ACT: Electrical safety recall of Samsung top loader washing machines

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ACT Commissioner for Fair Trading Brett Phillips is urging the community to check the model details of their Samsung washing machines after a recall of machines with certain models names and dates was issued by Samsung Electronics Australia last year due to a potential fire hazard.

Samsung top loader washing machines with the following model names manufactured in 2010, 2011, 2012 and some models in 2013 are affected: SW75V9WIP; SW65V9WIP; SW70SPWIP; SW80SPWIP; WA85GWGIP and WA85GWWIP.

Samsung has advised that 144,451 machines have been sold around Australia through various retailers between 2010 and 2013, and only a small number of customers had responded to the recall.

There have been 59 incidents around Australia, 36 of which were a serious fire hazard.

A fire may occur in the machine as in some circumstances, there is a chance that moisture may penetrate the electrical connectors of the machine, causing a fire hazard.

“I understand that Samsung has made every attempt to reach the public about this important issue, but a large number of customers have not yet responded,” said Mr Phillips.

“As many people will leave their washing machines unattended when operating, the risk of endangering people and property if the machine fails is high.

“If you own a Samsung washing machine manufactured in this period, I strongly advise you to check the appliance as soon as practical. To check if your machine is affected, visit www.samsung.com.au, call 1800 239 655 between 8am – 8pm or email wm.samsung@samsung.com.

“Samsung will arrange for an authorised service technician to provide a free in-home service for all affected models,” Mr Phillips continued.

“If your model is affected, until your service is performed, Samsung recommends that as a precautionary measure, only use your washing machine if you are present or nearby to monitor it, and if you notice any smoke or smell emanating from the machine, turn it off straight away at the power point,” concluded Mr Phillips.

For more information about this and other Australian product safety recalls, visit www.recalls.gov.au

Contact details

Media Contacts: Rebecca Travers

Phone: (02) 6207 6217

Email: rebecca.travers@act.gov.au

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