Recall: Fire Warning on 150,000 Samsung Washers

Samsung has sent out a product safety recall in Australia for six top loader washing machines manufactured and sold between 2010 and 2013.

Samsung advised NSW Fair Trading that 150,000 machines have been
sold in Australia through various retailers between 2010-13,
including 62,285 in New South Wales. Another 36,000 machines have been
sold in New Zealand.

There have been 15 fire incidents involving machines around
Australia, including six in NSW.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW)
fire investigators identified safety concerns with the washing machines
after firefighters attended at least six fires linked to the appliances
since last November.

“In some circumstances, there is a chance that moisture may penetrate the electrical connectors of the affected machines causing a fire hazard,” Samsung warned.

Fires occur when internal water condenses onto an internal connector (motor connection) causing tracking.

The electronics giant says it is “committed to delivering safe and quality products” but says this commitment means a product safety recall is necessary.

The following Samsung top loader models are affected:

. SW65V9WIP/XSA

. SW75V9WIP/XSA

. SW70SPWIP/XSA

. SW80SPWIP/XSA

. WA85GWGIP/XSA

. WA85GWWIP/XSA

Owners should check the model name on the back of their machine to see if their washer is affected.

For those affected Samsung will arrange for a technician to visit their homes to perform a simple modification to their washing machine’s electrical connector.

The repair service should take 30 minutes and will be carried out as soon as possible from the booking date.

Whilst awaiting their free in home service, as a precautionary measure, Samsung recommends that customers only use their washing machine when they are present or nearby to monitor it.

If they notice any smoke or smell any smoke coming out of the washing machine, they should turn off the machine at the power point.

Affected customers should contact Samsung’s Product Safety Hotline on 1800 239 655 or email [email protected]
/* */ to arrange this free in home service.

The affected model list which can also be found on Samsung’s website at www.samsung.com/au/washingmachinerecall.

“Over the course of the next few weeks, we are contacting customers, retailers and partners to ensure those who own affected models get their units reworked,” says Michael Richardson, Samsung Australia Vice President, Consumer Electronics Operations.

“We understand this will be an inconvenience to some of our valued customers, but their continued safety is our primary concern.”