News & Updates

At Martin Cook Electrical, we provide fast, reliable electrical maintenance services for businesses, social housing associations, landlords, and homeowners. Whether you need reactive call-outs or scheduled maintenance, we’ve got you covered. Our services include maintenance contracts to ensure your electrical systems stay efficient, safe, and compliant. From EICR electrical testing to complete remedial works, we help reduce failures and minimize downtime for your premises. Our Services Include: Planned and reactive electrical maintenance Commercial and residential EICR testing Emergency lighting and fire alarm testing LED retrofits and lighting upgrades Exterior lighting maintenance for car parks and more Fuse box rewiring and circuit breaker upgrades Electrical fault finding, repairs, and installations Thermal Imaging With extensive experience in commercial electrical maintenance, we currently support various clients in London, The South East and nationwide. Whether it’s routine checks or emergency repairs, we’re committed to keeping your systems running smoothly. Maintenance Contracts for Continuous Support We offer tailored maintenance contracts designed to meet your needs, ensuring that regular inspections, EICR testing, and preventive maintenance are carried out to the highest standards. Our dedicated help desk and emergency support ensure you're always covered. Partnering with Facilities Management Companies and Local Councils At Martin Cook Electrical, we...

Power factor correction capacitors (PFC capacitors) are essential components used to improve the efficiency of an electrical circuit by balancing the inductive and capacitive loads. When there’s a lagging or leading current in a circuit, additional power is required from the supply. A PFC capacitor helps correct this imbalance by providing a leading current, bringing the power factor closer to unity (a power factor of 1). A balanced power factor reduces the overall demand on the supply, resulting in lower electricity consumption. How Do PFC Capacitors Work? An electrical circuit is a closed path that allows electricity to flow. When the power factor of this circuit is below optimal, it leads to inefficiencies. Adding a PFC capacitor helps correct the power factor by storing energy in an electric field and balancing out the reactive power in the system. This process reduces the amount of energy drawn from the main supply, ultimately lowering electricity costs and improving system efficiency. Key Parts of PFC Capacitors PFC capacitors consist of the following essential parts: Capacitors Fuses Switchgear Contactors Reactive Power Controller(s) For fast-changing loads (like welding), contactors are often replaced with thyristor switches for quicker response times. In some cases, in-line reactors are...

Power Factor Correction (PFC) systems help reduce energy costs by optimizing power usage. However, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure they perform efficiently. Why is PFC Maintenance Important? PFC systems degrade over time, leading to inefficiencies, higher energy costs, and potential penalties from energy suppliers. Regular maintenance ensures your system operates efficiently, prolongs its life, and avoids unnecessary downtime. How Often Should PFC Maintenance Be Done? It’s recommended to schedule PFC maintenance at least annually. For businesses with high electrical loads or older equipment, biannual checks are advisable. Regular servicing helps prevent unexpected failures and ensures optimal power factor. What Does a Typical PFC Maintenance Service Include? Capacitor Testing: Ensures that capacitors are functioning correctly and efficiently. Contactor and Fuse Inspection: Key components like contactors are checked for wear and replaced if necessary. Insulation Resistance Testing: Identifies any electrical insulation issues to prevent breakdowns. Harmonic Filter Inspection: Ensures filters are properly working to maintain electrical quality. Thermal Imaging: Used to detect hotspots and overheating that could indicate potential issues. Benefits of Regular PFC Maintenance Lower Energy Bills: Keeps your system efficient, lowering your energy consumption. Avoid Energy Penalties: Ensures compliance with power factor regulations, preventing penalties. Longer Equipment Life: Prevents...