Col Dixon is our 'Sparky of The Month'.
Col Dixon of Col Dixon Electrical in Hull talks to Zano about life as an electrician, his biggest day-to-day challenges, and why he uses Zano Controls for dimming LED.
Name: Col Dixon
Company: Col Dixon Electrical
Location: Hull, North Humberside
Why did you become an electrician?
I’ve always believed it was a good trade to get into. While I was growing up it was one of the top trades around and I had always thought about having a career as an electrician. When I left school, I suspended ceilings in shops for a year and after that I asked myself, “right, what am I going to do?” Becoming and being an electrician was something that had always interested me, so I went back to college at 18 to train up as an apprentice – and the rest, as they say, is history.
What do you enjoy about your job?
I like going to different jobs and the variety of work available to me as an electrician. One of my favourite jobs is fault-finding. I do mainly domestic work, but I really do love all of it. I never ever get up and think, “oh god. I’ve got to go to work”. I enjoy going to work - it can be fascinating.
I think one of the best things about being an electrician is that in between moment after completing the rewire of a property, before you've the finished result, first hand. It's the build-up and the anticipation you feel before turning on the lighting - that ‘aha’ moment before they all switch on, and when you see that they do, you're really happy. That for me is the best bit.
What are the biggest challenges you face day-to-day?
There aren’t any really.
Although on a side note, it’s always tough if you have a bad paying customer, or if you have people half doing the work themselves. Thinking that because they have a small bit of knowledge about electrics, it justifies a bit of dodgy DIY. It makes the work dangerous and can often be hard to fix.
Do you experience much demand for LED dimming?
I recently fitted the ZBARLED for LED strip and I have another one coming up in the next few weeks. I have definitely noticed more demand for LED dimming over the last few years. I’ve tried a few dimmers, and none are as good as Zano. I’ve had some trouble with the V-Pro dimmers - that’s what made me look for an alternative and come across you guys.
How and when did you find out about Zano Controls?
Through Twitter, actually. I noticed that people were mentioning Zano frequently as a solution for LED dimming and I liked what you had to say. In light of that, I thought, 'why not give Zano a try?', and I was well-impressed. An added bonus is that Electric Center stock Zano through the ACEL range, which is super handy.
What’s your go-to, Zano Controls’ product?
I have used the ZBARLED remote dimming pack previously and your standard grid and module dimmers, but I must admit, I was really impressed with the performance of the ZBARLED on the LED strip project I undertook a few months ago. I'd definitely use this product again and again.
If you could re-wire anyone’s house, whose would it be?
It would have to be Sir Alex Ferguson, that would be a good day.
Think you have what it takes to be our next Sparky of The Month? Be sure to share your installations and projects with us, and it may just be your face appearing in our next Sparky’s Corner! For any project or product enquiries, please call the team on 0345 519 5858 and we will be happy to help.
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