Current.com.au is an independent website with no affiliation to Samsung
By Patrick Avenell
More detail emerged overnight concerning the recall of six Samsung top load washing machines, announced yesterday afternoon.
New South Wales Fair Trading commissioner Rod Stowe has revealed that there have been 15 fire incidents nationwide believed to be caused by these machines, including six in New South Wales.
Of the 150,000 washing machines sold between 2010 and 2012, over 62,000 were sold in New South Wales. A further 36,000 machines were sold in New Zealand.
“Samsung has advised NSW Fair Trading that 150,000 machines have been sold in Australia through various retailers between 2010 and 2013, including 62,285 in New South Wales,” said a statement released by Fair Trading. “Another 36,000 machines have been sold in New Zealand.”
“There have been 15 fire incidents involving machines around Australia, including six fires in NSW. Fire & Rescue NSW fire investigators identified safety concerns with the washing machines after firefighters attended at least six fires linked to the appliances since last November.”
A defect in manufacturing of the machines means moisture can penetrate electrical connectors in these washers, resulting in a fire hazard, according to a Samsung statement
The six affected models are SW65V9WIP/XSA, SW75V9WIP/XSA, SW70SPWIP/XSA, SW80SPWIP/XSA, WA85GWGIP/XSA andWA85GWWIP/XSA.
Affected users are advised to contact Samsung on 1800 239 655 or by email to wm.samsung@samsung.com to arrange for a service technician visit to fix the problem. Samsung estimates that remedying the fault will take around 30 minutes.
In the meantime, affected users are advised to not use their washing machine unless they are directly supervising it to watch for smoke or strange odours.
Recalled Samsung washing machine image gallery, first published by Fair Trading, republished with permission:
