Sparks In Spain

Iberdrola penalise customers without notice

2012-01-31T13:40:00.001+01:00

IBERDROLA HAVE increased some of their customer’s bills without prior notification. Check your electricity bill to see if “Recargo en Potencia por falta de ICP” has been added to the Energia box. It means because an ICP (Power Control Switch) has not been fitted a penalty is being charged. This shows up on the bill as an additional amount added to the standing charge.

Customers on a 3.3 kW tariff are being charged for an additional 6.7 kW increasing their tariff to 10 kW which costs 10.80 euros per month extra. Customers on a 5.5 kW tariff are being charged for an additional 14.5 kW increasing their tariff to 20kW which costs 23.39 euros per month extra.

Over the past year Iberdrola have been instructing home owners that they must have an ICP fitted in accordance with Spanish Law, otherwise they face a financial penalty. Two notifications should be sent by Iberdrola before they apply the penalty, the first by normal post, the second by recorded delivery giving a final 20 day notice. However, in the latest ICP saga, some customers have not received any notification at all and only by chance have discovered the penalty has been charged on their electricity bill.

Iberdrola have blamed the poor postal system because it appears some notifications appear to have slipped through the system.

In order to rectify the situation, home owners need to arrange to have an ICP fitted as soon as possible then arrange for Iberdrola to inspect and seal it by telephoning 902 10 22 10, quoting the contract number.

Winter Warmer Offer from Sparks

2011-10-25T15:33:00.000+02:00

NIGHT STORAGE central heating by Sparks... the photos show an electric central heating system that I installed in October 2011. The storage radiators are supplied by a Spanish electrical manufacturer called Elnur, the model is the Gabbaron ADS 168/14 especially designed to be used with a cheap day and night tariff such as Iberdrola´s Day And Night Home Plan. There are seven models in the ADS/14 range and they come in variety of widths up to 99 cm wide (twice the size of the ones in photos) and look very stylish. The ADS 168/14 is the model generally suitable for average size room, the dimensions are 54 cm wide, 72.5 cm high, and 16.5 cm deep. They are controlled very simply by setting the charge and discharge controls on the top.

Note how no cabling is exposed. The system is wired completely separately to everything else in the house because the radiators are controlled by a time clock. I use the existing conduit network installed in the property to wire the additional cables to an electrical point or junction box. This avoids any exposed cabling. Then I mount the radiators at that point. Only when a radiator is required where there is not an electrical point available does the client have to consider chasing the wall or alternatively mounting surface trunking.

The bottom photo shows a newly installed electrical box above the radiator fitted next to the existing Consumer Unit on the right side, used for the switches and controls. Sometimes there is space available in the Consumer Unit to mount these, but generally I have to fit an additional box.

A Sparks night storage central heating system with 3 x Gabbaron ADS168/14 radiators includes all the associated switches and wiring. I also arrange a new contract with Iberdrola for the Day And Night Home Plan. The price is 1499.00 euros. Additional radiators are 400 euros.

Click here to read the specification of the Gabbaron ADS/14 range of heaters

Click here to read details about the cheap rate for the Day And Night Home Plan

Iberdrola announce new winter rates for cheap electricity with the Night And Day Home Plan

2011-10-14T15:34:00.003+02:00

IBERDROLA'S CHEAP night rate can save upto 25% on electricity bills for the average home owner… or so they claim. The tariff is called the Day And Night Home Plan and works similar to the white meter used in the UK. It is an alternative to the standard basic rate most commonly charged and is available to all domestic customers with a contracted power supply less than 10kW.

It works like this: there's a 14 hour window during the day when you get cheap electricity. In the winter it's from 22.00 to 12.00 noon the following day, in the summer those times go forward one hour. For the remaining 10 hours of the day you are charged a premium rate.

The new winter rates for electricity just published by Iberdrola are: for the cheap rate period it's 7.0452 cents per kWh, and for the premium rate period it's 19.0108 cents per kWh (kWh means kilowatt hour, for example, a 1 kilowatt appliance switched on for 1 hour uses one unit of electrical power, that's 1 kWh). Compare those rates to the standard basic rate of 14.2319 cents per kWh. Plus you get a 10% discount on the fixed electricity charge. In addition you can opt for a fixed fee plan and get a further discount on the rates.

Smart Meter

Iberdrola arrange for you to have a new electronic Smart Meter fitted, if you haven't already got one. All mechanical meters in Spain are due to be replaced by the end of 2018. The new Smart Meters have a digital display with the kWh units consumed, as well as the time and date, making it easier to estimate your bills.

The tariff is really designed for use with a night storage central heating system, the storage heaters only use electricity overnight during the cheap rate period whilst they heat up. However, here's the good part, you don't have to have a night storage central heating system in order to apply for the Day And Night Home Plan. By using washing machines, dishwashers, dryers, water heaters, pool pumps, etc during the 14 hour window, savings can be made. Air conditioning units used during the night time also take advantage of the cheap rate. The tariff is not recommended for rental properties and holiday lets, or where customers have high electricity usage during the afternoon and evening.

Storage heater

If you are considering an electric central heating system to heat your home this winter, storage heaters are by far the most efficient heaters on the market. And gone are the days of those old bulky units, modern storage heaters are aesthetically very advanced, use low power and give high energy output.

If you consume your electricity wisely during the 14 hour window and keep the usage of high power appliances to a minimum during the premium period, you will save money with a Day And Night Home Plan.

For the full conditions of Day And Night Home Plan offer click here

Electrifying arrests in Pinoso

2011-10-01T11:18:00.001+02:00

THE GUARDIA Civil has arrested 19 people suspected of tampering with electricity meters in Pinoso, Alicante this week, amounting to fraudulent activities estimated to have cost the electricity provider more than 66,000 Euro.

Two men were paid between 1,000 and 1,200 Euro to remove the original seals on the meters and replace them with devices of similar appearance. A total of 17 properties are thought to be involved, the owners have been arrested with further arrests not ruled out. The detainees are to be charges with theft of electricity and fraud on bogus meters thought to have reduced electric bills by up to 50%.

