Hoover Frost Free Fridge Freezers safety notice
The affected appliances are Hoover frost-free fridge freezers manufactured between week 34 of 2011 and week 34 of 2012. The fault is in the defrost heater element, which can overheat and in certain circumstances cause a fire. Check your model number against the list below. If your model is listed, contact Hoover directly to arrange an inspection or modification.
Hoover has issued a safety notice warning that overheating can occur in certain frost-free fridge freezers and in some circumstances this could result in a fire. If you have a Hoover frost-free fridge freezer produced between week 34 of 2011 and week 34 of 2012, check whether your model is listed below and contact Hoover immediately if it is.
Frost-free refrigeration appliances contain a small heating element used to defrost the evaporator coil automatically. Hoover has identified a potential fault in this defrost heater – supplied to them by a component manufacturer – where overheating can occur. In certain circumstances this overheating could cause a fire.
Which Models Are Affected?
The following Hoover model numbers have been listed as affected. The affected units were manufactured between week 34 of 2011 and week 34 of 2012. Check the model number sticker on your appliance – usually found inside the fridge compartment on the side or rear wall.
HNC6185AE
HNC6185W
HNC6185WE
HNC6200A
HNC6200WE
The model numbers above reflect the affected list at the time of publication. Hoover may have added further models since then. Do not assume your appliance is safe if the model number does not appear here – contact Hoover directly to confirm, particularly if the appliance was manufactured between week 34 of 2011 and week 34 of 2012.
What to Do If Your Appliance Is Affected
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Locate the model number. The model number and serial number sticker is usually inside the fridge compartment, on the interior side wall or at the back. Note both the model number and the manufacture date or week.
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Contact Hoover. Hoover previously maintained a dedicated safety notice page and contact route for this issue. As is common after the initial publicity period, this page may no longer be active. Contact Hoover customer services directly, providing your model number and confirming the manufacture date falls within the affected period.
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Do not leave the appliance unattended overnight until it has been inspected. A fridge freezer with a known defrost heater fault presents a fire risk, particularly during the defrost cycle which may run in the early hours of the morning. Until an engineer has inspected and confirmed the appliance safe, exercise caution about leaving it running overnight or when the property is unoccupied.
Unlike a dishwasher or washing machine, a fridge freezer cannot simply be switched off while waiting for an engineer visit without the contents spoiling. This makes the decision more difficult – but be aware of the risk and consider whether the contents can be transferred to another appliance or ice boxes as a temporary measure if there is any concern.
Why Safety Notice Pages Disappear
Hoover previously had a dedicated page for this safety notice with full checking instructions and contact details. As is routine practice among appliance manufacturers, this page was removed once the initial media coverage of the notice subsided. This is a recurring problem – many people discover safety notices long after the original publicity, often when buying second-hand, moving house, or simply researching an older appliance. The removal of safety pages means this information is no longer readily available from the manufacturer at the point when a new owner might need it most.
If Hoover’s safety information is not accessible online, contact their customer service team directly. Persistence may be required – explain clearly that you have a model within the affected production period and request written confirmation of whether your specific unit has been modified.
All Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Notices and Guides
Hotpoint Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeA separate fire risk safety notice affecting certain Hotpoint fridge freezer models.
Beko Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeFire risk safety notice affecting certain Beko fridge freezer models.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce fire, flood, and electrical risks from large appliances.
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?An honest assessment of the fire and electrical risks from domestic white goods and refrigeration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the fire risk in affected Hoover fridge freezers?
The fault is in the defrost heater element. Frost-free fridge freezers contain a small heating element that runs periodically to prevent ice build-up on the evaporator coil. In affected units, a fault in this heater – identified as a component supply issue – can cause it to overheat, which in certain circumstances may lead to a fire.
How do I find the model number on my Hoover fridge freezer?
The model number and serial number are usually on a sticker inside the fridge compartment – on the interior side wall or at the back. The sticker typically also shows the manufacture date or production week. Note both the model number and the manufacture date when checking against the affected list.
The Hoover safety notice page is no longer available – what should I do?
Contact Hoover customer services directly, providing your model number and the manufacture date. Explain that you are enquiring about the frost-free fridge freezer defrost heater safety notice from 2012. Request written confirmation of whether your specific unit has been inspected and modified. Persistence may be needed as the safety programme may no longer be actively managed.
Can I keep using the fridge freezer while waiting for an engineer?
This is a difficult decision because switching off a fridge freezer causes food to spoil. If your model is confirmed as affected and has not been modified, consider whether food can be transferred to another appliance or cooled storage temporarily. At minimum, be cautious about leaving the appliance running overnight or when the property is unoccupied until it has been inspected.
Beko condenser tumble dryer safety notice
Beko 6kg and 7kg condenser tumble dryers purchased between May and October 2012 are subject to a fire risk safety notice. Beko is offering a free modification to affected machines. Check whether your machine is affected using the Beko dryer safety checker and arrange the modification as a priority.
Beko has issued a fire risk safety notice covering 6kg and 7kg condenser tumble dryers purchased between May and October 2012. Beko’s own advice is to stop using any potentially affected dryer immediately and disconnect it from the wall socket. Do not use it again until a free modification has been carried out.
Which Machines Are Affected?
- Type: Beko condenser tumble dryers
- Drum sizes: 6kg and 7kg models
- Purchase period: May 2012 to October 2012
Not all machines sold in this period will be affected – the Beko safety checker allows you to verify whether your specific model and serial number are within the affected batch. The checker and full details of what to do are on the Beko dryer safety page.
Visit the Beko dryer safety checker to enter your model number and confirm whether your machine is affected. If the safety checker page is no longer available – manufacturer safety pages are sometimes removed after the initial publicity period – contact Beko customer services directly with your model number and purchase date.
What to Do
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Stop using the dryer immediately if you believe it may have been purchased between May and October 2012 and is a 6kg or 7kg condenser model.
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Disconnect it from the wall socket. Beko’s specific advice is to unplug the machine as a precaution – do not leave it plugged in even if not in use.
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Check whether your machine is affected using the Beko dryer safety checker or by contacting Beko directly.
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Arrange the free modification. Beko is carrying out a free modification on affected machines. Contact them to arrange an engineer visit.
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Do not use the dryer again until the modification has been confirmed as completed by an engineer.
If you know someone who has a Beko condenser dryer purchased around this period, pass this information on. Safety notice pages are often removed by manufacturers once the initial publicity subsides, meaning owners who were not aware at the time may never discover that their machine was affected.
All Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Notices and Guides
Tumble Dryer Fire Risk Safety NoticesA full list of tumble dryer brands and models subject to fire risk safety notices in the UK.
White Knight Tumble Dryer Fire RiskA separate fire risk safety notice affecting White Knight tumble dryer models.
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?Fire, electrical, and flood risks from domestic white goods – what the data shows.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce appliance fire and electrical risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Beko tumble dryer is affected?
The affected machines are 6kg and 7kg Beko condenser tumble dryers purchased between May and October 2012. Use the Beko dryer safety checker to enter your model and serial number and confirm whether your specific machine is in the affected batch. If the safety checker page is no longer accessible, contact Beko customer services with your model number and purchase date.
Can I keep using my Beko dryer while waiting for the modification?
No. Beko’s own advice is to stop using the dryer immediately and disconnect it from the wall socket. This is the manufacturer’s specific instruction and should be followed until an engineer has confirmed the modification has been completed.
Is the modification free of charge?
Yes. Beko is carrying out the modification free of charge on all affected machines. Contact Beko to arrange an engineer visit.
White Knight Tumble Dryer Fire Risk
Approximately 1,800 White Knight condenser dryers built in October 2010 are potentially affected. Both the model number and the serial number must fall within the affected ranges. The model and serial number sticker is on the inside of the dryer door. If in doubt, contact White Knight on their dedicated freephone number.
White Knight has issued a fire risk safety notice for certain condenser tumble dryers built in October 2010. A sub-standard electrical connector can cause overheating and a potential fire hazard. If your dryer matches the model and serial number criteria below, stop using it immediately, disconnect it from the mains, and contact White Knight to arrange a free replacement.
Step 1: Check the Model Number
The model and serial number are on a sticker inside the door of the dryer. The following five models are covered by this notice:
0312 767 15009 (767C)
0312 76A 15010 (77AW)
0312 76A 15330 (77AS)
0312 76A 31000 (CL76AWH)
If your dryer is not one of the five models listed, it is not affected by this notice. If it is one of the models listed, proceed to step 2.
Step 2: Check the Serial Number
Having one of the models above is not enough on its own – only machines with serial numbers within the specific affected ranges are covered by this notice. Affected serial numbers all begin with either 104 or 07. If your serial number does not begin with one of these prefixes, your dryer is not affected.
| Affected serial number ranges |
|---|
| 1041 107080 to 1041 107598 |
| 1042 117759 to 1042 118046 |
| 1042 118761 to 1042 119460 |
| 1042 122230 to 1042 122329 |
| 1043 132621 to 1043 133490 |
| 1044 136464 to 1044 136613 |
| 1044 142276 to 1044 142775 |
| 1044 145676 to 1044 145975 |
| Plus individual serial numbers: 070800, 070954, 070865, 072013, 070864, 070738 |
Your serial number must fall numerically between the two numbers shown. For example, if the range is 1041 107080 to 1041 107598, a serial number of 1041 107079 is not affected (one below the lower limit) and a serial number of 1051 107598 is not affected (starts with 1051, not 1041). Treat each serial number as a single number and compare it directly to the range. If you are unsure whether your serial number starting with 07 is in the affected list, call the freephone number below.
What to Do If Your Dryer Is Affected
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Stop using the dryer immediately and do not use it again until it has been replaced.
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Disconnect it from the mains socket. White Knight’s specific advice is to unplug the machine as a precaution – do not leave it plugged in even if it is not in use.
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Contact White Knight to arrange a free replacement. White Knight offered a complete dryer replacement at no charge for affected machines. Their dedicated freephone number for this notice was 0800 952 1102. This number may no longer be active – if it does not connect, contact White Knight through their main customer service channels.
White Knight’s dedicated safety notice website has been taken down, as is common practice once the initial publicity period ends. An archived version of the original page is available via the Wayback Machine archive. If you are only now discovering this notice – perhaps through buying the dryer second-hand – contact White Knight directly to confirm whether your machine qualifies for the free replacement programme.
If you know someone who has a White Knight condenser dryer that may be from this period, pass this information on. Safety notices are often discovered years after they were originally issued, particularly by second-hand buyers who have no way of knowing their appliance was subject to a recall.
All Tumble Dryer Safety Notices
Related Safety Notices
Tumble Dryer Fire Risk Safety NoticesA full list of tumble dryer brands and models subject to fire risk safety notices in the UK.
Beko Condenser Tumble Dryer Safety NoticeA separate fire risk notice affecting Beko 6kg and 7kg condenser tumble dryers from 2012.
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?Fire, electrical, and flood risks from domestic white goods – what the data shows.
Tumble Dryer Fire Risk From Blocked FiltersWhy blocked lint filters are a fire hazard – not just a safety notice issue but an everyday maintenance concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my White Knight dryer is affected?
Both the model number and the serial number must match the affected lists. Check the sticker inside the dryer door. The model must be one of the five listed in this notice, and the serial number must fall within one of the affected ranges. All affected serial numbers begin with 104 or 07 – if yours does not, the dryer is not affected.
Can I keep using the dryer while I contact White Knight?
No. White Knight’s specific advice is to stop using the dryer and disconnect it from the mains immediately if it is in the affected batch. Do not use it until a replacement has been confirmed and arranged.
What if I bought my White Knight dryer second-hand and missed this notice?
Contact White Knight directly with your model and serial number. The recall programme offered a free replacement – whether this is still available for late claims is a question for White Knight. It is always worth asking. An archived version of the original safety notice page is available via the Wayback Machine link above.
CDA PC62SS American Fridge Freezers safety notice
If you own a CDA PC62SS American fridge freezer manufactured between March 2005 and June 2006, contact CDA immediately to arrange a free inspection and repair. Call 01949 862012 or email [email protected]. CDA will review your specific appliance and schedule an engineer visit if required.
CDA has issued a safety notice for the PC62SS American fridge freezer manufactured between March 2005 and June 2006. A potential component failure can in rare cases cause internal sparking and appliance damage. CDA is arranging free home-visit repairs for all affected owners.
Fridge freezers are among the most concerning appliances for fire risk precisely because they run continuously and cannot simply be switched off while waiting for an engineer. This makes it especially important to act on this notice promptly.
Which Appliance Is Affected?
Model
CDA PC62SS – American style fridge freezer
Manufacture dates
March 2005 to June 2006. Check the model and serial number sticker inside the fridge compartment to confirm the manufacture date of your specific appliance.
The fault
A potential component failure that can in rare cases cause internal sparking, which may result in damage to the appliance. CDA classifies this as a potential safety issue requiring a home inspection and repair for all units in the affected production period.
What to Do
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Check the manufacture date. The model and serial number sticker is usually inside the fridge compartment on the side or rear wall. Confirm your appliance is a PC62SS manufactured between March 2005 and June 2006.
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Contact CDA immediately. Call 01949 862012 or email [email protected]. CDA will conduct a more detailed review to confirm whether your specific appliance is affected and arrange a home-visit appointment if required.
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Do not switch the appliance off unnecessarily. Unlike a washing machine or tumble dryer, a fridge freezer cannot simply be turned off while waiting – the contents will spoil. However, ensure your home is not left unoccupied for extended periods while the inspection is pending, and arrange the repair visit as quickly as possible.
The contact details above were published by CDA at the time of the original safety notice. As with many manufacturer safety programmes, these details may have changed over time. If you are unable to reach CDA via these contacts, try their main customer service line or current website to obtain updated contact details for the safety programme.
All Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Notices
Hotpoint Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeA separate safety notice affecting certain Hotpoint fridge freezer models.
Beko Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeA fire risk safety notice affecting certain Beko fridge freezer models.
Hoover Frost-Free Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeA fire risk notice for Hoover frost-free fridge freezers from a specific production period.
LEC Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeA separate safety notice affecting LEC TF2304W fridge freezer models.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my CDA fridge freezer is affected?
The affected model is the CDA PC62SS American fridge freezer, manufactured between March 2005 and June 2006. Check the sticker inside the fridge compartment for the model name and manufacture date. If your appliance is a PC62SS from this production period, contact CDA to arrange a review and inspection visit.
Should I switch the fridge freezer off while waiting for the engineer?
This is more difficult with a fridge freezer than with other appliances because switching it off causes food to spoil. The fault is described as a rare risk rather than an immediate danger. The priority is to contact CDA promptly and arrange an inspection visit as quickly as possible. If you have other cold storage available, transferring the most perishable items and reducing the load on the fridge is a reasonable precaution while waiting.
Is the repair free of charge?
Yes. CDA organised a free home-visit repair programme for all affected PC62SS appliances. Contact CDA directly to confirm the current arrangements for the programme.
Beko Frost Free Fridge Freezers safety notice
Affected appliances were manufactured between January 2000 and October 2006. The serial number on the label inside the fridge will begin with 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, or 06. Over 500,000 appliances were sold in this period. Beko offers a free modification to the defrost timer for all affected units. Contact Beko as a priority if your appliance is in this production period.
Beko issued a safety notice for certain frost-free fridge freezers manufactured between January 2000 and October 2006. A fault in the defrost timer can cause overheating leading to fire. At least 20 fires were reported in London alone, with one fatality. All affected owners should arrange the free modification immediately. Check your model using the Beko safety checker: refsafety.beko.co.uk
What Is Causing the Fire Risk?
