Isolating a device for electronic component failure analysis starts by forming a plan of action, this will make your problem source easy. Given a specific failure mode, there are a limited number of possible explanations; by determining which of these is the most plausible, you may begin to put together a theory that will help to limit the number of possible failing components. Board layouts and schematics are invaluable at this point – by allowing you to see the hidden connections between devices, they enable a more straightforward determination of where a problem may exist. Once you have developed a reasonably solid idea of where the defect may exist, the project can progress from the planning stages into action.
In order to prove your theory, you must be able to provide concrete electrical data pinpointing the failing component. In order to accomplish this, it is often necessary to “modify” the failing circuit in order to narrow down the location of the failure. This process may be as simple as removing components from the board and checking to see if the reported failure is still present; in more complex cases, it may be necessary to carefully cut traces on a board in order to isolate a device from other parts of the circuit. Immediately following every circuit modification, additional electrical testing is necessary to determine whether the correct component has been identified; once the failing device has been found, failure analysis of the individual electronic component can begin

Now here is someone with the knowledge Art.
I hope you were listening!

Isolating a device for electronic component failure analysis starts by forming a plan of action, this will make your problem source easy. Given a specific failure mode, there are a limited number of possible explanations; by determining which of these is the most plausible, you may begin to put together a theory that will help to limit the number of possible failing components. Board layouts and schematics are invaluable at this point – by allowing you to see the hidden connections between devices, they enable a more straightforward determination of where a problem may exist. Once you have developed a reasonably solid idea of where the defect may exist, the project can progress from the planning stages into action.
In order to prove your theory, you must be able to provide concrete electrical data pinpointing the failing component. In order to accomplish this, it is often necessary to “modify” the failing circuit in order to narrow down the location of the failure. This process may be as simple as removing components from the board and checking to see if the reported failure is still present; in more complex cases, it may be necessary to carefully cut traces on a board in order to isolate a device from other parts of the circuit. Immediately following every circuit modification, additional electrical testing is necessary to determine whether the correct component has been identified; once the failing device has been found, failure analysis of the individual electronic component can begin

This bloke largely agrees with you:

http://www.ial-fa.com/blog/electroni...ective-devices

Hi Twink

I hope you had a peaceful night last night. A few years ago, I had a spell where my tv would turn itself on in the middle of the night, it also happened with my stereo. I was told that it could have a build up of cat hairs arcing the switch.

I have pain, bending to get to the plug at the back of the TV, so I just use the remote!

Remote control power switches can be the answer to that. We use them in our house to switch those hard to reach mains sockets on and off. They use about 0.2 watts themselves but the remote control they come with will turn the mains off to anything that is plugged into the socket:

https://www.maplin.co.uk/p/remote-co...t-3-pack-n79ka

Robert Dyas, Wilkinsons and other household/DIY shops might also sell them locally.