Source. RTN

Iberdrola ICP switch causes unforeseen problems for home owners

2011-07-25T15:42:00.000+02:00

A CONSEQUENCE of having an ICP switch fitted is that home owners do not have enough power to run all of their electrical appliances. This is what I am finding in the vast majority of properties that I visit, as many as 8 out of 10 homes do not have a sufficient contracted power supply for their power consumption needs. This is evident when several appliances are switched on at the same time and the power overloads the ICP, and it 'trips-out'.

A new Spanish law states that all domestic dwellings must have a power control switch that limits the user to their contracted supply. This means an ICP must be fitted. Where Iberdrola records show that a home does not have an ICP fittted, they are writing to the owner instructing them to fit one, otherwise face an increase cost on their electricity tariff.

Many properties that are contracted for a 3.3 kW tariff or less, have had work carried out to their Consumer Unit to upgrade their electricity supply but have not obtained a new contract from Iberdola. In these instances the electricity supply must be returned its original state, so that an ICP can be fitted. Iberdrola can then be contacted to arrange to 'inspect & seal' the switch. Only when the correct rated ICP is fitted which corresponds with the contracted supply will Iberdrola approve the installation.

Many home owners are now having to cope with the unforeseen cost of legitimately upgrading their electricity supply. This involves arranging a new contract and boletin (certificate), plus carrying out any electrical work needed in order to upgrade the wiring of the installation to the current Spanish electrical regulations.

In a typical installation that I survey, the power control switch in a 3.3 kW installation has been replaced with a higher rated switch to allow the consumer to draw more electrical power. In other instances, I see the potentially dangerous practice of changing circuit breakers, again for higher rated switches, to avoid tripping out problems which can cause a risk of fire should the circuit overload. A circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit. Only when the switch is rated at the correct size can it function properly.

Obsolete socket outlets must also be changed. Until recently Spain did not standardise its socket outlets and there are a wide variety installed in properties across the region. The 'Schuko' socket is now standard in Spain and fitted in accordance with the current Spanish electrical regulations. Schuko plugs are considered a very safe design when used with Schuko sockets but they can also mate with other obsolete sockets to give an unsafe result. A Schuko socket features two round pins, plus two flat contact areas on the top and bottom side of the plug for protective earthing. Schuko sockets form a cavity into which the plug is inserted.

Home owners with illegitimate electrical upgrades should also consider the implications of home insurance cover in the event of an electrical fire.

Entre Naranjos gets improved internet from Europa Network

2011-03-30T23:48:00.000+02:00

SPARKS WORKING along side internet provider Europa Network SL recently re-sited the transmission site providing the internet signal for the residents of Urb. Entre Naranjos, near San Miguel. The whole operation took 8 hours. The final speed test for the ADSL download speed was over 7 Mbps ... better than my 3.40 Mbps that I'm currently getting in Cabo Roig with another service provider, hum!

To speed test your signal go to www.speedtest.net

Trust me, I'm a tradesman!

Forgot to pay the bill?

2011-03-27T18:17:00.002+02:00

IBERDROLA'S NO tolerance policy with outstanding electricity bills is simply ruthless. Iberdrola don't muck about with warning letters or notifications of any sort. It's no good pleading ignorance, or "it's the banks fault!". If you don't pay the bill, they take your meter and leave you with a free orange sticker as pictured above. In the centre of the photo is where the electricity meter once resided, unfortunately, this was the second time round in little over a year for this customer. His collection of orange stickers is testament to non-payment.

A consequence of this is that Iberdrola will require a new contract for an electricity supply, and this may involve obtaining a boletin, which will incur more cost. The worst case scenario is you could end up having to rewire your home.

So don't get caught out, PAY THE BILL!

Trust me, I'm a tradesman!

POST SCRIPT ... a few days later, International Sparks to the rescue and a new Smart Meter fitted for the client

Who nicked all the ICP's?

2011-02-24T19:43:00.015+01:00

New ICP-M (manual)

Old ICP-A (automatic)

SPARKS WAS called to an apartment where the customer thought he needed to have an ICP fitted, after reading the local forums about the new electricity supply law. I asked him to check what was his contracted supply with Iberdola. Because he was signed up to their on-line service, he did not have any paperwork that contained this information. So he telephoned them directly, only to be told by a nice Iberdola lady "you already have an ICP fitted!". Uncertain that something could be misunderstood in translation. he asked Sparks to check this out.

30 year old Consumer Unit with single-pole MCBs in need of TLC

By looking at his Consumer Unit it is instantly apparent that he does not have an ICP (photo top left) fitted here. This Consumer Unit is about 30 years old and is in need of upgrading (note, the shiny new Airconomy switch). If we need to install an ICP here, Sparks would have to mount a standardised box next to the Consumer Unit to house it.

Next Sparks went in search of the meter cupboard to find out if an old type remote ICP-A could be fitted there. Here I discovered that during the past all the apartments in the block had had an ICP-A (photo top right), and ALL of them had been bypassed and removed by persons unknown. However, according to Iberdrola's records, it showed that my customer did have an ICP .... humm

Meter cupboard - who nicked all the ICP's?

I have a hunch that Iberdrola may have done this, because my customer is contracted for 5.75 kW, and perhaps every other apartment is too... possibly there was mass apartment block upgrade in the past. If so, they would have had to remove the old type 15 Amp (3.3 kW) ICP-A to stop the power automatically cutting out when it peaked above 3.45 kW. However, if that is the case, why haven't Iberdrola updated their records? Or, could it have been an over zealous apartment owners conglomerate, sick and tied of their electrics tripping out? Mas hummms.

Sparks is going to install a new Consumer Unit for this customer, so I'll make a provision for a new ICP then, just in case at sometime in the future Iberdrola update their records. However, the moral of this story is, whether or not you actually have an ICP may not matter, it's what Iberdrola record's show that counts. Always check with Iberdrola whether or not you need to have an ICP fitted. Tel. 901 10 22 10 and quote your contract number, or simply wait for them to write to you.

Night Storage Central Heating

2011-02-18T19:00:00.002+01:00

A night storage central heating system is designed to take advantage of the economic benefits of the Day And Night Energy tariff. The storage heaters consume electricity only during the low-rate period providing 24/7 of controllable heating.

