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Most audio-visual equipment (such as televisions, DVDs, satellite receivers, Freeview set top boxes, game consoles, radio tuners, audio amplifiers, surround sound systems, aerial distribution amplifiers) relies upon double insulation for electrical safety and has no separate earth wire. However, this equipment does have a small amount of electrical leakage. With a few pieces of equipment this is not dangerous and is acceptable under law.
As consumers add more and more equipment to their homes this leakage current could become dangerous and steps need to be taken to minimise the hazard. The amount of leakage will vary between types of equipment and manufacturers, but in the worst case situation only seven pieces of equipment may be interconnected to keep the leakage below an acceptable level defined under British Standards. The equipment does not have to be in the same room as it could be interconnected via the aerial cables for example. The Confederation of Aerial Industries Ltd (CAI) has recognised this risk and qualified members will advise on this and fit the necessary safety connection to overcome this hazard.
The Code of Practice, issued to members, states that this safety connection need only be made if more than seven pieces of equipment are
- interconnected at one or two aerial outlets (television, satellite or radio).
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