By Claire Reilly
Electrolux Home Products, which is responsible for the Australian distribution of Simpson whitegoods, has issued a recall of selected Simpson washing machines due to the risk of electric shock.
The Simpson EZI-Set top-loader Clothes Washing Machine was sold between 1 March 2011 and 13 September 2012 at specialty electrical retailers and department stores across Australia.
The affected machines can be identified by the model numbers SWT704 and SWT754 and a serial number within the range of 10350001 to 23659999 or, “in a small number of cases, any number prefixed with the letters A, B or C” the ACCC said in a recall statement.
The model and serial numbers are found on the top right on the back of the machine.
According to the ACCC, “incorrect assembly of the control board may, in some instances, result in a powered component contacting the mounting screws securing the board behind the program selector knob.
“If the program selector knob is removed, the power left on, and the screws touched, there is a danger of electric shock.”
Consumers are advised that the machine can continue to be used safely but that the machine should be switched off at the power point when not in use. The ACCC also reiterated that consumers should not remove the selector knob and that only qualified Electrolux technicians should attempt service or repair.
Consumers can organise for a free service by an Electrolux technician to correct the fault by calling 1800 001 218 (between 7am and 7pm EST Monday to Friday), or by emailing simpson.help@electrolux.com.au. Details can also be registered on Simpson’s product recall website.