Advantages of a night storage central heating system;

● Provides heating 24 hours a day – fully automated

● Instant savings – using the night tariff reduces electricity by shifting consumption of washing machines, fridge freezers, dishwashers, water heaters, pool pumps, lighting, etc. to the cheaper night rate

● Heaters are specially designed to adapt to the new Day & Night Energy tariff – low power consumption, high energy output.

● Easy installation, no building work required – cables are installed in existing conduit networks, no exposed cables.

● Green – uses clean energy, heaters do not emit fumes

● Aesthetically very advanced

● Virtually no maintenance

Running Cost

The Day And Night Energy tariff offers cheaper electricity for 14 hours per day at 6.09 cents per kWh, compared to the standard rate of 14.01 per kWh... THAT'S 56.53% LESS. The remaining 10 hours are charged at 16.87 (charges do not include IVA). Offer valid up to 31st March 2011.

Night Tariff Times (cheap rate)

22:00 – 12:00 during the winter. Forward one hour during the summer.

The ADS Night Storage Heater

The Gabarron ADS night storage heater with dual sensor is the model of choice installed by Sparks. They are equipped with high density refractory accumulation bricks, allowing them to accumulate maximum energy at night and effectively emit heat during the day.

A wide range of models are available, all are only 16.5 cm deep, with seven sizes to accommodate the thermal needs of any room. Charging and discharging of the heat is regulated by controls on the top of the heater. A thermostat controls the electricity to switch off once the bricks are heated to the desired temperature. Used properly in a well planned facility it is able to maintain the desired comfort level throughout the day.

Guarantee

All models come with a 2-year guarantee

Installation Cost

To fit the standard 2-3 bedroom domestic installation consisting of 3 x Gabarron ADS-168/14 storage heaters, a time controller together with all the associated wiring, plus arrange the Day And Night Energy contract with Iberdrola (charges not included) ...

PRICE : 1499.00 Euros.

Power consumption 2.7 kW, running cost 16.44 cents per hour ... compare that to running a domestic 3 kW electric heater on the standard rate for 42.03 cents per hour

Upgrading an Electricity Supply

2011-02-11T16:33:00.045+01:00

IBERDROLA ARE are writing to their customers instructing them to fit an ICP (power control switch) or face being charged a higher electricity tariff. A Royal Decree (Order ITC/1.857/2008) passed on July 1st 2008 declared that by law all electrical installations must have a device for controlling the contracted power. In domestic dwellings that means an ICP must be fitted.

A possible consequence of installing an ICP is that insufficient power maybe contracted. This is evident when several appliances are switched on at the same time and the power overloads the ICP and it 'trips-out'.

This commonly occurs in properties with a contracted power supply of 3.3 kW, generally, all of which are over 10 years old. This was the standard power supply installed in homes completed before 2002, after which, the introduction of new Spanish electricity regulations the standard domestic supply increased to 5.5 kW. Property owners find it practically impossible to run a home with modern day electrical appliances on a tariff lower than 5.5 kW .

A misconception with Spanish home owners is that if you want to upgrade your electricity supply, just fit a higher rated main switch and the job is done. This is not the case, and many Spanish homes have illegitamite upgrades whereby the proper authorised certification and Iberdrola contracts have not been issued.

The legitimate process for upgrading an electricity supply is a technical and administrative appraisal of the electrical installation.

To upgrade an electricity supply you must arrange a new contract with Iberdrola, and for that you must obtain a bulletin (boletin), without exception. A boletin is an electrical installation certificate and official document that guarantees your installation is electrically safe, able to adequately handle the additional power, and that it complies with the current Spanish electrical regulations.

STEP 1 - The Appraisal : The first step is to get an electrician to check if your installation meets the current requirements for the electrical regulations. In some cases, generally in newer properties (post 2002), a boletin can be issued without the need for any work. For older properties, this usually involves some rewiring to ensure that the fixed appliances, socket outlets, and lighting are wired on dedicated circuits, as specified in the regulations. This ensures the electrical load is evenly distributed in the Consumer Unit across the circuits.

The basic installation for a domestic property requires that the Consumer Unit is fitted with a Mains Isolator or MI (Interruptor General) and Residual Current Device or RCD (Interruptor Diffencial) rated at a minimum of 30 mAmps, and a minimum of 5 circuit breakers wired to 5 independent circuits;

A basic Consumer Unit wired to current regulations

The photo above shows a basic Consumer Unit wired to the current Spanish electrical regulations. If your Consumer Unit has anything less fitted in it, other than that what is shown in the photo, it will require upgrading before a boletin can be issued;
From left to right
ICP (in separate standardised compartment)
Mains Isolator
RCD
Circuit 1. Cooker supply
Circuit 2. Washing machine, dish washer & water heater
Circuit 3. Kitchen & bathroom socket outlets
Circuit 4. All other socket outlets
Circuit 5. Lights
Other appliances and outlets that should be wired on individual circuits include; air conditioning, dryers, pool heaters, additional lights over 30, additional socket outlets over 20, automatically operated equipment, pool supply.

Schuko

Upgrading an electricity supply higher than 5.75 kW may involve rewiring the mains cable from the electric meter to the Consumer Unit. Generally, this can be the case with properties that are over 20 years old, where the incoming supply cable is 6.0mm or less. The current minimum requirement for the mains supply cable, wired from the meter to the casa, is 16.0mm Afumex. Also, if your meter cupboard is located within the grounds of the property you maybe required to move it to enable roadside access. The cost of this work will be bourne by the property owner.

Obsolete socket outlets should be changed to the 'Schuko' type, which are now standard in most of continental Europe.

STEP 2 - The Boletin : The second step is to arrange for a boletin from an authorised electrician. This should be the electrician or contractor who carried out the improvements. A third party will generally not want to authorise another persons work.

STEP 3 - New Contract : The third and final step is to apply for a new upgraded contract with Iberdrola. Again, your electrician or contractor should arrange all of this. Iberdrola charges will be extra to steps 1 & 2. New contract charges are invoiced by Iberdrola and defined on the bill as three separate fees, 'Access Rights', 'Extension Rights', and 'Mains Connection'. The charges are based on the number of kilowatts that the supply will be increased by;
Extension Rights (Derechos de Extensión) : € 17.37 per kW.
Access Rights (Derechos de Acceso) : € 19.70 per kW.
Mains Connection - inspect & seal ICP (Derechos de Enganche) : € 9.04 per supply.
Rates exclude IVA, prices applicable up to March 31st 2011.

