Electrical Safety Advice for TVs and on-demand boxes

TVs and on-demand boxes usage and safety

Televisions and on-demand boxes may have been part of our homes for decades, but it’s important to take safety seriously with these devices.

Most modern TVs are now "smart" featuring built-in Wi-Fi and apps for streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube. However, on-demand boxes (or IPTV boxes) and streaming sticks are also still common in most homes to enable smart services on older televisions. 4K resolution is now standard in most modern TVs offering a high level of detail.

There are three main types of on-demand box. Streaming media players plug into a TV’s HDMI port and use the internet rather than a TV aerial or satellite dish.

Hybrid boxes combine live TV (via an aerial or cable) with streaming apps and sometimes a hard drive for recording live television.

Free-to-air and digital TV boxes receive live TV via a rooftop aerial or satellite dish. Modern versions are "smart" meaning they also include catch-up players and sometimes recording capabilities.

Key points

Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them.
Choose carefully where to set up your TV and/or on-demand box, keeping it on a flat, stable surface away from moisture and heat.
Do regular checks of the plugs and socket-outlets for burn and scorch marks.
Don’t attempt to repair or adapt your devices as there is a risk of electrical shock if you remove the cover or back.

Buying a TV and on-demand box

Buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the devices may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
For streaming sticks use the charger that comes with the device or a USB charger from a reputable source.
Beware buying substandard or counterfeit chargers for your device as there are many substandard, 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.
You will find lots of online reviews of televisions and on-demand boxes but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
Never buy an on-demand box that is unbranded or has been modified in any way as they could be potentially dangerous, posing a risk of electric shock or fire as they won’t have been subjected to standard safety checks.
Unverified boxes can also put you at risk of a cyberattack where hackers are able to take control of devices connected to these boxes and steal your personal information.
There are also reports that they can be used as cameras, allowing hackers to spy inside your home without your knowledge.
Register your devices 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 TV and on-demand box safely

Follow the provided instructions carefully and pay close attention to any warnings supplied with the product.
Place on a flat, stable surface and keep away from sources of moisture and heat.
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.
If your TV or on-demand box gets wet, or the plug or wires become damaged, unplug immediately and stop using it.
If you notice any wires getting hot, fraying, or melting, stop using immediately.
Regularly check the plugs and your socket-outlets 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.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.
Using the TV or on-demand box if either gets wet.
Using the devices 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

Smart TVs are rated for energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), with many modern models falling into the D-G categories.

LED and OLED TVs are generally the most efficient, with larger screens (60+ inches) consuming significantly more power.

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

TVs and on-demand boxes