Washing machines exploding
A known design and manufacturing fault in certain Hotpoint, Indesit, Hoover, and Candy washing machines produced between 2007 and 2009 can cause the inner drum to split or come apart on spin, forcing laundry and metal drum fragments through the outer plastic casing at high speed. If you own one of these machines, check whether your model is affected using the official safety notices below and reduce spin speed as a precaution.
If the door glass has shattered or exploded, that is a separate issue covered in our guide on washing machine door glass danger. Continue reading this article only if the drum has burst through the top or sides of the machine.
Drum failure at high spin speed is a serious safety hazard. When an inner drum splits or separates at its seams at 1400 or 1600rpm, the centrifugal forces involved can project debris across a room at significant velocity. This is not a theoretical risk – incidents have been reported in the UK and internationally.
What Is Happening and Why
The inner stainless steel drums of affected machines are splitting at their seams or coming apart during high-speed spin cycles. When this happens, the laundry and fragments of the drum can burst through the plastic outer drum and through the lid and control panel of the machine.
Several factors contribute to this fault:
- Modern machines spin at much higher speeds than older designs – many at 1400 or 1600rpm – placing far greater stress on the drum and its seams
- Outer drums are now made from plastic rather than the heavier steel used in older machines. Plastic outer drums are more susceptible to being breached if the inner drum fails
- There is credible evidence that component specifications – motors, suspension, and drum construction – have not been upgraded to match the increased stress of higher spin speeds
Which Machines Are Affected?
The fault was identified primarily in Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines, with additional reports involving Hoover and Candy machines. Machines produced during periods in 2007 to 2009 have been identified as potentially affected – particularly models with 1400rpm or 1600rpm spin speeds.
Hotpoint and Indesit have issued official safety notices. Check your model number against these notices to determine whether your specific machine is listed as affected. Note that the absence of a model from the official notice does not guarantee it is completely safe – the notices were issued reactively and do not necessarily cover all affected production.
What to Do if You Own an Affected or Potentially Affected Machine
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Check your model number against the official safety notices above. If your model is listed, follow the manufacturer’s instructions – which may include a free repair or replacement. -
Keep people and pets out of the room when the machine is on spin, particularly during the final high-speed spin cycle. This is good practice for all washing machines and appliances generally. -
Reduce the spin speed if your machine allows it. Selecting 1000rpm instead of 1400 or 1600rpm significantly reduces the forces involved. At lower spin speeds a drum failure is less likely and, if it did occur, less violent. See our guide on washing machine spin speeds. -
Do not leave the machine running unattended – particularly on high-speed spin programmes. This is standard safety advice for all large appliances including dishwashers and tumble dryers.
Reducing spin speed and keeping the room clear are precautionary measures, not guaranteed prevention. If your model number appears on the official safety notice, the only certain solution is to follow the manufacturer’s remedy process.
Why This Happened: A Manufacturing and Regulatory Failure
The response from manufacturers to initial reports was inadequate. Early statements claimed UK machines were not affected, which proved incorrect. Later statements suggested only two models were involved, which also proved incorrect. Official safety notices were not issued proactively but only after sustained pressure from consumer groups and media coverage – which delayed the time at which affected owners became aware of the risk.
The broader lesson is that higher spin speeds impose significantly greater mechanical stress on all components – drums, seams, suspension, and the outer casing. When a drum seam fails at 1600rpm the consequences are categorically more serious than at 800rpm. The industry trend toward ever-higher rated spin speeds without corresponding improvements in component quality deserves scrutiny at a regulatory level.
Concerned About Appliance Safety?
Related Guides
Exploding door glass is a separate issue to drum failure – what causes it and what to do.
The genuine safety risks from unattended appliances – fire, flood, and mechanical failure.
What spin speed ratings mean, how to choose the right speed, and when lower is better.
An honest look at the fire, flood, and mechanical risks from domestic white goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean if a washing machine “explodes”?
In this context, it refers to the inner stainless steel drum splitting at its seams or coming apart during high-speed spin. The centrifugal forces at 1400 to 1600rpm can then project the laundry and metal drum fragments through the plastic outer drum and through the machine’s lid and control panel, throwing debris across the room.
How do I know if my washing machine is affected?
Check your model number against the official Hotpoint and Indesit safety notices linked above. The affected machines were primarily produced during 2007 to 2009. If your model is listed, follow the manufacturer’s remedy process. If it is not listed, the official notice does not guarantee it is safe – the notice was issued reactively and may not cover all affected production runs.
Can I make my machine safer without replacing it?
Partially. Reducing the spin speed to 1000rpm or lower significantly reduces the mechanical stress on the drum and the consequences if a failure does occur. Keeping the room clear of people and pets during spin provides a margin of safety if something does go wrong. These are precautions, not guarantees. If the model appears on the official notice, the manufacturer’s remedy is the only certain solution.
Why weren’t customers warned sooner?
Manufacturers initially disputed that UK machines were affected, then later claimed only two models were involved – both of which proved incorrect. Official safety notices were not issued proactively but only after sustained pressure from consumer groups and media coverage including BBC Watchdog. The delayed response meant many owners of affected machines remained unaware of the risk for a significant period.
