More than 6,600 dangerous Samsung top loader washing machines that have been recalled remain in WA homes, creating a serious fire hazard that put lives at risk.

One of the recalled models caught fire in the laundry of an Armadale home unit on the evening of 1 October 2019 with fire units attending to extinguish the blaze. No one was hurt.

This latest fire has prompted a renewed plea from Consumer Protection for residents to urgently check the model number of their machine. The affected units have an internal fault where condensation can penetrate an electrical connector causing deterioration which may in turn cause a fire.

The models subjected to the recall were manufactured between 2010 and 2013 and include model numbers: SW75V9WIP; SW65V9WIP; SW70SPWIP; SW80SPWIP; WA85GWGIP and WA85GWWIP.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Penny Lipscombe said the washing machines should be disconnected from the power supply immediately and not used again.

“Affected consumers should remove the recalled machine from their homes as a top priority and seek a refund from the retailer who sold it,” Ms Lipscombe said.

“As this is regarded as a major fault, repair is not an option so consumers should get their money back and arrange to have the recalled washing machines collected by the supplier who will dispose of them.

“The machines should not be re-sold or placed on the verge for bulk rubbish collection, as we want to remove any possibility that they are purchased or picked up by people who may not realise that they are dangerous.

“Consumers are entitled to recover damages from the manufacturer for consequential loss or damage suffered as a result of a faulty product.”

Consumers who have any problems securing a refund from their retailer or having the machine collected should contact Consumer Protection by email consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.

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Media Contact: Alan Hynd, (08) 6552 9248 / 0429 078 791 / alan.hynd@demirs.wa.gov.au 

Washing machine fire Armadale - supplied by DFES

Washing machine fire Armadale - supplied by DFES