These are the general 230 volt single-phase contracted electricity supply tariffs for domestic dwellings;

3.45 kW (3.3 kW). The ICP is rated at 15 Amps

5.75 kW (5.5 kW). The ICP is rated at 25 Amps

9.2 kW (8.8 kW). The ICP is rated at 40 Amps

The figure in brackets indicates the old kW tariff. Since the voltage in Europe has been standardised to 230 volts, increased from 220 volts, the kW (Kilowatt) rating has slightly increased.

An option at the final stage is to consider the 'Day And Night Energy' tariff which offers cheaper electricity for 14 hours per day. The hours for the cheap 'Night' tariff are 22:00 to 12:00 during winter time, and forward 1 hour during the summer time.

Once all of this is completed, a nice man from Iberdrola will pay you a visit and pop a seal on your new ICP.

Trust me, I'm a tradesman!

More Iberdrola ICP Switch concerns

2011-02-11T00:21:00.007+01:00

IBERDROLA ARE writing to their customers instructing them to fit an ICP (power control switch) or face being charged a higher electricity tariff. A Royal Decree (Order ITC/1.857/2008) passed on July 1st 2008 declared that by law all electrical installations must have a device for controlling the contracted power. In domestic dwellings that means an ICP must be fitted. I previously posted an article explaining the whys and what's, plus the costs involved.

The Iberdrola website is reasonably clear about the new requirements. Unfortunately, there has been some cases of “the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing” when it comes down to informing their staff about the new legislation. One of my customers visited the Iberdrola office in Pilar de Horadada only to asked if they could photocopy the article that I produced for the RTN newspaper so they could “check up on it”.

Further to the FAQ's posted on the Iberdrola website, there is one useful piece of information they omitted; if you have a power limiter (ICP-A reenganche automatico) in your meter cupboard you may not need to fit the new ICP switch. These 'old' limiters are now obsolete, and can be easily identified by the manufacturers name, Lemag, on the front cover. The ICP-A was first introduced in 1980 (Mo de Industra Energia, 5 Mar 1980) and was fitted in meter cupboards up until the mid 90's (est.). One method to identify whether or not you have an ICP-A type power limiter fitted to your installation is; if you have a lot of appliances switched on at the same time and the electricity cuts off, but then comes back on automatically after few minutes like an Act of God without any 'tripping-out' in your Consumer Unit, then you have a remote power limiter, which should satisfy Iberdrola.

In order to fit the new ICP (sometimes referred to as an ICP-M) you must have a standardised box. This maybe a dedicated compartment in your existing Consumer Unit, or a separate box mounted next to your Consumer Unit. In both cases, Iberdrola must be able to seal the box, ensuring the ICP is tamper proof.

For properties with a digital meter, Iberdrola have no plans to use a power control facility incorporated with these meters, therefore they do not qualify as an ICP switch. A national plan to to replace all existing mechanical meters with digital meters in Spain by the end of 2018 has no bearing on ICP's.

A possible consequence of installing an ICP is that insufficient power maybe contracted, if you need additional power you will need a new upgraded contract.

If you have not received a letter but want to find out if you need to have an ICP fitted, contact Iberdrola tel. 901 10 22 10, and quote your contract number on the top right-hand corner of your electricity bill.

Trust me, I'm a tradesman!

Airconomy - Prevent Air-Con Abuse

2010-09-15T14:38:00.000+02:00

The New Iberdrola Switch in plain English

2010-08-02T18:34:00.017+02:00

IBERDROLA's NEW switch is not plain sailing. Much has been written in the Costa's newspapers and on local web forums about the new ICP (Interrupter de Control de Potencia) or MI (Mains Isolater) switch Iberdrola are insisting every home should have. Yet there is still much confusion and debate surrounding what the switch is for, do I have one, if not, am I likely to get ripped off getting one fitted, and why the hell should I have one.

The postie is appearing with circulars and recorded letters (which must be signed for) from those nice people at Iberdrola informing it's customers to fit an ICP within 20 days or be charged a higher electricity rate! (equivalent to a 10 or 20 kW tariff). A Royal Decree passed on July 1st 2008 declared that electrical installations must have a device for controlling the contracted power. In domestic dwellings that means an ICP must be fitted.

So there you have it and there is no getting round it. It is mandatory for all homes contracted on 15 kW or less. So what is an ICP? Solely for the purpose of the Royal Decree, Iberdrola are using the ICP primarily as a power limiter rather than a safety device. The switch disconnects the electricity supply when the power demanded by the appliances that are switched on exceed the contracted power supply. If this occurs frequently, it indicates that insufficient power has been contracted. It's normally fitted alongside the Interruptor General Automatico (IGA) in your Consumer Unit housed in a dedicated separate compartment. The ICP functions in exactly the same way as the Interrupter General, (yes, you have two switches doing the same job,) however, the ICP must be sealed, ensuring it is tamper proof.

It's a bit hit and miss whether you have an ICP already fitted, if your property is less than 10 years old you probably do. You may have the standardised ICP compartment already in your existing Consumer Unit box, but without an ICP fitted. Or the compartment maybe housing a different type of switch, in which case some rewiring is necessary. In the event of said standardised compartment not being fitted you will have to arrange for a box to be installed by an approved electrician. Once the box is fitted Iberdrola should be contacted to inspect and seal the ICP. You will then be billed in accordance with the tariff rate corresponding to the supply, without penalty.

How much will it cost to install the ICP? Breaking it down, expect an electrician to charge €40-50 to fit the standardised box. A small surface mounted box can be bought for €2.47 and a larger flush mounted box with cover for €10.39. A Hager 15 Amp ICP, (manufacturer of high quality circuit breakers) is €15.79 used for a 3.3 kW tariff, a 25 Amp ICP used for a 5.5 kW tariff is just a little more. Based on the assumption that a small standardised box is needed, around €65 should cover the labour and parts.

In addition, Iberdrola charge €9.04 for inspecting and sealing the ICP. A rental option is also available from €0.03 cents per month, depending on the type of installation, and still requires the inspection and sealing charge. These amounts will be charged to your electricity bill. Prices exclude IVA.

