Life expectancy – Electronic equipment

The economic life expectancy of any product is extremely difficult to determine. Consumers often complain that the goods should have "lasted" longer when they develop a fault. The fact is that in most cases once a repair has been completed the goods will probably go on to function or "last" for a considerable period of time.
Most products can be expected to continue to operate for a reasonable period of time but considerations such as price, quality, usage and the environment in which the product is used must be taken into account.  However this does not mean that they should not go wrong during their expected economical life.

While the list below is not a comprehensive one it gives a general indication of total life expectancy for a range of product types.

Small appliances

Irons, Kettles, Hair Dryers etc. 2 - 3 years

Medium Size Appliances

Cleaners, refrigerators and freezers, spin and

tumble dryers, Microwave Ovens 3 - 6 years

Larger Appliances

Electric Cookers, 5 - 10 years

Dishwashers, washing machines, 3 – 6 years

Low priced portable CTVs 2 - 5 years

Higher priced non-portable CTVs 4 - 8 years

Low priced DVD player/recorder 2 - 5 years

Higher priced DVD player/recorder 5 - 8 years

Low priced Hi-Fi Systems 2 - 5 years

Higher priced Hi-Fi systems 5 - 8 years

Note.

Life expectancy is the length of time a product would reasonably be expected to be able to be economically repaired or where the spare parts are available. Some cosmetic parts may not be available for the same period of time as functional parts.

It does not imply that goods should function for a given period of time without going wrong or that the repairer should not make a reasonable charge for a repair.