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
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.