LG Direct Drive safety notice
LG issued an advisory safety notice in 2020 for certain 8kg 6 Motion Direct Drive washing machines. Under specific circumstances, water can leak onto the chrome badge or decal, potentially causing it to become live and deliver an electric shock. If you have one of the affected models, contact LG to arrange a resolution.
In certain circumstances, water ingress can cause the chrome decal on affected LG washing machines to become live. LG describes the risk as a “mild electric shock” and states that affected machines are safe to continue using, but recommends owners contact them. If you have an affected model, check your model number below and contact LG.
Which Models Are Affected?
The advisory applies to 8kg LG 6 Motion Direct Drive washing machines. The following model number prefixes are affected:
- 405KW***####
- 412KW***####
- 501PW***####
- 510PW***####
- 404KW***####
- 510KW***#####
Check the model number label on your machine – usually found inside the door opening or on the back of the appliance – and compare it against the prefixes listed above.
What to Do
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Locate the model number on your LG washing machine and check whether it matches one of the affected prefixes listed above.
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Contact LG directly to report the issue and arrange a resolution. The dedicated helpline number set up for this advisory was 0344 847 5454, available Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm.
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If the helpline number is no longer active, contact LG via their official website. Safety notice helplines are often only operational for a limited period.
The number 0344 847 5454 was set up specifically for this advisory notice and may no longer be in operation. If you cannot reach it, contact LG through their main website for current contact details.
At the time this advisory was reported, the notice did not appear to be prominently listed on LG’s own website. If you are having difficulty finding information about this issue through LG’s website, contact their customer service team directly and refer to the 8kg 6 Motion Direct Drive electric shock advisory from 2020.
More appliance safety notices
Some Hotpoint & Indesit washing machines have electric shock risk
Hotpoint and Indesit issued an official safety notice regarding an electric shock risk on certain washing machines manufactured between 2007 and 2009. The issue was brought to light by BBC Watchdog. As these are now older machines, many will have already been identified and dealt with – but if you own a Hotpoint or Indesit washing machine from this period, it is worth checking whether yours is affected.
Certain Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines manufactured between 2007 and 2009 are subject to an official safety notice due to a risk of electric shock. No specific model numbers are listed in the notice – the absence of model numbers may indicate that all Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines manufactured in this period could potentially be affected.
Background
The issue was initially raised by BBC Watchdog. At that stage, Hotpoint and Indesit conducted a risk assessment under the General Product Safety Regulations and classified the risk as “very low” – concluding that no direct consumer notification was required at that time.
The manufacturers subsequently revised their position and issued a formal safety notice. They also stated that they had identified a way to reduce the risk from “very low” to “extremely low”. The safety notice does not give specific details of how an electric shock could be received.
Hotpoint described the electric shock risk as very small. However, any confirmed electric shock risk on a household appliance warrants checking, particularly as the modification to reduce the risk is available through the manufacturer.
Is Your Washing Machine Affected?
If you own a Hotpoint or Indesit washing machine that may have been manufactured between 2007 and 2009, check whether it is affected using the manufacturer’s own checker and follow their instructions if it is.
Visit the Hotpoint safety notice page to check your model: check your Hotpoint or Indesit appliance on the Hotpoint website. If the page is no longer available, contact Hotpoint directly via their main website.
More appliance safety notices
Haier and Bush washing machine Safety Notice
Certain Bush and Haier washing machines sold through Argos have been recalled due to a fire risk. If you own one of the models listed below, stop using it immediately and contact the recall helpline on 0800 888 6124.
This safety notice covers a potential fire risk in certain Bush and Haier washing machines sold exclusively through Argos. An electronic component in the control panel may overheat and in certain circumstances presents a risk of fire.
According to Argos, a defective electronic component in the control panel “can lead to localised damage and present a risk of fire.” If you own one of the affected models, stop using it and contact the recall helpline immediately.
Bush Washing Machine Models Affected
- BUSH WM 1270TVE (White) and BUSH WM 1270TVEME (Silver)
- BUSH DIHWD1270TVE (White) and BUSH DIHWD1270TVEME (Silver)
- BUSH WM1470TVE (White) and BUSH WM1470TVEME (Silver)
- BUSH DIHWD1470TVE (White) and BUSH DIHWD1470TVEME (Silver)
Haier Washing Machine Models Affected
- HAIER HWD1470TVE (White) and HAIER HWD1470TVEME (Silver)
- HAIER HWD1270TVE (White) and HAIER HWD1270TVEME (Silver)
- HAIER 1470TVE (White) and HAIER 1470TVEME (Silver)
Phone: 0800 888 6124
Email: [email protected]
Washing machine safety notices – Washing machine safety issues and warnings
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
Washing Machine Door Glass DangerExploding door glass is a separate issue to drum failure – what causes it and what to do.
