add security and automation to devices. We think that they're extremely useful throughout multiple settings such as offices, bathrooms and home security.

What are the advantages of a PIR Sensor?

PIR sensors make fantastic security lights. Working using heat detection gives PIR Sensors an added specificity to their detection. Focusing on detecting body heat means that there is a decreased chance of false triggers occurring, making you feel more safe and secure in your home. Alongside this comes low levels of energy consumption,keeping your energy bills low and saving you money. With reliable detection throughout both day and night, a PIR sensor is fantastic option if you're in the market for a motion sensor.

• Decreased chance of false triggers
• more energy efficient
• cheap

How does a Microwave Sensor work?

In contrast, Microwave Sensors emit microwave signals throughout their detection range. The sensor is triggered by timing how how long these signals take to return to the sensor, referred to as "echo time". This allows a microwaves sensor to have highly sensitive detection throughout their range whilst having the ability to cover an extremely wide area of detection, perfect for large open spaces, making them fantastic options as LED Floodlights

What are the advantages of a Microwave Sensor?

A Microwave sensor is extremely sensitive across a large detection field. This sensitivity gives microwave sensors a distinct advantage as security lights. They detect very fine motion and cannot be tricked or avoided in the way that other sensors can. The added advantage of Microwave Sensors is the ability for microwaves to travel through materials, this includes glass, plastic and thin wall, giving another layer of sensitivity, activating due to the presence of vehicles, perfect for your driveway. A microwave sensor will give you added confidence in your home security. When combined with the extra long-life expectancy of a microwave sensor you can save yourself money 

• Extremely sensitive
• detects through glass, plastic and thin walls 
• Perfect for security lights
• Extra long life
• Strony, long lasting construction, higher IP and IK ratings

Where can I use a PIR Sensor?

PIR sensors are fantastic for usage in more enclosed areas. Hallways, front doors, office spaces and walkways are perfect locations for PIR sensors, a reliable option as a sensor for motion activated lights whilst also having the capability to be used as effective and reliable Security lights. However, PIR sensors can be limited by the climate, making their placement extremely important, away from the elements and out of direct heat allows for the best result. Another potential drawback for PIR sensors is the IP and IK ratings are commonly lower, due to the PIR being external to the product in most cases, this means that the sensor is commonly not as strong and resilient as a microwave sensor product, though with the correct placement these issues can be avoided.

• Security light
• Hallways
• Walkways
• Above doors

Where can I use a Microwave Sensor?

You can use a  microwave sensors  throughout multiple environments, they are extremely well suited to outdoor usage often possessing extremely high IP and IK ratings due to having integrated microwave sensors so you can rest assured of their longevity. Used throughout Driveways, secured spaces, gardens, large open spaces or throughout office spaces, to help control your energy usage. A microwave sensor light can be extremely effective as a security light or for usage in Floodlights providing extremely sensitive detection over a large area. A Microwave Sensor has some drawbacks, having the ability to pass microwaves through glass, plastic and thin walls means you have to be selective with where you place your sensor, we wouldn't recommend hanging it facing your conservatory! 

• Garden light
• Driveway
• Home Security
• Large Open Spaces

Pir or Microwave Sensor?

Our Verdict

If you're shopping on a budget, our reccomendation would be a PIR sensor, low energy usage, cheaper initial purchse price makes a PIR sensor an extremely appealing option, especially when combined with the reliable performance of the sensor. PIR sensors make good security lights and are a reliable option, however we think that they are best when used throughout enclosed areas, hallways, walkways, above doors both internal and external, this will allow for them to be used at their full capability and provide excellent automation throughout your home or office. Microwave Sensors are the slightly pricier option, but their performance justifies this cost, their sensors are extremely sensitive and are the best option for home security, this sensitivitiy is partly their downfall with the need for selective positioning and the chance of false triggers. But if your looking at securing your home, garage, office or garden then a microwave sensor floodlight is the perfect option.

 If you're looking to make a purchase of a microwave sensor, we have the range of products to fulfil your needs including Microwave Sensor, Security Light or Batten lights, we would recommend our Philips LED Floodlights range, fitted with integrated Microwave Sensors, they are reliable microwave sensor lights with an extra long life-expectancy.

We also stock a large range of PIR products, including PIR Sensors , PIR floodlights, ideal options for increased automation and security around your home or workplace. We would reccomend our JCC LED Flood Lights range, which includes a wide range of Pir Sensor floodlights at fantastic prices.

If you just need some help, would like to take advantage of our Price Promise or perhaps have a large order to place. Give our team of professionals a call on 0203 994 5470, drop us an email at sales@electricpoint.com or use our Contact Form.

