Blog Sparks Direct
Follow Friday #ff on twitter and Friday Follow on google+ – Social Media to the max!
Posted by admin in ask Mr Sparks, in-house announcements, promotions, SEO optimization on January 27, 2012
The Social Networks are advancing, evolving, developing, and going on in 2012! Twitter and Facebook are two of the most used such social networks – and you can find us via @sparksdirect and at Sparks Direct Electrical. Recently though google+ took off – not just google+ profiles and google+ pages, but lots of sharing, circles, recommendations, pictures, etc.
We have previously mentioned that there’s this social phenomenon on twitter called #FollowFriday / #FF / #ff where people recommend their followers who they think is worthy of following. Unlike facebook – which is becoming an intrinsically personal and private network, closed in privacy and settings, where only I see many things and I don’t even allow others to tag me – twitter is for going out there and meeting + following + interacting with new people!
Google+ on the other hand takes some features from both networks, and with Google + my world search push you can now see what people in your circles have shared concerning the search terms you put into the engine! Very interesting – try typing Sparks Electrical in the google search… – many times it shows our Google+ account and our Google+ business page there at the top of the list! You can choose how you share stuff – public, with particular circles, etc.
Google+ Friday Follow – Some Recommendations
This is our first time doing this with Google+ – today we discovered that some people started recommending others on google+ with the “bold” Friday Follow 
We circled some interesting people, we shared some circles before on our google+ feed, and here we are with some recommendations on google+ Friday Follow for today, 27 January 2012
- Architects on Google+: Chris Architect , BANK-ON-RAIN , Paul Anderson, Andrew Dunning, Francoise Murat, Mark Johnson FAIA, Hannah Coleman , TamTran Architect, etc.
- Electricians on Google+: Gary Pratten, Darryl Bertie, Kyle Clevenger, Sparky Sharky, Rob Swain, James Dewane, Bishop Electrical, Stewart Shapiro, etc
- Plumbing and Plumbers on Google+: Plaisted Plumbing, Richard Shears, Gary Sheehan, Mike Crumpler, Plumbers In Manchester, Local-Glasgow Plumber-Heating, Pace Plumbing, Rapid Plumber, etc.
Remember to follow our updates on Google+ – Sparks Electrical – and follow the updates of our Google+ Business Page – Sparks Electrical Wholesalers Ltd.
BG Nexus Wiring Devices – Nexus Metal, Nexus Moulded, Nexus Storm, and Nexus Grid
Posted by sparksdirect in all-time best-seller, ask Mr Sparks, electrical products, guest expert, products pictures, switches and sockets on January 26, 2012
From time to time the wiring devices, lighting, electrical items, and lamps manufacturers “reinvent their website”, adding new designs and new pictures, descriptions, functionalities… Also, from time to time we discover this as we’re browsing through their online catalogue. This is how we noticed the new presentation pages at the British General Wiring Accessories for the BG Nexus range of switches and sockets.
BG Nexus Wiring Accessories – the BG Nexus Metal
The BG Nexus Metal wiring accessories is a range with sleek and slim with softly rounded corners, in a range of superior quality finishes that will compliment any interior decor. Read also: BG Nexus metal shaver socket.
BG Nexus Wiring Accessories – the BG Nexus Moulded
The BG Nexus Moulded range of wiring devices is sleek and slim, with softly rounded corners and gently curved rockers, combining quality with stunning good looks for each device. Read also: BG Nexus moulded white devices.
BG Nexus Wiring Accessories – the BG Nexus Storm
The BG Nexus Storm outdoor wiring devices is a range of IP rated accessories designed to protect the potentially dangerous electricity supply or connections in the most ardous of conditions. Read also: BG Nexus Storm wiring devices.
BG Nexus Wiring Accessories – the BG Nexus Grid
The BG Nexus Grid range of wiring accessories is unique and versatile with stunning appearance, providing a seamless blend with regular products. Ideal for both domestic, commercial, and industrial applications. Read also: BG Euro Modules wiring devices.
More about the BG Nexus range – via British General Nexus range of wiring devices.
3 amazing Franklite ceiling lights in chrome and crystal – stylish downlights
Posted by sparksdirect in energy saving lights, in-house announcements, lighting systems, new light fittings, products pictures, website update on January 24, 2012
These days we have been working on many of the Franklite amazing light fittings – the have a unique style, a stylish design, for all their fittings! Everywhere online there’s the same descriptive text for these fittings, so we had to take a closer look at these fittings and see what else is it about them besides their technical specs.
It is when we took a closer look at these Amazing Franklite Ceiling Lights that we were captivated – wow, what a style! Available at SparksDirect for some of the lowest allowed prices in the market, these ceiling light fittings come in a lovely combination of chrome support, frame, and base, and crystal drops / squares hanging from the fitting. Take a look at these three selected fittings – you will love them!
Franklite FL2139/3 Chrome and Crystal Semi-Flush Fitting
Stylish design – semi recessed fitting for interior decoration with polished chrome base and arms, with crystal spheres and beads hanging on them… Buy online the Franklite FL2139/3 amazing ceiling light or read more about it at the NewLights blog.
Franklite RF260 Recessed Downlight with Square Crystals
Amazing design ceiling downlight with a polished chrome frame and one low voltage lamp, with square crystals suspended around the edge of the lamp. Buy online the Franklite RF260 Crystal and Chrome finish ceiling light or read more about it at the NewLights blog.
Franklite RF243 Chrome and Crystal Recessed Downlight
Stylish recessed downlight with a conical crystal glass and glass disc with inset crystal glass gems, pyramid style crystal. Buy online the Franklite FR243 stylish ceiling light or read more about it at the NewLights blog.