In conclusion, you have two choices, arrange to get an ICP fitted at your convenience, or do nothing and wait for the “20-day” warning letter. Use an approved electrician (not sure, insist on seeing his Electrician's Certificate or send him away on his horse, ye-ha) or an Iberdrola approved contractor. This is not a job for your local DIYer, property maintenance guy, general builder, or matey down the bar. Pay peanuts and you'll get monkeys.

For handy hints on what to look out for, I've posted a variety of photos of Consumer Units with and without ICP's. If you have a question, post a comment at the foot of the post.

Pictured above is the standardised box that is part of a Consumer Unit. If you don't have one of these, or something similar, you will have to arrange for a standardised box to be installed by an approved electrician. Note the Iberdrola seal bottom right.

Pictured above is a near perfect Consumer Unit with ICP fitted. The ICP is yet to be sealed by Iberdrola and I'd like to see the switches labelled. From left to right; the ICP (Interrupter de Control de Potencia); the Interrupter General Automatico (main MCB); the Interrupter Diferencial (RCD); the Pequeno Interruptor Autumativos (the sub-circuit MCB's x 5, and 1 x spare way - which is always handy).

Pictured above is a large Consumer Unit with ICP fitted, off the kind you will see in modern Spanish homes installed in the last few years.

Pictured above is a larger than normal Consumer Unit without an ICP fitted. Perhaps it is fed on temporary supply awaiting Iberdrola, or it could be a sub or secondary Consumer Unit, in which case an ICP is not necessary. As a main Consumer Unit, the box on the left needs an ICP to be fitted to comply with the Royal Decree.

Pictured above is a large Consumer Unit with separate ICP standardised box. Note that the switch on the top left is a 3-Phase ICP which is different to a standard "single-phase" ICP that is generally fitted. Larger dwellings may have 3-Phase electricity supplies, which will increase the installation cost.

Pictured above is a small Consumer Unit where the Interrupter General has been housed in the ICP box. As there is no room available to house the Interrupter General in the right hand box, a separate standardised box should to be installed.

Pictured above is an old Consumer Unit which would appear to be 10-20 years old. The Interrupter Diferencial (RCD) has been fitted in the ICP box. Some rewiring is needed, and an Interrupter General must also be installed, but a separate standardised box should not be necessary.

Pictured above is an old Consumer Unit (20 years plus) found in an apartment in Torrevieja town on a 3.3 kW tariff. An ICP standard box will need to be installed. Iberdrolla may also insist on a bulletin (electrical certificate) for installations that are over 20 years old.

Pictured above is a small Consumer Unit of the type typically installed about 10-15 years ago in homes contracted with a 3.3kW tariff. This type of CU is not suitable for today's modern home using a full range of electrical appliances. Note the ICP compartment on the right has had the ICP removed and additional MCB's have been substituted. Either the additional MCB's have to be removed from the ICP compartment or an additional ICP standard box will need to be installed.

On a trip to the Costa del Sol, I found the oldest Consumer Unit in Spain.

If you are considering fitting a new Consumer Unit box, one like this pictured above is recommended, a box with plenty of spare ways for switches that incorporates an ICP box.

Still unsure if you need an ICP or not? Email a photo to of your Consumer Unit to Sparks here

Trust me, I'm a Tradesman!

The Meter: Who pays for the meter testing cost?

2010-07-29T22:17:00.008+02:00

HERE IS the official Iberdrola line if you think your electric meter is faulty;

>>> The customers and supplier companies have the right to request at any time that the corresponding body test the metering and control equipment installed, irrespective of their ownership.

Testing costs and any amount owed are determined by the competent body.

If testing is requested by the customer and the metering and control equipment is found to operate properly, testing costs are borne by the customer. In all other cases they are borne by the company. <<<

On getting Iberdrola to actually test the meter, well now, that's for a future post.

Trust me, I'm a Tradesman!

Whole House Surge Protection

2010-07-13T21:08:00.004+02:00

RECENTLY, I'VE posted a lot of information about power surges on my blog and in the RTN local newspaper, but, you maybe asking, how much does it cost to install? Here are Sparks prices to supply and install a Whole House Surge Protection System.

Option 1:

A single module SPD fitted in the main Consumer Unit (Obo-Bettermann SP-260M or similar). Provides protection from surges on the mains power supply. It disconnects the supply when the voltage surges at 260 volts + or - 2% (255-265 volts). This type of SPD requires the electricity supply to be switched back on to restore power in the event of a surge. The SPD is fitted with a test button. The device requires one available hole in the Consumer Unit to be fitted.

Price: 119.00 euros

Option 2:

A double module SPD fitted in the main Consumer Unit (Obo-Bettermann V-20 C/1 1+NPE or similar). Provides protection from surges on the mains power supply. It directs power surges to earth. This type of SPD is fully automatic and causes no interruption to the power supply. The SPD is in two parts with a thermal cut-off unit with visual display. Indicator on the cartridge unit shows green for OK, red for replace. The device requires two available holes in the Consumer Unit to be fitted.

Price: 199.00 euros

Option 3:

SPD's for telephone and TV/Satellite installations (MGS Pulsar CL1 or similar). These are fitted adjacent to the cable entry points in the property onto the incoming telephone cable and TV/Satellite cable. Power surges can enter a building from any external conductor as electrostatic discharges caused by lightning. Requires a socket outlet next to the telephone and TV/Sat point to power the SPD. If a power point is not available, I can normally install a socket outlet, if there is another outlet within 5 metres, for 20.00 euros for surface mounted, 30.00 euros for flush mounted, together with order.

Price: 50.00 euros each

The options listed are for 230 volt single-phase supplies. For 3-phase surge protection devices, price on application.

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Lightning Strike in San Luis

2010-06-10T15:14:00.013+02:00

DURING A recent severe thunder storm over Torrevieja lighting stuck a house in San Luis opposite Churchill's Bar causing a high voltage power surge. A lightning bolt struck a small satellite dish and flashed through the house causing flammables to catch fire. Fortunately the occupants, parents, two children a cat and a dog were unhurt. They had all been watching the storm on the veranda, then upon re-entering the house described a large bang shortly followed by another where upon fire broke out. Everyone escaped safely and the local fire brigade was called. The family has moved into temporary accommodation whilst the damage is assessed and building repairs carried out. The lady of the house is a local bank manager, so presumably the building insurance policy is perfectly in order.