The defrost timer is the component responsible for triggering the heating element that periodically defrosts the evaporator coil in a frost-free fridge freezer. A fault in this timer can cause it to overheat. At the extreme end, this overheating can result in a fire producing significant toxic smoke. The BBC reported that some affected appliances had already been catching fire as far back as 2007 before the safety notice was widely publicised, and that at least 20 fires had occurred in London alone.
How to Check If Your Appliance Is Affected
Manufacture date
Affected appliances were manufactured between January 2000 and October 2006.
Serial number
The serial number is on a label inside the fridge compartment. If the serial number begins with 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, or 06, the appliance is potentially within the affected production period.
Beko’s checker tool
Use the Beko safety checker at refsafety.beko.co.uk to confirm whether your specific model is on the affected list. If this page is no longer accessible, contact Beko customer services directly with your model and serial number.
What to Do
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Check your serial number against the criteria above and use the Beko safety checker to confirm whether your appliance is affected.
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Contact Beko immediately to arrange the free defrost timer modification. This modification is free of charge for all affected appliances. Do not wait – arrange it as quickly as possible.
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Register your appliance if you have not already done so. When a serious safety issue arises, registered owners are the first to be contacted by the manufacturer. Unregistered owners may not find out about a safety notice until long after the initial publicity – or not at all. Always register new white goods appliances at the point of purchase.
Beko’s advice at the time of the notice was that owners whose appliances were working normally, with no unusual symptoms, could continue using them until the modification was arranged. The London Fire Brigade representative stated that fires appeared to be preceded by intermittent faults – suggesting an appliance showing no symptoms was not at immediate risk. However, only you can make this decision. If the appliance has been behaving unusually, or if you have any doubt, switching it off is the safer option even at the cost of food spoilage. If you do unplug it, do not open the door, contact Beko as quickly as possible, and transfer or use up food where you can before it spoils.
If You Lose Food Due to Unplugging the Appliance
If you unplug the appliance and suffer food loss as a result, you may have grounds to claim compensation from Beko or the original retailer as “consequential loss.” To support any claim:
- Photograph the food contents before they are discarded
- Note down every item and keep packaging where possible
- Calculate the total cost and keep receipts if available
- Document your attempts to contact Beko and any delays you experienced
Be aware that both the manufacturer and retailer may initially resist a consequential loss claim, even if the underlying appliance fault is accepted. If they do not comply, the small claims court is an available option. A court is likely to consider it reasonable that an owner unplugged an appliance upon learning of a documented fire risk from national news coverage, particularly if they could not reach Beko. See our guide on consumer rights and faulty appliances.
All Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Notices
Hotpoint Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeA separate safety notice affecting certain Hotpoint fridge freezer models.
Hoover Frost-Free Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeDefrost heater fault affecting Hoover frost-free fridge freezers from a specific production period.
CDA PC62SS Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeComponent fault affecting CDA American fridge freezers from 2005 to 2006.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce fire, electrical, and flood risks from large appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is the Beko fridge freezer fire risk?
Very serious. The safety notice escalated from a general overheating warning to national news coverage following reports of at least 20 fires in London alone and one fatality. Over 500,000 appliances were sold in the affected production period. The BBC reported that some fires had been occurring since at least 2007, before the notice was widely publicised. Anyone with an affected appliance should arrange the free modification as a priority.
How do I find my Beko fridge freezer’s serial number?
The model and serial number label is inside the fridge compartment – on the interior side wall or at the back. Affected serial numbers begin with 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, or 06, corresponding to appliances manufactured in those years between 2000 and 2006.
Is the modification free of charge?
Yes. Beko offered a free defrost timer modification for all affected appliances. Contact Beko to confirm the current arrangements for the modification programme.
Can I claim compensation if I lose food by unplugging the fridge?
