Electrical Safety Advice for Massage Chairs

Massage chairs usage and safety

A massage chair can relieve stress, tension and back pain and is a luxurious addition to any household. However, they do come with potential safety risks to be aware of.

There are many different types of massage chair for the home. Full-body massage chairs give coverage from the neck down to the feet, using a combination of rollers and airbags. Zero gravity chairs recline so your legs are at the same level as your heart, reducing spinal pressure and improving circulation.

Massage chairs use rollers to provide therapy, which move in all directions as well as in and out to adjust depth. 2D are the basic roller set, while 3D rollers are more adjustable, and 4D chairs are more rhythmic and intense. SL-track massage chairs use a track that follows the natural curve of the spine.

Chairs are also available which focus on specific areas such as the neck, shoulders, and back, often with adjustable, smaller designs.

Key points

Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them.
Only use the supplied charger, or one recommended by the manufacturer.
Do regular checks of the charger plug and socket for burn and scorch marks.

Buying a massage chair

Buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the chair may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
Although lots of reviews of massage chairs are posted online, don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
Safety features to look out for include automatic shut-off timers, emergency stop buttons, and child safety locks. Advanced models feature pressure sensors, overheating protection, and stable frames to avoid tipping.
Register your massage chair so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered.

Using a massage chair safely

Follow the provided instructions carefully to ensure safe usage and pay close attention to any warnings supplied with the product.
Your massage chair must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug with a fuse. If it isn’t, don’t try to use a UK travel adapter as the chair may not meet UK safety standards.
When the massage chair is switched on, never leave it unattended.
If the cable or plug is damaged, or if it has been dropped into water, do not use.
Keep the cable away from heated surfaces and moving parts.
Unplug the chair immediately after using, and before cleaning it.
Regularly check the charger and/or plug and your socket-outlet for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Pay close attention to any warnings in the instructions.
Unplug the massage chair immediately after using it.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.
Leaving the massage chair unattended while it is on.
Using the massage chair if the plug or cable is damaged.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician.

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

When does a periodic inspection need to be carried out?

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

3 years for a caravan
1 year for a swimming pool

Who should carry out a periodic inspection?

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

My electrician told me that they were registered; however I now believe that they are not, as they have not given me a certificate. What should I do?

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

While massage chairs are safe for most people, anyone with certain medical conditions such as osteoporosis, blood clotting disorders (DVT), or severe heart conditions, or those who are pregnant should consult a healthcare professional before use.

It is also important not to overuse the chair and always monitor how your body responds.

Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

Check your appliances

Massage chairs