This is the second time in recent months lightning has struck a house in San Luis. Locals described the thunder storm as the most frightening storm in recent memory. Several homes in the area experienced electrical problems and power surges.

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Power Surges... a Spanish phenomenon

2010-05-31T21:33:00.009+02:00

IN SPAIN we have to deal with many different problems than those we experience in the UK in our everyday living, some unique and some that are very unfamiliar and alien to us. We all know how much we take electricity for granted, until it goes wrong. As an Approved Electrician working in the electrical contracting industry in the south east of England for over 20 years I rarely installed a power surge protection device and I never fully appreciated there importance until I moved to Spain. Here on the Costa Blanca I am regularly contacted to install surge protection in homes and commercial premises, normally after the property has been hit by a power surge, such is the lack of awareness about the problem. Often power surges can cause several thousand Euros worth of damage in the home. Power surges are increasingly becoming a major problem along the Costas and like the lightning phenomenon they are highly unpredictable when and where they will strike.

What is a power surge? A power surge is a sudden and unwanted increase in voltage that can damage or destroy electrical equipment. They burn out chips (Integrated circuit) and PCB's (Printed Circuit Board), which exist in practically every modern day piece of electrical equipment where they are not designed to withstand excess voltages. Power surges come in two forms, the first is caused by the switching of the electricity supply network from high powered electric motors and transformer, or in the case of a temporary builders supply from on-site generators or faulty wiring. In addition hundreds of transient spikes occur daily from devices in the home or work place. The second is by lightning and electrostatic discharges, more common in rural properties but can also mercilessly strike any individual property on an urbanisation, commercial or industrial estate. In industry the damage and failures due to power surges are estimated to be in the range of hundreds of millions of Euros.

Each year about 2 million flashes of lightning occur on the Iberian Peninsula. Lightning protection systems should be installed on tall buildings, cultural heritage buildings, warehouses with dangerous materials and open sites used by the public, necessary for structural and personal safety. Lightning can strike a building directly, the ground nearby or even overhead power lines miles away and cause power surges. Mains electric cables plus TV/Sat and telephone cables which enter from the outside of a building act as conductors for lightning strikes and can facilitate the way for power surges and require protection devices against these transients.

To protect your property from a power surge, a device should be installed in or nearby the Consumer Unit, to the TV/Sat and telephone outlets. The device works in one of two ways, either by diverting the current generated by the power surge directly to earth, or by disconnecting the mains supply to the installation, preventing the power surge passing through the equipment. The former type usually being most preferable because it is fully automatic and does not require someone to switch the supply back on. Multi-adapter extension leads fitted with an SPD, like those available to purchase in DIY stores, only provide minimal protection for a limited number of items, when a power surge strikes it shows no mercy and may strike every electrical appliance in your property on a search and destroy mission. Air conditioning units are very prone to damage from power surges as well as the more commonly assumed computer equipment and TV's. Most air conditioning and TV satellite installation companies will not guarantee their equipment unless it is protected by a Surge Protection Device. The RCD (aka Interruptor Differencial) in your Consumer Unit does not provide protection against power surges, for a complete safeguard a whole property surge protection system is required.

Surge Protection Devices are recommended for properties with sensitive and expensive electrical and electronic equipment such as air conditioning, microwaves, ovens, washers and dryers, computers, printers, TV cinema systems, hi-fi, even lighting, practically every appliance in your home. They are also strongly recommended for installations in rural areas supplied with Solar Energy Systems exposed to high risks of lightning. Make sure you protect your expensive electronic equipment.

A final piece of advise is to check your building insurance policy to see if you are covered for power surges.

coming to a power station near you!

... it's called a Jacob's Ladder... same principle as a spark plug

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Beware latest scam

2010-05-24T09:28:00.004+02:00

The Leader newspaper reports today

>>> The Consumers' Office has released an announcement warning everyone that there have been a series of complaints against Iberdrola in the province of Alicante which appears to be a fraud. There have been reports that several people are claiming to work for Iberdrola, and approach homes demanding a payment of 500 euros for replacing their electricity metre for a more modern one. The clients pay the money and that´s the last they see of the workers.

Iberdrola have released a statement saying these people do not work for the electrical company, nor do they act in their name. Iberdrola workers will never ask you for cash for work to be carried out, and always carry documentation proving they work for the company <<<

For the full story see my post of 20th May 2010 "Iberdrola issues conmen warning."

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Save money... prevent air-con abuse

2010-05-22T13:01:00.009+02:00

A CYPRUS BASED company has invented a device that boasts up to 57% savings on electricity costs and cuts down on CO2 emissions. The company called Aircomony has launched the product in Spain.

How It Works - The Airconomy device works in a similar way to some hotel key fobs. For the air conditioning to work, on entering an apartment or villa holiday guests must insert the Airconomy fob into the unit. The Airconomy key fob is a small metal bar with a sequence of magnets inside which acts as a small and neat key ring. It is security attached to the keys to ensure holiday guests can not remove the key fob. It is small enough to easily fit into a key safe.

The Airconomy device is usually located next to the main fuseboard. It is a small white box which houses the metal key fob by slotting it into the top. It works by disconnecting the power to the air conditioning units when the key fob is removed. All other electrical devices such as fridges, freezers and lighting will not be affected and continue to work normally. Some property owners ask for this device to include the hot water immersion heater (if fitted) giving even larger savings on their electricity bill.

Paul Sapstead, the inventor of the Airconomy device, moved to Cyprus five years ago and bought along with his own home, an apartment for rental to holiday guests. Paul says: “Quite frankly I was horrified to watch some of the guests staying in my apartment happily set off for a day at the beach leaving all of the air-conditioning units running on full. A few large electricity bills later I knew I had to do something.”

Green Living - Knowing the government in the UK pushes hard for home owners to turn electrical items ‘off stand-by’ to cut down on CO2 emissions, Paul realised that air-conditioning units were one of the main electrical devices which where also continually left on stand-by by residents in Cyprus.

