Electrical Safety Advice for Turntables and Speakers

Turntables and speakers usage and safety

Turntables (and record players) are enjoying a revival with vinyl record lovers, and they can be paired with lots of options for modern speakers. But it’s important to take safety seriously with these devices.

Turntables are primarily categorized by their drive system, with belt-drive being popular for better sound and less vibration, and direct-drive for high torque being popular for DJ-ing.

Some come with a USB output, allowing users to digitize vinyl records, or bluetooth to allow for wireless streaming to speakers or headphones.

Bluetooth and wireless speakers are now commonplace, while multi-room speakers can really amplify the sound. Most modern speakers can be used with lots of technology, including computers, televisions and essentially any electrical equipment that emits sound.

All-in-one systems which combine the turntable, amplifier, and speakers tend to be known as record players. These are convenient and user-friendly but often comes at the expense of sound quality.

Key points

Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them.
Choose carefully where to set up your turntable, keeping it on a flat, stable surface away from moisture and heat.
Only charge a speaker with the manufacturer’s cable and USB charger from a reputable source.
Do regular checks of the charger plug and socket for burn and scorch marks.
Don’t attempt to repair or adapt your devices as there may be a risk of electrical shock if you remove the cover or back.

Buying a turntable and speakers

Buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the product may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
Although lots of reviews of turntables and speakers are posted online, don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
Register your turntable and speakers 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 turntable and speakers safely

Follow the provided instructions carefully and pay close attention to any warnings supplied with the product.
Check that your devices have a UK 3-Pin plug with a fuse. If it doesn’t, don’t try to use a UK travel adapter as the product may not meet UK safety standards.
Place on a flat, stable surface and keep away from sources of moisture and heat.
Don’t block or cover up any ventilation areas.
Don’t attempt to repair or adapt your devices as there is a risk of electrical shock if you remove the cover or back. If you do need to service them, take to a reputable technician.
If your turntable or speakers get wet, or the plug or wires become damaged, unplug immediately and stop using them.
Unplug when not in use and before cleaning.
If you notice any wires getting hot, fraying, or melting, stop using immediately.
Don’t leave battery operated speakers on charge near to soft furnishings or flammable materials. And don’t leave on charge overnight or while you are out of the house.
Only charge speakers with the manufacturer’s cable and USB charger from a reputable source.
Beware buying substandard or counterfeit chargers for your device as there are many dangerous chargers available.
Look for a manufacturer's name, a model number, and a UKCA or CE mark but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers. And there should be at least 9.5 mm between the live and neutral pins and the edge of the plug.
Regularly check the speaker 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.
Place on a flat, stable surface away from moisture and heat.
Unplug when not in use and before cleaning.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.
Blocking or covering up any ventilation areas.
Charging a speaker overnight or while you are out of the house.
Using the turntable if you notice any damage or sparks, or the wires are hot to touch.

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

Many music lovers argue that, despite the occasional extraneous noises on a record from dust or a scratch, vinyl records have a deeper, richer sound than digital versions which can feel too perfect.

Turntables are highly energy-efficient, typically consuming only 3-5 watts to power the motor (although high-end models may use slightly more). The actual sound production is purely mechanical, meaning the audio signal itself consumes no electricity.

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

Turntables and speakers