CAPLE fridges safety notice warning
Caple has issued a safety notice for certain fridge models manufactured between 2007 and 2008. A component inside affected fridges can overheat and, in some cases, present a small risk of fire. The notice was originally issued in 2015 and has been reissued to reach any remaining affected units that may still be in use.
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.
Which Models Are Affected?
The safety notice applies to the following Caple fridge models:
- Ri551
- Ri731
- Ri732Fa
Not all fridges with these model numbers are affected – only those manufactured within specific production date windows. You must check the serial number to confirm whether your fridge requires the safety modification.
How to Check Your Serial Number
The serial number on affected Caple fridges is a 20-character alphanumeric code. The production date is encoded in digits 14 and 15 of this code.
Counting from the left, positions 14 and 15 in this example are 77. If your serial number has one of the codes listed below in those positions, your fridge is affected.
Affected production date codes (digits 14 and 15)
| Affected codes |
|---|
| 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 7A, 7B, 7C |
| 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 8A, 8B, 8C |
If your fridge has one of the affected model numbers and digits 14 and 15 of the serial number match any of the codes above, the fridge is affected and must be modified.
What to Do If Your Fridge Is Affected
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Locate the serial number label on your Caple fridge. Caple’s website includes guidance on where to find it on each affected model.
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Write down the full serial number and identify digits 14 and 15.
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Compare these digits against the affected codes listed above.
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If your fridge is affected, contact Caple immediately using the details on their website. Do not continue to use the appliance until the modification has been carried out.
Full information on locating the serial number and how to arrange the safety modification is available on the Caple Appliances website.
These fridges were manufactured in 2007 and 2008. They may have changed hands or be in second homes, rented properties, or garages. If you know of an old Caple fridge from this era that might be one of the affected models, please share this notice with the owner.
More appliance safety notices
Hotpoint Fridge Freezer Safety Notice
This page records a safety concern that was raised about specific Hotpoint fridge freezer models and the subsequent official clearance issued by Whirlpool and the UK Government. The affected models are FF175BP (white) and FF175BG (graphite), manufactured between March 2006 and July 2009.
Investigations by the UK Government and Whirlpool confirmed there are no safety issues with these models. Owners can continue to use them as normal. The full statement is reproduced below.
Affected Models
The models that were subject to the safety review are:
- FF175BP (white)
- FF175BG (graphite)
Both models were manufactured between March 2006 and July 2009.
Background
Following reports in 2017 that a fridge freezer may have been the source of the Grenfell Tower fire, Hotpoint initially identified these two models as warranting investigation. An initial safety notice was issued, and owners of the affected models were advised to check their appliances while the investigation was carried out.
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry was a formal public inquiry that ran for several years and examined the causes and circumstances of the fire in detail. The cause of the fire and the wider circumstances were the subject of extensive investigation by multiple authorities. This page does not seek to summarise the Inquiry’s findings, which are a matter of public record.
Official Outcome: No Safety Issue Found
Following investigation by both the UK Government and Whirlpool (the parent company of Hotpoint), the safety notice was withdrawn. Whirlpool issued the following statement:
“Investigations by the UK Government and Whirlpool have confirmed there are no safety issues with Hotpoint fridge freezer models FF175BP (white) and FF175BG (graphite). As previously advised, owners of these products can continue to use them as normal.”
Hotpoint subsequently removed the original safety notice from their website following this clearance.
More appliance safety information
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.
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.
LEC TF2304W Fridge Freezer Safety Notice
The affected model is the LEC TF2304W in White, manufactured between January 2004 and October 2006. Contact GDHA on freephone 0800 110 5728 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) with the model and serial number ready. GDHA will arrange a free home visit to carry out the modification.
GDHA (the manufacturer behind LEC) has issued a safety notice for the LEC TF2304W fridge freezer manufactured between January 2004 and October 2006. The defrost timer can fail and overheat, creating a potential fire risk. A free home-visit modification is available for all affected appliances. Contact GDHA immediately if you own one.
Which Appliance Is Affected?
Model
LEC TF2304W – White only. This is a frost-free fridge freezer manufactured by GDHA under the LEC brand.
Manufacture period
January 2004 to October 2006. The model and serial number are on a label inside the fridge compartment. Have these ready when you call GDHA.
The fault
In a small number of cases the defrost timer can fail and overheat. Frost-free fridge freezers contain a heating element that periodically defrosts the evaporator coil – the defrost timer controls when this heater runs. A failed or overheating timer presents a fire risk. This is the same type of fault identified in Beko frost-free fridge freezers, where at least 20 fires and one death were reported.
What to Do
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Locate the model and serial number. The label is inside the fridge compartment on the interior side wall or at the rear. Note both the model number (TF2304W) and the serial number before calling.
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Call GDHA on freephone 0800 110 5728. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. GDHA will confirm whether your specific appliance is affected and arrange a free home-visit to carry out the modification.
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Do not leave the appliance unattended overnight while waiting for the modification, particularly if the fridge freezer has been showing any unusual behaviour such as running more than normal or making unusual sounds. For a fridge freezer with a known defrost timer fault, minimising unattended running time is a sensible precaution.
The freephone number and modification programme above were published at the time of the original safety notice. As with all manufacturer safety programmes, contact details may have changed. If the number above does not connect, search for GDHA or LEC customer service contacts directly. The original recall notice was published on the Trading Standards safety notices list at tradingstandards.uk – search for LEC if the direct link is not available.
Unlike a washing machine or dishwasher, switching off a fridge freezer causes food to spoil. If your appliance is confirmed as affected and has been showing symptoms of overheating, consider whether the contents can be transferred temporarily to other cold storage. If the appliance is working normally with no unusual symptoms, continue using it while arranging the modification as a priority.
All Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Notices
Beko Frost-Free Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeThe same type of defrost timer fault in Beko fridge freezers – at least 20 fires and one death reported. Check if your Beko is affected.
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.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce fire and electrical risks from large appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my LEC fridge freezer is affected?
The affected model is the LEC TF2304W in White, manufactured between January 2004 and October 2006. Check the label inside the fridge compartment for the model and serial number. Call GDHA on 0800 110 5728 with these details to confirm whether your specific appliance is within the affected production batch.
Is the modification free?
Yes. GDHA is offering a free home-visit to carry out the defrost timer modification on all affected appliances. There is no charge to the customer.
Should I switch off the fridge while waiting for the engineer?
If the appliance is working normally with no unusual symptoms, GDHA’s position is that it can continue to be used while the modification is arranged. If it has been showing signs of unusual behaviour – running excessively, making unfamiliar sounds, or producing unusual heat – take extra precautions and try to arrange the modification visit urgently. Switching off a fridge freezer causes food to spoil, so this decision depends on the individual circumstances.