You may have grounds to claim consequential loss from Beko or the retailer. Document the food contents, photograph them, calculate the cost, and keep records of your attempts to contact Beko. Manufacturers and retailers may initially resist such claims, but the small claims court is an available route if they do not comply. Consumer advice from Citizens Advice or a consumer rights service is worth seeking before pursuing a formal claim.
Bosch, Neff and Siemens dishwashers fire risk
Affected dishwashers fall within batch number range FD 7901 to FD 8504. Dishwashers outside this range are not affected. The batch number (FD number) is on a label inside the dishwasher door. If your appliance is within the affected batch range, use the BSH safety notice page to register and arrange the free repair.
The manufacturer has issued an important safety notice for certain Bosch, Neff and Siemens dishwashers manufactured between 1999 and early 2005. An electrical component may overheat and in rare cases cause a fire. A free in-home repair is available for all affected appliances. Check your batch number immediately using the guidance below.
Which Appliances Are Affected?
Affected brands
Bosch, Neff, and Siemens branded dishwashers. All three are part of the BSH Group and share the same appliance platforms and component supply.
Manufacture period
Dishwashers manufactured between 1999 and early 2005. Appliances outside this manufacture period are not affected.
Affected batch numbers
The batch number (FD number) must fall within the range FD 7901 to FD 8504. Dishwashers with an FD number outside this range are confirmed as not affected by this notice. The FD number is on a label on the inside of the dishwasher door.
Both conditions must apply: the dishwasher must be a Bosch, Neff, or Siemens brand, and the FD number must fall within FD 7901 to FD 8504. If either condition is not met, the appliance is not subject to this safety notice.
What to Do
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Find the FD number. Open the dishwasher door and check the label on the inside edge or door frame. Locate the FD number (batch number).
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Check whether your FD number falls within FD 7901 to FD 8504. If it does, your appliance is potentially affected. If it is outside this range, no action is required.
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Register for the free repair. Visit the BSH Group safety notice page and follow the instructions to register your appliance and arrange a free in-home repair visit. If this page is no longer accessible, contact Bosch, Neff, or Siemens customer services directly with your model number and FD number.
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Do not leave the dishwasher running unattended while waiting for the repair visit. Whitegoods Help always recommends not running dishwashers, washing machines, or tumble dryers overnight or when the property is unoccupied – for an appliance with a confirmed fire risk notice, this precaution is especially important.
If someone you know has a Bosch, Neff, or Siemens dishwasher that may be from this period, pass this information on. Safety notice pages are routinely removed by manufacturers after the initial publicity period, meaning owners who were not aware at the time – including second-hand buyers – may never be informed.
All Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Notices
Hotpoint Dishwasher Safety NoticeA separate fire risk notice for Hotpoint FDW series dishwashers manufactured in 2006 to 2007.
Beko Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeSerious fire risk safety notice for Beko frost-free fridge freezers from 2000 to 2006 – 20 fires and one fatality reported.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce fire, electrical, and flood risks from large appliances.
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?An honest assessment of fire and electrical risks from domestic white goods and how to manage them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the FD number on my dishwasher?
Open the dishwasher door and check the label on the inside edge of the door or on the door frame. The FD number (batch number) will be clearly labelled. It begins with “FD” followed by four digits. Your appliance is potentially affected if the number falls anywhere between FD 7901 and FD 8504.
My FD number is within the affected range – what should I do immediately?
Register on the BSH Group safety notice page to arrange the free in-home repair. Until the repair has been carried out, avoid leaving the dishwasher running when nobody is home or overnight. If you are concerned about using the appliance at all before the repair, a dishwasher can usually be managed without for a short period while waiting for an engineer visit.
Is the repair free?
Yes. The manufacturer is voluntarily undertaking a free in-home repair programme for all affected dishwashers. There is no charge to the customer for the repair visit or the component replacement.
I have a Bosch dishwasher but the FD number is outside the range – is it safe?
Yes. The manufacturer has confirmed that dishwashers with an FD number outside the range FD 7901 to FD 8504 are not affected by this notice. No action is required.