A lot of hard work and several prototype devices later Paul finally came up with a winning product. Paul says: “I have had extremely positive feedback from clients, every one I’ve installed has led to the rest of the apartments or villas on the same complex ordering one. The last few months have been amazing and I can’t wait to expand into other countries.” Paul has already been contacted by owners in several European countries. Mike Georgiou, who had the device fitted in his villa in Cyprus secured the rights to install the product in Spain.

Mark and Maria, from Paphos in Cyprus, had this to say about the device: “Thank-you for installing Airconomy in my villa. I can now confirm that my electricity bill was 337.00 (Cyprus pounds) cheaper than the same 2 monthly bill period last year. It is worth every penny and I recouped the installation cost within about 6 weeks. I can now lower my rental rates to get more bookings and still make more money. Thank-you and good luck in the future. I will be recommending Airconomy to all my neighbours and friends who have properties they let out.”

Airconomy is now available in Spain to property owners and developers, with installations available all along the Costa Blanca and Calida and inland areas. Visit www.air-conomy.com for more information. When ordering please quote reference BOO5 and a good looking Sparks will install it for you.

Trust me, I'm a tradesman!

Iberdrola issues conmen warning

2010-05-20T13:13:00.004+02:00

Euro Weekly News reports today

>>> The company responsible for supplying electricity across the province has raised the alarm over a suspected scam. Four months after businesses were forced to transfer to the ICP (Interruptor de Control de Potencia) controlled power supply, Iberdrola has uncovered a scam to con clients out of thousands of euros. When the transfer is made, a technician from a French company sub-contracted to Iberdola must come and install the new meter. Dublious clients contacted the company when so-called technicians appeared at their offices demanding money for the new meters.

Iberdrola released a statement saying "These people are not employed or remotely connected with the company and are only carrying out this work for their own gain," adding "Our installers always wear official uniform, carry identification and are armed with an accreditation card for receiving payments." <<<

I commented on the saftey aspect of this matter in my post of 12 March 2010 "Trip Switch problems for Alicante ... 320,000 homes have to install new switch". Further to that post, an Approved Electrician should install the new ICP switch. Once fitted, it is necessary to have an official Iberdrola representative check and seal the switch. Iberdrola customers who do not have an ICP fitted are liable to a surcharge on their electricity bill equivalent to the 20kW tariff. It is not necessary to change or provide a new meter, and this is the con, businesses and home owners should beware!

Trust me, I'm a tradesman!

Home Tips – Electrical Safety

2010-05-18T19:30:00.002+02:00

THE LATEST figures from the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (www.rospa.com) in the UK state that there were 3854 reported electrical accidents and fires caused by faulty electrics in the home in 2002. For Spain accurate figures are not so easy to obtain, but considering the Heath and Safety record of this county seems practically non-existent at times, you would expect the numbers to read more like the Euro Millions lottery draw.

In Spain, there are three main safety features fitted to all domestic electrical installations; 1. The RCD (Residual Current Device), 2. The CB (Circuit-Breaker), 3. Earthing. The RCD and CB are mechanical switching devices, while earthing is a means of connecting exposed-conductive-parts to the main earthing terminal of the installation.

Domestic electrical installations must be protected by an RCD, fitted in the Consumer Unit. The RCD’s job is to safeguard all the circuits and appliances in your home from ‘leaking’ electricity and prevent electric shock. The slightest leak and the device ‘trips-out’. The RCD is labeled Interruptor Diferencial and easily identifiable because it is fitted with a small ‘test button’. Pressing the test button simulates a fault and the device trips-out cutting off the electricity supply, this indicates the device is functioning correctly. If nothing happens when you press the test button contact an Electrician immediately. Manufacturers recommend you perform this simple test once a month.

Circuit Breakers (Magnetotermica). CB’s are for short-circuit and overloading protection. Look for signs of burning and signs that the CB’s have been changed since the original installation (e.g. there maybe a mixture of different makes). A CB that has been changed and re-fitted with a higher rating than the cable it protects is a fire hazard, that’s the same as replacing a nail in a fuse holder. Circuit-breakers are practically 99% ‘fail safe’. Correctly fitted, they either ‘make’ or ‘break’ and require no maintenance.

Earthing. A thorough test of your earthing installation requires special electrical instruments and should be carried out by a qualified professional. However, visually inspecting the main earth terminal will give you a good indication of the standard of workmanship carried out at the time of the installation and whether further testing is needed. The main earth terminal is usually located inside the Consumer Unit. Taped joints, bare stranded cables and untidy wiring indicate bad workmanship.

Finally, do not use adapters or extension leads because of an insufficient number of sockets. Do not allow DIY or amateur work carried out by unqualified people. Do not use travel adapters permanently, especially on heavy loads – change the plug!

Use these home tips as a guide only. An electrical safety check is recommended if your wiring is more than 10 years old. If you are in doubt about electrical safety in your home, contact a qualified Approved Electrical.

Trust me, I'm a tradesman!

Trip Switch problems for Alicante … 320,000 homes have to install new switch

2010-03-12T18:07:00.010+01:00

Those nice people at Iberdrola are in the news once again for all the wrong reasons and causing safety concerns with added financial implications to homeowners on the Costas. Tom Cain of the Costa Blanca News reports …

… Electricity supplier Iberdrola recently said that there are 320,000 homes in Alicante Province that need to install trip switches to control power surges in their electrical systems. The company said around one fifth of its clients do not have the trip switch fitted to their systems and therefore do not comply with current safety regulations. A company spokesman said many of the homes that do not have the trip switch are properties built before the trip switches became obligatory under Real Decreto 1454/2005 and Orden ITC 1857/2008. He added that the Interruptor Control Potencia (ICP) cuts off the power supply when the user has several electrical appliances running at the same time and he or she begins using more power than is stipulated in their contract. He also said that if an ICP continuously keeps tripping out the user should consider increasing the amount of electricity they have contracted …

Iberdrola are being extremely sneaky here. Iberdrola are not implying that homes are electrically unsafe, but instead stating that by not having an ICP fitted in a system this does not comply with the currently safety regulations. There is a difference, read on.

