By Craig Zammit
SYDNEY: Electrolux has issued a voluntary recall notice for several of its Westinghouse and Chef 540mm upright electric stoves after the detection of a potential fault with insulation from within the stove which can become displaced posing a possible fire hazard.
“In some cases, prongs affixing the foil-backed insulation blanket encasing the oven cabinet have failed, causing the insulation under the oven floor to come apart. The floor under the stove may heat up and even scorch the flooring material depending on the type of floor-covering and how long the oven is operating,” Electrolux said in a statement.
The faulty ovens, which were manufactured in that company’s Adelaide factory, include the Westinghouse PAK130W, PAK140W, PAK143W, PAK144W, PAK161B, PAK501R and PAK501RS models, as well as the Chef EBC5201W, EBC5211W, EBC5231W, EBC5241W, EBC5261W and EBC5271W, with the serial number between 61400000 – 62800211.
According to Electrolux, any stoves purchased prior to 1 May 2006 are unaffected, however those consumers with the offending products have been advised to cease use of the oven feature immediately. Hot-plates and grills however are still able to be safely operated.
Electrolux retail customers have been contacted and informed of the product safety recall.
“Customers or users of any of the affected stoves should call toll free 1800 001 218 to arrange a free service call.
“Customers must have their model and serial number available when calling the toll free number. The service call to rectify the problem should take between 10 to 15 minutes for which there will be no charge,” the statement said.
The toll free number will be open from 7:30am to 7pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 1pm on weekends.