Consumer electronics
The term 'consumer electronics' is generically used to describe electronic equipment, be it analog or digital, that is designed for and aimed at use in private homes or offices.
Consumer electronics are often used to provide entertainment or to facilitate home office activities, through devices such as televisions, radios, video games consoles, DVD or Blu Ray players, laptop computers, tablets and printers, among others.
In recent times, many consumer electronic products have become reliant on digital technologies and in some cases have merged with equipment from the computer industry – particularly with regards to the ability to connect to the Internet, in what is increasingly being marketed as ‘smart home’ technology.
Consumer electronics often include other items such as appliances for cooking, food preparation, laundry and cleaning, again in some instances with the ability to connect to the Internet. ‘White goods’ is still a term used to differentiate these larger household appliances, although invariably they rely on electronics and are aimed at the domestic consumer market.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Appliance.
- Competition and the independent electric wholesalers.
- Conductor.
- Consumer units.
- ECA articles.
- Electric motor.
- Electrical appliance.
- Electrical component.
- Electrical consumption.
- Electrical energy.
- Electrical equipment.
- Electrical installation.
- Electrical power.
- Electrical safety.
- Electrician.
- Electricity supply.
- Fuse.
- Glossary of electrical terms.
- Grommet.
- Internet of things.
- Smart building.
- Smart home.
- Trailing socket.
Featured articles and news
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.