The ICP is not the primary switch that provides safety protection in an electrical installation. Electrical safety is adequately provided by the Interruptor General (main switch-MCB) for protection against overloading and short circuits. The Interruptor General is further assisted by the Interruptor Diferencial (trip switch-RCD) for protection against electrical shock. All installations in Spain should originally be fitted with theses two devices and during my working life Sparking in Spain I have generally found this to be the case. Whilst not having an ICP fitted in the Consumer Unit may not comply with the latest Spanish electrical regulations it does not mean that an installation is unsafe … do you see a reoccurring pattern emerging here from Iberdrola? The ICP primarily serves a specific purpose for Iberdrola, not one of safety, but to limit the amount of power that can be used by the consumer.

Iberdrola should start sniffing the stuff they are shovelling whilst talking safety and start to teach their meter installers how to connect the live and neutral the correct way round to avoid reversed polarity which can cause a risk of electric shock. This very disturbing malpractice is just as common place in the region of Alicante.

Pictured above is an electric shock scenerio that occurs with reversed polarity. The base of the light bulb exposed to the touching thumb is live. Using a lead light in such poor condition is not advisable, however, if the polarity was correct the user would not get an electric shock. Iberdrola talking safety is like "the pot calling the kettle black".

Lastly, don't confuse power surges with overloading problems, these are two different problems, I think this is a misinterpretation by the CBN reporter.

Trust me, I'm a tradesman!

A free vomit bag with every visit to Old Sparky

2010-03-01T19:16:00.007+01:00

After a quiet evening in with Mrs. Sparks and her favourite film The Green Mile, I decided to do some research on the star of the story “Old Sparky” and surfed across American blogger Ronnie Ray Jenkins who reports breaking news on a highly publicized recent tragedy …....

Killer Whale To Face Old Sparky - In Florida a killer whale brutally attacked and murdered a SeaWorld Orlando employee. The state of Florida will prosecute the whale to the fullest extent of the law according to prosecutors. There is talk of "Old Sparky" being fired up to execute the whale for this brazen act.

"Of course we'll have to make some adjustments to the chair" commented Wilhem M. Snoddertugit "you know, like a big head thingy, but at least we won't have to wet a sponge to draw the current."

A state psychiatrist said the whale appeared to show all the symptoms of a "mammalian socio path." PETA is planning a candlelight vigil outside the Florida State Prison in Tallahassee.

Mr. Tillicum, the whale, was led away in huge fincuffs. It is believed the whale developed anger issues over his given name, To Lick Em. However, another killer whale claims Tillicum was sick and tired of doing the same tricks everyday for a few fish.

….... isn't it macabre how our species has a strange relationship with death and we can find humour from extreme suffering and the most tragic events. However, there is another side to this story, and that's the Sunshine State's love affair with the electric chair. Death by electrocution was the sole means of execution in Florida from 1924 until 2000. Now, because of legislation enforced by the U.S. Supreme Court, Florida lets its death row inmates have a choice. Be executed in the electric chair if they choose too, or by lethal injection. Ironically, the Florida Supreme Court probably would, if it still could, put the killer whale in the electric chair for its crime.

The horrific scene in the The Green Mile depicting the bodged execution of prisoner Eduard "Del" Delacroix with flames shooting out of his head were by no means fictional. Notorious malfunctions, probably due to practices of the prison staff and not because of the electric chair itself, were common place in Old Sparkys final years, causing excruciating pain from human combustion with profuse amounts of blood spurtting out of bodily orifices together with the stench of burning flesh. Not surprisingly vomit bags were issued to official witnesses. Florida Attorney General Bob Butterworth commented, "People who wish to commit murder, they'd better not do it in the state of Florida because we may have a problem with the electric chair."

In an episode of the King of the Hill, Dale Gribble, is excited about being on the executioner list as a new employee of a local prison, he asks the prison warden where Old Sparky is. The warden explains that Old Sparky is no longer, it's been replaced by lethal injection. Dale then asks “well then, where is Old Squirty?”

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Anybody told Spain it's illegal to do light bulbs?

2010-02-22T22:42:00.012+01:00

Si, it's true. As from 1st September 2009 a panel of greenie bright sparks at the EU made it illegal to manufacture, import and sell the traditional light bulb for all the usual reasons. After a fast-track procedure the EU banned the light bulb that has been in use since 1879 and wants it replaced mainly by longer lasting compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

Actually I'm fibbing slightly, that's not strictly true. This only applies to household lamps and a tiny gap in the law means they can still be purchased as long as the packaging is marked “not suitable for household illumination”. But did anybody think to tell Spain because the Spaniards, nor anyone else here for that matter, do not appear to be aware of this huge change. Not a lot seems to have changed in the shops with the availability of the Thomas Edison 19th century wonder invention. No panic buying, no Ferreteria's hurriedly removing them from the shelves and I certainly haven't seen any Spanish shopkeepers out labelling with their magic markers just yet.

The good ol' energy-guzzling light bulb will be totally defunct by 2012, after that it's don your best disguise and it's a trip downtown. A darkened journey Across 110th Street to the down and out big city back streets to search out a disreputable bulb dealer, cause you'll need the local pusherman to get you that fix of incandescent light... Now, where did I park my Pimpmobile?

... and remember mi amigos, bulbs go in the ground.

Trust me, I'm a tradesman!

"Hey brotha, got any light bulbs?"

If God were a tradesman he would be a Sparks

2010-02-16T16:49:00.011+01:00

My good amigo Cookie and fellow tradesman once told me “we're like God you and me”, “what” I laughed “you mean we love everyone”, “nah” Cookie continued “ you fuck with me and I'll shove a lightning bolt up your arse”.

Welcome to Sparks In Spain. Cookie reckons we Sparks share God-like status, without us everybody lives in darkness and the world stands still. Which got the old grey matter thinking about the classic 1951 Sci-Fi movie The Day The Earth Stood Still, my fathers favourite film. Michael Rennie's character Klaatu, an alien with God-like powers, neutralizes the worlds electricity supply and holds Earth to ransom because the other planets are concerned for their safety as human beings have developed atomic power.

My Dads ghost appears everyday over my shoulder and whispers in my ear “son, you'll never get rich getting your hands dirty”. So what should I do with this God-given gift and the abilities of Zeus to initiate the crime of the millennium, what else but start blogging.

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