How does your alarm connect to the mains? Is it hardwired or with a 13a plug?
If it's a plug, and it were me, I'd hire a generator rather than pay for an alarm "engineer" to come out twice. Added bonus being that you don't need to empty the freezer / fridge / live in the dark.
If you are in the market for a NAS, I'd take a look at ReadyNAS Duo from ebuyer.
At £198 with 2 x 1TB drive (okay, so one's by redemption, but still), it's a pretty good deal...
Can you read the markings on the chip itself? IC3 is just the designation the designer of the circuit has given to the chip within the circuit itself, and doesn't actually tell you what it is or what it does.
Does the burnt out "chip" look a bit like this?
Given that you say it's physically close to the power inlet, it's likely to be a voltage regulator. If you can read the markings on it then you should be able to order a replacement or equivalent. This isn't to say that this is the only...
Presumably they returned the favour by inviting you to sit degree level exams?
People have different abilities and skills. This variety is an advantage, not an opportunity for you to feel superior.
They're certainly smaller in volume, but a lot are bigger in one dimension or another, which could make it not fit. I don't see why we're assuming the DNO are being jobsworths, it's quite possible that the meter just will not fit.
Seems a strange solution, if you need to protect the UPS at 3a then the fuse should be in the plug feeding it. The output stage of the UPS will have its own internal protection.
Sounds very much like a low voltage connector that should connect to a transformer. I've seen similar on other domestic lights.
Does it look a bit like this?
I suspect the light should have come with a transformer, or they sell one separately.