CAPLE fridges safety notice warning
Caple has issued a safety notice for Ri551, Ri731, and Ri732Fa fridges manufactured in 2007 and 2008, after a fault was identified that can cause a component to overheat and create a small fire risk. If you have one of these models, check the serial number against the production date codes below. If your fridge is affected, stop using it and contact Caple immediately to arrange a free safety modification.
Caple has issued a safety notice covering certain fridge models manufactured between 2007 and 2008. A component inside affected fridges can overheat and, in rare cases, present a small risk of fire. The notice was originally issued in 2015 and has been reissued since to reach any remaining units still in use – including those in rental properties, second homes, garages, and outbuildings where they may have been forgotten.
If you have a Caple fridge from this period, check whether it is affected using the serial number guide below and contact Caple immediately if it is. Do not wait – stop using the appliance until it has been assessed or modified by Caple.
Which Caple fridge models are affected?
The safety notice applies to three Caple fridge models manufactured in a specific production window. The model number is printed on the rating plate, usually inside the fridge near the top of the food compartment, on the side wall, or behind the salad drawer.
- Caple Ri551
- Caple Ri731
- Caple Ri732Fa
Not every fridge with these model numbers is affected – only those manufactured within specific production date windows in 2007 and 2008. The serial number is the only way to confirm whether a particular fridge needs the safety modification.
If you are not sure where to look, our guide on how to find an appliance model number covers all the common locations for built-in and freestanding fridges.
How do I check my Caple serial number?
The serial number on affected Caple fridges is a 20-character alphanumeric code. The production date is encoded in characters 14 and 15 of that code, counting from the left.
For a serial number of BC0C40E0C00BG77W0093, characters 14 and 15 are 77. If your serial number has one of the date codes listed below in those positions, your fridge is affected and must be modified.
Affected production date codes (characters 14 and 15)
| Production year | Affected character pairs |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 7A, 7B, 7C |
| 2008 | 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 8A, 8B, 8C |
If your fridge has one of the affected model numbers and characters 14 and 15 of its serial number match any pair in the table, the fridge is affected and must be modified before further use.
What should I do if my Caple fridge is affected?
Caple carries out the safety modification free of charge. The process is straightforward but it does require the appliance to be unplugged and not used until the modification has been completed.
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Find the serial number label. The label is usually inside the fridge near the top, on the side wall, or behind the salad drawer. Caple’s own website shows the exact location for each affected model.
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Write down the full 20-character serial number. Identify characters 14 and 15 by counting from the left.
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Compare the two characters against the table above. If they match any pair shown, your fridge is affected.
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Stop using the fridge. Switch it off at the wall, transfer food to another fridge or freezer if possible, and leave the door slightly ajar to prevent mould.
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Contact Caple directly to arrange the safety modification. Use the contact details on the Caple Appliances website – they will arrange the repair at no cost to you.
The most current contact details, model-specific serial number locations, and modification booking information are available on the Caple Appliances website. Always use the manufacturer’s official channel for safety modifications.
These fridges were manufactured in 2007 and 2008 and many will have changed hands since. They may now be in rented properties, second homes, holiday lets, garages, or outbuildings where the original safety notice never reached the current owner. If you know of an old Caple fridge from this era, share this notice with whoever uses it.
Other current fridge and appliance safety notices
Caple is not the only manufacturer to have issued a fridge or freezer safety notice in recent years. If you have an older appliance, it is worth checking whether your model is affected by any active recall.
Frequently asked questions
Which Caple fridge models are affected by the safety notice?
The Caple safety notice covers three model numbers – Ri551, Ri731, and Ri732Fa – but only fridges manufactured in 2007 or 2008. Whether a specific fridge is affected depends on characters 14 and 15 of the 20-character serial number. The codes 71-79, 7A-7C, 81-89, and 8A-8C indicate an affected production date.
What is the actual fire risk with these Caple fridges?
The fault relates to an internal component that can overheat under certain conditions. Caple describes the risk as small but real, which is why the modification is free of charge and mandatory rather than optional. The exact technical detail of the modification is not normally given to consumers – what matters is that affected units should not continue in use until repaired.
Can I keep using my Caple fridge until the engineer arrives?
No. The advice from Caple is to stop using the appliance once you have confirmed it is affected, and not to use it again until the safety modification has been carried out. Switch it off at the wall, move perishable food to another fridge or freezer where possible, and leave the door slightly open to prevent mould building up while the appliance is out of service.
Is the Caple safety modification free of charge?
Yes. Manufacturer-issued safety modifications are always free to the owner, regardless of how old the appliance is or whether the original guarantee has expired. You do not need a receipt, proof of purchase, or any form of warranty cover to claim the modification.
What if I bought the Caple fridge second-hand?
The safety modification applies to the appliance regardless of who owns it now. If you bought the fridge second-hand, contact Caple directly with the model and serial number – they will arrange the modification at no cost. You do not need any paperwork from the previous owner.
Where do I find the serial number on a Caple fridge?
The rating plate carrying the model and serial number is usually inside the food compartment – near the top, on the side wall, or behind the salad drawer. If you cannot find it, our guide on how to find an appliance model number covers all the common locations.
2 Comments
Grouped into 1 comment thread.
Is there any indisit fridge freezers to look out for that may be dangerous
Likely replying to Charlotte mepham
Hello Charlotte. I don’t think I have any for Indesit although I can only publish ones I’ve heard about. It’s possible my collection is missing some. The rest of my safety notices are here –
Fridge and freezer safety notices
Safety notices ALL appliances
Appliance safety section