Is It Safe to Leave the Washing Machine On?The genuine safety risks from unattended appliances – fire, flood, and mechanical failure.
Washing Machine Spin Speeds ExplainedWhat spin speed ratings mean, how to choose the right speed, and when lower is better.
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?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.
Safety recall on Twin Tub Washing Machine sold at Argos
Argos catalogue number 019/8541 – a twin tub washing machine sold at Argos – has been recalled due to a design fault that presents an electric shock risk. Return the product to any Argos store for a full refund. The recall was issued on 4 October 2010.
A safety recall has been issued for the Twin Tub Washing Machine sold at Argos under catalogue number 019/8541. The construction of the product could lead to electric shock. Stop using it immediately, do not use it again, and return it to any Argos store for a full refund.
Official Recall Notice
“We have been advised by our Quality Assurance Department of a safety concern with this product. The construction of the product could potentially lead to an electric shock. Please STOP USING the product immediately and return the product to store for a refund.”
Argos Quality Assurance – recall issued 4 October 2010
What to Do
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Stop using the machine immediately. Do not use it again under any circumstances. Unplug it from the wall socket.
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Return it to any Argos store. A full refund is available. You do not need to return it to the specific store where it was purchased.
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If you cannot get to a store, contact Argos customer services. The contact details published at the time of the recall were: UK freephone 0845 640 2020 or Republic of Ireland 1 800 535 091 (lines open 9am to 5pm). Note that these numbers may no longer be active given the age of the recall – use Argos’s current customer service contact details if these do not connect.
If a twin tub washing machine of the same model was purchased from a different retailer, contact that retailer immediately. The same design fault that prompted the Argos recall may apply to identical units sold elsewhere under different catalogue or product numbers. Do not continue using the machine until you have confirmed it is not affected.
This recall was issued in October 2010. If you are only now discovering this notice – perhaps through buying the machine second-hand – stop using it immediately and contact Argos. Electric shock risks are not reduced by the age of the recall.
All Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Guides
Electric Shocks or Tingles From a Washing MachineWhy any shock or tingle from a washing machine must be treated as a serious safety issue immediately.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce electrical and fire risks from large appliances.
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?An honest look at the real electrical and fire risks from domestic white goods.
All Appliance Safety NoticesA full list of product recalls and safety notices covering white goods appliances published on Whitegoods Help.
Miele Washer-extractors safety notice
This notice affects commercial Miele washer-extractors only – these are not domestic washing machines and are unlikely to be in private homes. They are typically found in care homes, hotels, laundries, and similar commercial settings. Affected machines are identified by the label PW60…Vario on the fascia panel, and a dataplate showing Mod: PW60…Vario LP and No. 55/… on the inner door face.
Miele has issued a safety warning for commercial washer-extractors in the PW 6055 Vario and PW 6065 Vario series produced since 30 November 2009. Hot water and foam can suddenly escape through the detergent dispenser drawer when the Kitchen Linen programme is used. Keep children away from the machine and contact Miele immediately to arrange a free electronic control update.
Official Notice From Miele
“From this information it has been noticed that HOT WATER/FOAM may suddenly escape through the detergent dispenser drawer under a certain combination of conditions in the KITCHEN LINEN programme on commercial washer-extractors from the PW 6055 and PW 6065 series produced since November 30, 2009.”
Miele & Cie. KG – official product warning
Which Machines Are Affected?
Step 1: Check the fascia panel (left-hand side)
The model range is shown on the fascia panel on the left-hand side of the machine. Only machines labelled PW60…Vario are affected.
Step 2: Check the dataplate on the inner door face
The dataplate is located on the inner face of the door. Only machines showing Mod: PW60…Vario LP and No. 55/… are affected.
Production date
Only machines from the PW 6055 Vario and PW 6065 Vario series produced since 30 November 2009 are covered by this notice.
What to Do
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Do not run the Kitchen Linen programme. This is the specific programme under which the hazard occurs. The machine can continue to be used on other programmes while awaiting the service visit, but the Kitchen Linen programme must not be selected until the electronic control update has been carried out.
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Keep children well away from the machine. Hot water can escape suddenly from the dispenser drawer without warning. This is a scalding risk.
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Contact Miele immediately – your Miele dealer, Miele service agent, or Miele directly. Miele will update the electronic controls on-site at no charge. An appointment will need to be arranged for the service visit.
This is a commercial appliance safety notice. The Miele PW 6055 and PW 6065 are professional washer-extractors used in commercial laundry settings – care homes, hotels, hospitality, and similar environments. They are not domestic washing machines. If you manage a property or facility where one of these machines is in use, pass this notice to whoever is responsible for the equipment.