Published
New South Wales consumers are being urged to check their electric heaters following a national recall of wall mounted and portable heaters that pose a potential fire hazard.
Fair Trading Minister, Virginia Judge, said there were serious faults with three models of ‘IXL Pacific Panel’ wall-mounted and portable heaters - model numbers 72625, 72645 and 72646.
“Tasmanian authorities have reported a few cases where parts of the circuit board overheated causing sparks and flames,” she said.
“There have also been reports of molten aluminium particles falling from the heater.
“This could cause a serious fire hazard, particularly if you are asleep or you are unaware there is a problem.”
Ms Judge said it was important consumers do not disconnect permanently wired wall-mounted heaters.
“Please don’t try and disconnect these heaters if you have them hard-wired into your home or office’s electrical circuit,” she said.
“You need to contact the company so they can arrange for qualified traders to look after its removal, which will be done at the company’s expense.
“The recall has been advertised extensively across Australia and more warnings will be published in the Sunday papers on 17 January.”
Ms Judge said Tasmania and Victoria accounted for most of the sales of the three models, but Fair Trading understands more than 1,100 have been sold in NSW since 2005 at retailers such as Harvey Norman.
“While none of the reported incidents occurred in NSW, I would urge anyone who has purchased one of these three models to contact the supplier immediately to get a full refund,” she said.
“If you are unsure whether your heater is subject to the recall, contact the company for confirmation.”
Consumers should contact Sampford IXL by telephone on 1800 035 410 or visit www.recalls.gov.au for more information.