Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Camera IconDepartment of Fire and Emergency Services Credit: Supplied/Department of Fire and Emergency Services

Washing machine fire prompts urgent warning

Staff WriterComment News

A RECALLED washing machine model bursting into flames has prompted a public warning from Consumer Protection as thousands of the recalled machines are still installed in WA homes.

A Samsung top loader washing machine model, which have been recalled, caught fire in the laundry of an Armadale home unit on October 1.

Fire units attended to extinguish the blaze and no one was hurt.

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Consumer Protection wants residents to urgently check the model number of their machines following the recent fire as more than 6,600 recalled Samsung top loader washing machines remain in WA homes.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Camera IconDepartment of Fire and Emergency Services Credit: Supplied/Supplied

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,” she 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.”

Ms Lipscombe said consumers were 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@dmirs.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.