Hotpoint dishwasher fire risk safety notice
The affected models are Hotpoint FDW20, FDW60, and FDW65A – manufactured between June 2006 and March 2007. Not all units are affected; specific serial number ranges apply. If the first five digits of the serial number fall between 60601 and 70331, the dishwasher is affected. Check the inside of the door for a green sticker – if one is present, the modification has already been carried out.
Certain Hotpoint dishwasher models have been identified as carrying a potential fire hazard caused by an electrical component that may overheat. If your dishwasher matches the model and serial number criteria below, stop using it and contact Hotpoint immediately.
Hotpoint has acknowledged awareness of cases where an electrical component in certain dishwasher models has failed, leading to overheating and in some cases a potential fire risk. Approximately 71,000 dishwashers were identified as potentially affected. For ITV News coverage including photographs of the internal heat damage that can occur, see the ITV News report on the Hotpoint safety notice.
How to Check If Your Dishwasher Is Affected
Step 1: Check the model number
The model number is usually on a sticker on the side of the door. The affected models are:
Hotpoint FDW60
Hotpoint FDW65A
Step 2: Check the manufacture date
The affected units were manufactured between June 2006 and March 2007. If your machine is from outside this period, it is not affected by this safety notice.
Step 3: Check the serial number
Not all units from this period are affected – only specific production batches. The serial number is 9 digits long. If the first 5 digits fall between S/N 60601 and S/N 70331, your appliance is affected.
Already modified?
If a green sticker is visible on the inside of the door, the modification has already been carried out and the appliance is safe to use. If there is no green sticker and your model and serial number are within the affected range, stop using the appliance and contact Hotpoint.
Hotpoint previously maintained a dedicated safety page and customer service line (08448 910094) for this notice. As is common with manufacturers after the initial publicity period, this page may have been removed from their website despite the likelihood that not all affected appliances have been modified. If you have any concerns, contact Hotpoint directly to confirm whether your appliance requires a modification.
What to Do If Your Dishwasher Is Affected
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Stop using the dishwasher immediately. Do not use it again until Hotpoint have confirmed it has been inspected and modified.
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Contact Hotpoint. Use Hotpoint’s current customer service contact details to report your appliance and arrange an engineer visit. Explain that your model and serial number fall within the affected range and that no green modification sticker is present.
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Do not assume the risk is low enough to continue using it. Hotpoint’s description of the risk as “rare” does not mean it is acceptable to continue using an appliance with a known fire hazard – particularly one that may be left running unattended.
If a family member or neighbour has a Hotpoint dishwasher, pass this information on. The affected models are over 15 years old and owners may not be aware a safety notice was ever issued, or may not have taken action at the time.
More Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Guides
A separate fire risk safety notice affecting Bosch, Neff, and Siemens branded dishwashers.
Fire, flood, and electrical risks from white goods – what the data shows and how to reduce your risk.
Practical steps every household can take to reduce the risk of fire, flood, and electrical faults from large appliances.
The risks of running large appliances when no one is home – what the evidence shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hotpoint dishwasher models are affected by this safety notice?
The affected models are the Hotpoint FDW20, FDW60, and FDW65A, manufactured between June 2006 and March 2007. Not all units from this period are affected – the serial number must also fall within the affected range, with the first five digits between S/N 60601 and S/N 70331.
How do I find the model and serial number on my Hotpoint dishwasher?
The model and serial number are usually on a sticker on the side of the door – visible when the door is open. The serial number is 9 digits long. Check the first 5 digits against the range S/N 60601 to S/N 70331 to determine whether your unit is within the affected batch.
There is a green sticker inside my dishwasher door – is it safe?
Yes. A green sticker on the inside of the door indicates that Hotpoint has already carried out the necessary modification to the appliance. No further action is needed.
The Hotpoint safety page no longer seems to exist – what do I do?
Contact Hotpoint customer services directly, providing your model number and serial number and explaining that you are enquiring about the FDW series fire risk safety notice. Manufacturers sometimes remove dedicated safety pages after the initial publicity period despite not all affected appliances having been modified.
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
A separate fire risk safety notice affecting certain Hotpoint fridge freezer models.
Fire risk safety notice affecting certain Beko fridge freezer models.
Practical steps every household can take to reduce fire, flood, and electrical risks from large 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
A full list of tumble dryer brands and models subject to fire risk safety notices in the UK.
A separate fire risk safety notice affecting White Knight tumble dryer models.
Fire, electrical, and flood risks from domestic white goods – what the data shows.
Practical 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
A full list of tumble dryer brands and models subject to fire risk safety notices in the UK.
A separate fire risk notice affecting Beko 6kg and 7kg condenser tumble dryers from 2012.
Fire, electrical, and flood risks from domestic white goods – what the data shows.
Why 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
A separate safety notice affecting certain Hotpoint fridge freezer models.
A fire risk safety notice affecting certain Beko fridge freezer models.
A fire risk notice for Hoover frost-free fridge freezers from a specific production period.
A 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.