How efficient are Rointe electric radiators?

Rointe have released their new D series range of electric heaters which they believe are “the best electric radiators in the world.” We have decided to explore why the new features of the Rointe D series make these electric radiators the best on the market.

The Rointe D series are more than just radiators, introducing wifi control, smartphone integration and packed with energy efficient technology. These are an impressive upgrade to the traditional electric heater we were used to only a few years ago. The introduction of Lot20 encouraged energy efficiency, and Rointe have really embraced this, encouraging the user to improve their energy consumption and carbon footprint.

One of the D series key features is the smartphone integration, allowing you to take control of individual radiators, but also other products in the D series range such as towel rails. How Rointe’s wifi enabled radiators work is simple.

Are the electric radiators wifi ready?

Using E-Life technology, the D series just requires you to connect your electric radiator through a home or office router.

Are they compatible with my Smartphone?

Rointe D series can be operated through a smartphone via Rointe Connect App. No additional gateways or intermediate terminals are needed, everything you need is built into the electric radiators.

What can I do with the App?

Using E-Life technology and Rointe Connect App, the intuitive electric radiators will enable the user to access real time consumption reports, provide recommendations on energy consumption and notifications on weather reports.

Not only does the D series range of radiators allow the user to create precise heating schedules tailored to their requirements, it also uses True Real Power to give detailed statistics of individual products, giving the user the power to optimise your heating output and deliver cost savings.

Another key feature of Rointe’s D series range of electric radiators is their in-built Fuzzy Logic Energy Control. Developed by Rointe and available with Rointe’s Kyros series, the low energy technology is able to save the user money by providing energy optimisation and temperature stabilisation.

How much energy will I be saving?

Fuzzy Logic Energy Control technology is able to save the user 6% of energy consumption compared to previous Rointe products.

Do the electric radiators include smart heating controls?

Fuzzy Logic Energy Control predicts the amount of energy needed to reach the desired temperature and generates micro-cuts in the energy consumption to maintain a stable temperature.

How much energy does it take to maintain my desired temperature?

Once the user’s optimal temperature has been achieved, the electric radiators require only minimal energy to maintain desired temperature.

Together with high purity aluminium and biodegradable thermal fluid, Rointe’s D series range of electric radiators enables the user to heat their homes more economically and to use a product that is less harmful to the environment than traditional oil filled radiators.

In conclusion, Rointe’s D series range of products will provide you with the efficiency needed to reduce energy consumption, improve carbon footprint and keep energy costs down. We have large stock availability of the new Rointe’s D series products for fast delivery. Buy online now or call to place an order on 0203 994 5470. Alternatively, you can email us sales@electricpoint.com.

Benefits of LED GU10 Lamps

From all rooms within the home to corporate offices and commercial spaces, GU10 lamps are widely used in common light fittings. LED GU10 bulbs provide an alternative to halogen GU10 bulbs while still maintaining a high-quality lighting solution, without damaging the environment. Due to the use of LED technology and 230V power output, GU10 lamps can dramatically help reduce the cost of your electricity bills.

What are the benefits of using LED GU10 bulbs over traditional halogen bulbs? 

LED GU10 lamps have risen in popularity over traditional halogen GU10 lamps because of their efficiency and reliability. The benefits include:

• LED GU10 bulbs up to 90% less energy than halogen bulbs
• LED GU10 bulbs up to ten times longer than halogen bulbs
• LED GU10 bulbs produce little heat
• Energy efficient providing reduced electricity bills
• Easy to replace

How often do I need to replace LED GU10 Lamp? 

LED GU10 lamps have a long-life expectancy and can give you many years of service. Many light manufacturers estimate up to 30,000 hours of average usage with the average household using a single bulb for 750-1000 hours a year. A typical LED GU10 lamp consumes 5-watts of electricity compared to a whopping 50-watts of electricity from a standard halogen lamp.

Which LED colour temperature should I choose? 

While LED GU10 bulbs come in warm white, cool white and daylight, the one you choose is completely down to you. The warm white temperature has yellowish hue which can give a cosy effect to a room. It’s a popular lighting style for living rooms and bedrooms. Cool white is more pure white and daylight is commonly found in offices, retail stores and dental surgeries.

Can I dim LED GU10 lamps?

