Back in 2015, Whirlpool announced that millions of their tumble dryers were potentially dangerous, leading to one of the largest product recalls ever undertaken. Fast forward four years and the company is now warning that a large number of its washing machines may also be unsafe and result in domestic fires that could prove to be fatal.
Covering the Hotpoint and Indesit brands, this new recall relates to 500,000 appliances - or around 20% of the stock sold in the UK since 2014 - that will need to be fixed or replaced because their door locking system can overheat and cause a fire. Concerned customers have been frustrated in their attempts to contact Whirlpool through their recall website and helpline, only adding to the atmosphere of concern. So far, 79 fires have been traced back to the washing machine door's locking system, and that number could rise as the fault is one that can develop over time. Media reports suggest that the repair programme is set to begin in January, and concerned consumers can check the company’s website or call the dedicated helpline on 0800 316 1442 for guidance.
As Mark Smith, owner of MS Electrical Services, points out, when choosing and using your appliances it’s really important to ensure that they are fit for purpose. ‘It wasn’t obvious at the time that some of the Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines on the market were potentially unsafe,’ says Mark. ‘However, we would urge consumers to take care over their choice of white goods, and over their ongoing use. Domestic fires account for around 200 deaths every year, and many of these are caused by faulty appliances. At MS Electrical we specialise in keeping electrical safety in check and we’re always happy to offer help and advice regarding the safety and continued operation of small and large appliances.’
MS Electrical Services offer PAT testing and fixed wire testing in Cambridge, so please contact us to discuss any aspect of your electrical safety.