You can read more about the amazing Franklite Ceiling Lights via the NewLights at Sparks and Lights blog, via our Facebook Fan page, or by visiting the Ceiling lights section on our website.
innovation with style – the new Envirovent Silent 100 Design bathroom fans
Posted by sparksdirect in all-time best-seller, ask Mr Sparks, customer service, guest expert, new technologies, promotions, technical data, ventilation fans, website update on January 23, 2012
The interior designs have influenced the way we choose items for the home from wallpaper to practical electrical appliances. From cooker hoods to shower curtains, current trends have an effect on what we buy and even in a recession consumers still want to furnish and enhance their homes. For the style conscious certain appliances, such as extractor fans, still provide a challenge.
Extractor fans are a necessary part of modern day life. As we construct or refurbish our homes in-line with stringent building regulations to become more energy efficient by adding measures such as cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and double glazing, we effectively ‘seal –up’ our homes and by doing so create poor ventilation, which can lead to condensation and mould problems. Conventional extractor fans are not ‘fashion friendly’ and for a number of people this is not a problem. However, the consumer who has just spent a small fortune on a fabulous bathroom with a trendy walk-in shower will require something extra special that is pleasing on the eye. EnviroVent have the perfect solution – the stylish SILENT 100 Design.
The SILENT 100 Design is a new range of domestic axial fans suitable for utility rooms and bathrooms available in two colours, white or silver, complete with four smart interchangeable front panel trims in four evocative shades. By incorporating whisper-quiet silent technology, the presence of the SILENT 100 Design fan promises never to ruin the ambiance of the room it has been installed in.
Innovative Silence – the SILENT 100 Design
The SILENT 100 Design is the result of extensive and scrupulous development by EnviroVent’s R&D team, who have patented a refreshing new concept by developing an extractor fan that is designed to extract the maximum airflow with the minimum noise possible. This is achieved by motors mounted on silent elastic blocks; the elastic blocks absorb the vibrations from the motor and prevent the noise being transmitted into the area where the extract fan is installed. This not only significantly reduces the noise from the extractor fan, but also any noise from the surface that supports the fan.
The SILENT 100 Design has been tested for noise and vibration by ENAC/ILAC, an independent research centre in Europe. Here, a benchmark study was carried out on the market’s most popular domestic axial extract fans to test their acoustic benefits against the patented ‘silent’ technology of the SILENT Range. Each appliance went through sound power level testing using sound pressure. At the time of testing the results showed that out of all the axial fans tested, the most popular ‘quietest’ model on the market emitted twice the noise level of the equivalent SILENT model.
Continue reading this article via, The New SILENT 100 Design – Innovation with style (on the Envirovent website and the Electrical Wholesaler News). Taken with permission from their website, this article introduces some of the benefits and features of the SILENT 100 Design range of bathroom extractor fans. Read more about these fans via preventing the condensation problems, the SILENT 100 design bathroom fan, or at the Heating and Ventilation articles.
Periodic Inspection and Testing Explained – Electrical Safety Council advice
Posted by the electrician in ask Mr Sparks, customer service, electrical products, electrical safety tips, guest expert, in-house announcements, standards and regulations, switches and sockets, technical data on January 20, 2012
The kind people at ESC (Electrical Safety Council) have many helpful advice concerning Electrics at Home – see Electrics Explained. This article is partially taken from their page entitled, Periodic Inspection Explained.
All the electrical installations will deteriorate with age and with use. They should therefore be inspected and tested at appropriate intervals of time in order to check whether they are in a satisfactory condition for continued service. Such safety checks are commonly referred to as “Periodic Inspection and Testing“.
A periodic inspection and test accomplishes the following:
- It will reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded.
- This test will find any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards.
- It will identify any defective electrical work.
- This test will highlight any lack of earthing or bonding.
Such periodical tests are also carried out on the wiring and fixed electrical equipment to check that they are safe. A schedule of circuits is also provided, which is invaluable for a property.
How often is a periodic inspection required? Depending on what kind of a property / home you have, your electrics should be inspected and tested every:
- 10 years for an owner-occupied home.
- 5 years for a rented home.
- 3 years for a caravan
- 1 year for a swimming pool.
Also, a periodic inspection needs to be carried out whenever a property is being prepared for letting, or before selling a property / buying a previously-occupied property.
Who should carry out the periodic inspection and what happens?
The periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians. They will check the condition of the electrics against the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations).
The inspection takes into account all the relevant circumstances and checks on:
- The adequacy of earthing and bonding.
- The suitability of the switchgear and control gear. For example, an old fusebox with a wooden back, cast-iron switches, or a mixture of both will need replacing.
- The serviceability of switches, sockets and lighting fittings. Items that may need replacing include: older round-pin sockets, round light switches, cables with fabric coating hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches and sockets mounted in skirting boards.
- The type of wiring system and its condition. For example, cables coated in black rubber were phased out in the 1960s. Likewise cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing (modern cables use longer-lasting pvc insulation).
- Sockets that may be used to supply portable electrical equipment for use outdoors, making sure they are protected by a suitable residual current device (RCD).
- The presence of adequate identification and notices.
- The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration.
- Any changes in the use of the premises that have led to, or may lead to, unsafe conditions.
The competent person will then issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standard that might give rise to danger.
If any dangerous or potentially dangerous condition or conditions are found, the overall condition of the electrical installation will be declared to be ‘unsatisfactory’, meaning that remedial action is required without delay to remove the risks to those in the premises.
Continue reading this explanation with more materials to download at, The Electrical Safety Council – the Periodic Inspection Explained – or read more about Electrical Safety and Energy Saving.