Dimming LED bulbs with traditional triac and leading edge dimmer switches has historically been a issue as they can flicker, strobe or buzz. However, Zano Controls have developed a digital dimming solution, providing smooth, flicker-free and silent dimming that is compatible with all LED lamps. Zano controls systems use learn and adapt technology to understand a room's circuit load and adjusts it accordingly to the lighting requirement of the room. Perfect for installation in homes, offices, restaurants and conference rooms. 
 

We deal with traders each day so if you have a big job that you’d like a quote for, just email us at sales@electricpoint.com.

Why Do You Need a Smoke Alarm?

A house can go up in flames in less than 4 minutes, but a smoke alarm provides that life saving first warning, allowing you to get out in time and call the fire brigade. There are approximately 590,000 house fires in the UK each year, and you are 4x more likely to survive if you have a working smoke alarm.

What are the Different Types of Smoke Alarm and Which Rooms Should They be Installed in?

There are three different types of smoke and heat alarms, all carefully designed for use in specific rooms in the house, and to detect the types of smoke and fires that commonly start in those rooms. Ideally, your house should have a combination of all of the alarms listed below. 

#1: Optical Smoke Alarms

Optical smoke detectors use infrared beams and photosensors to “see” smoke particles because they block the beam, which activates the alarm.

Pros: Optical smoke alarms are ideal for detecting slow burning, smouldering fires, and are less likely to be set off by everyday cooking when placed near a kitchen.

Cons: Less sensitive to fast burning fires that don’t produce a lot of smoke, and are often more expensive than ionisation smoke alarms.

Placement: Optical smoke alarms are best suited for use in hallways, landings, living rooms, and separate dining rooms.

#2: Ionisation Smoke Alarms

The most common type of smoke alarm, ionisation smoke detectors use a harmless radioactive element to create a small electrical current. This current will get disrupted if any smoke particles enter the chamber, setting off the alarm.

Pros: Ionisation smoke alarms are perfect for detecting fast burning fires with smaller smoke particles, and are often the cheapest to buy.

Cons: Less sensitive to slower burning fires, and can often be accidentally set off by cooking or smoking.

Placement: Ionisation smoke alarms are best suited for fitting in bedrooms and lofts.

#3: Heat Alarms

Heat detectors use a highly accurate thermostat to constantly monitor the temperature of the air in a room, when this temperature reaches 58°C the alarm is activated.

Pros: With heat detectors here is almost no chance of false alarm, so they can be used in rooms where other alarm types would constantly be set off.

Cons: They don't detect fires as quickly as optical and ionisation smoke alarms.

Placement: Heat alarms are perfect for use in kitchens and garages.

#4: Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Although this isn’t technically a smoke or heat alarm, a carbon monoxide detector is just as important to have in your home. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that is a product of burning fuels. When inhaled, carbon monoxide inhibits blood from carrying oxygen around the body, which is often fatal. CO alarms activate when they detect carbon monoxide in the air.

Pros: Carbon monoxide alarms alert you to a CO leak at levels that may cause a mild headache. There is also no chance of a false alarm because they are triggered by a chemical reaction to CO and any amount of carbon monoxide could indicate a leak. 

Placement: Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed anywhere with an open fire or fuel burning appliance.

What Are Multisensor, Dual or Combined Detectors?

Although these terms are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between the two; in multisensor alarms the two sensors play off each other to get more accurate readings, but combined detectors are simply two sensors operating separately inside the same device. A good example of a multisensor detector is the Aico Ei3024 optical smoke alarm and heat detector, which reduces the chance of false alarms when the alarm is placed in a kitchen, but increasing the speed that it will alert you to a fire.

Should You Get a Battery or Mains Powered Smoke Alarm?

Although both mains and battery powered alarms have their individual uses, nine times out of ten mains powered is the way to go. In the UK it is highly recommended that you have at least one smoke alarm per house is connected to the mains as they are more reliable. Mains smoke alarms run off the grid so you don’t have to worry about the battery dying, and they usually have a built-in backup battery in case of power cuts. Battery powered alarms are ideally used in places where there is little to no mains supply, such as caravans, boats, and temporary buildings.

Can You Get Smoke Alarms for People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing?

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, then the sound of a regular smoke alarm will generally not be enough to alert you to a fire, because of this, many companies have created alarms that will vibrate or flash as well. A good example of this is the Aico Ei128RBU relay module which can be attached onto or nearby any Aico alarm and configured to set off external devices, such as indicator lights, magnetic door handles, or strobes, when the alarm is activated. This means that both people who are hard of hearing and people who aren’t can benefit from the same fire alarm system.

Now you should have all the information you need to pick out the perfect alarms for your building, however, if you have any questions please feel free to give us a call on 0203 994 5470, drop us an email at sales@electricpoint.com or use our Contact Form.

Aico Smartlink - The landlords solution to tenants safety through maintenance & reporting

The popular Aico 3000 series SmartLINK detectors have been available for a couple of years now, but Aico have now gone one step further with the release of the new Ei1000G SmartLINK gateway and online portal, reporting valuable management information from your interconnected alarms. This is great news for landlords and commercial maintenance companies, allowing data and reporting of each smoke or carbon monoxide detector to be downloaded via a mobile App, tablet or on your desktop. Aico said they listened to Landlords and the common issues they had with keeping up to date with detector health and generally accessing their properties to complete these tasks, which is why Aico made the Ei1000G gateway module, providing data on detector health, mains failure notifications and end of life reports, all without having to enter the property. 

Live updates and feedback

Similar to Nest, notifications can be setup via GSM network so you can receive texts or emails on important live events and alerts such as detector failure or any other issues. All data sent is accessible from a web portal and is securely stored, which is only available to associated clients. 

Reassurance of alarm health to protect your tenants is vital

The Ei1000G gateway is reliable and easy to set up, connecting up to 12 devices fitted with the SmartLINK Ei3000MRF module using a unique radio frequency to communicate without any cables. The Ei3000G then sends information direct to the portal via a data roaming sim so you can read it on the easy to use dashboard on your personal device. The dashboard provides a full picture of information and history, doing away with old maintenance spreadsheets that many Landlords are currently using. 

Our range of Aico 3000 series smoke and heat alarms:

• Aico EI3014 Heat Alarm Detector SmartLINK

• Aico EI3016 Optical Smoke Alarm SmartLINK

• Aico EI3018 Carbon Monoxide Detector SmartLINK

• Aico EI3024 Heat Detector and Optical Smoke Alarm SmartLINK

• Aico EI3028 Heat Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarm SmartLINK

You can install up to 12 devices per Ei1000G gateway, but with the portal you can also add multiple systems, providing complete control of your whole property portfolio in one easy to use management system.

SmartLINK technology also allows the Aico 3000 Series to be backwards compatible with previous Aico wireless interconnection technology such as RadioLINK and RadioLINK+, which is good news if you’ve recently upgraded to RadioLINK.

View our full range of smoke alarms. For more information, help and advice please get in touch by phone 0203 994 5470 or email sales@electricpoint.com 

Home automation where to start?

You’ve come to the right place. Our Lightwave Gen 2 range is revolutionising home automation, allowing you to manage your home settings from virtually anywhere with Lightwave’s LinkPlus App.

It all starts with a hub

Lightwave offers a state-of-the-art, newly upgraded smart WIFI hub. The hub transforms the way you control lighting and power devices by connecting them to your smartphone and tablet. The smart hub allows you to monitor and control lighting, heating and home security from its simple to use LinkPlus App. It will also provide data on energy consumption. Compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and IFTTT, Lightwave Gen 2 smart hub utilises voice control to allow you to operate your home settings hands free.

Need a dimming solution?

Tired of having to get out of bed to switch the lights off? Lightwave Gen 2 smart dimmer range has been specially designed to allow you to manage the mood and feel of a room, whilst providing a hands-free solution to dimming via voice control. The features of the smart dimmer switches include soft-start illumination, 2-way switching and multi-way wireless communication with other Lightwave devices. Using Lightwave Gen 2 dimmers will allow you to take control of your lighting schedules.

Secure your home remotely

Lightwave Gen 2 smart sockets give you the ability to provide security and peace of mind for when you are not at home. In addition to offering 2-way switching and voice control, Lightwave smart double sockets can simulate occupancy by allowing you to switch the radio or TV when you are away. To support this function, Lightwave’s LinkPlus App will monitor your home settings but also secure and protect your personal information by automatically backing up your information on remote servers. Is child safety a concern? Lightwave Gen 2 sockets can be locked via the LinkPlus App to prevent children from injuring themselves. Furthermore, if you don’t have access to your smartphone or tablet, you can access the app through a desktop or laptop.

Feel inspired? Take a look at our Lightwave Gen 2 range

Need to know more about 18th Edition Wiring Regulations?

We know that it can be difficult keeping up to date with new regulation. Therefore, we've provided a handy guide to some of the new wiring regulations that came into force since January 2019.

Download the Guide Here: Wylex 18th Edition Wiring Regulations Guide

Browse the latest 18th Edition Consumer Units & Accessories:

Wylex 18th Edition Consumer Units

Wylex 18th Edition MCB's

Wylex 18th Edition RCBO's