A safety notice has been issued (in 2012) for another white goods appliance with a potential fire risk. This time it’s for a White Knight tumble dryer.
White Knight say one of the electrical connectors fitted to 1800 White Knight Condenser dryers (built in Oct 2010) has been discovered to be sub standard, and can potentially lead to overheating of the appliance. They are warning it could create a potential fire hazard.
Models affected
- 0312 76A 15002 (77AW)
- 0312 767 15009 (767C)
- 0312 76A 15010 (77AW)
- 0312 76A 15330 (77AS)
- 0312 76A 31000 (CL76AWH)
Models above MUST also be in the serial range below to be affected
Even if you have one of the models listed, your particular tumble dryer may not be affected. You also need to check its serial number. Only models produced within a certain time frame are reportedly affected.
So if you have one of the models listed, the next thing to do is check whether your appliance has a serial number from the following list of affected batches. Note that the model and serial number can be found inside the door of your dryer.
- 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 070800, 070954, 070865
- 072013, 070864 and 070738
Not sure about your serial number?
The way serial number ranges work is your serial number needs to be within the ranges quoted. That is the number should not be higher or lower . So in the first example, 1041 107080 to 1041 107598, if you had a serial number that was 1041 107079 it is not affected. The first part of the number is one increment lower.
Likewise if you had a serial number that was 1051 107598 it is also out of the range. The affected number starts with 1041 there is this one starts with 1051. You just have to treat the serial numbers as actual numbers.
NOTE: All affected dryers have serial numbers starting 104.. or 07.. so if you have one of the models listed but your serial number doesn’t start with 104.. or 07.. then it’s not affected according to White Knight. If it does start with 104.. or 07.. then it still needs to fall within the ranges listed to be affected.
The serial numbers quoted beginning with 07 are admittedly a little confusing because unlike the others those numbers aren’t ranges, they are just serial numbers but that’s how the official safety notice reports them. It looks like they have just picked out 6 unique serial numbers which makes no sense. If you have one beginning with 07 and are in doubt phone UK Freephone 0800 952 1102. However, the affected dryers are supposed to have been made in 2010 so if you bought yours much later than that it shouldn’t be affected.
What to do if your dryer is affected
Remember, only the models listed above, with serial numbers within any of the above lists are affected. If your dryer has a serial number within any of the affected batches, then STOP using it and disconnect it from the mains outlet as a precautionary measure. You can telephone White Knight on the following telephone number and they will arrange for your dryer to be replaced free of charge. If in doubt – contact White Knight.
Full details on this safety notice have been removed by White Knight
This article linked to a web page by the manufacturer giving details and help on what to do. They’ve since removed it as manufacturers always do. This is despite people still only just finding out about it and looking for help. I’ve found an old archived copy of the page.
Several Which? Trial Offers available to allow you to research all future purchases and see expert reviews and recommendations. Easily save a lot more money than it costs. I know I do.
Kym says
I have a tumble dryer which is listed above to be faulty what do I do? I have only just found this site as the plug melted into the socket and caused a fishy smell.
Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp) says
Hello Kym, the article above says what to do under, “WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DRYER IS AFFECTED”
Donna says
My dryer nearly caused a fire last week luckily I caught it in time and no damage was done I have only had my dryer for no more than 3 years. I cannot see my serial number above?
MOD – 0312 372 15190/23
Serial – 1147574573
Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp) says
Hello Donna. It looks like your serial number falls outside the range listed by White Knight. They only go up to 1126 … but your serial number starts with 1147 ..
However, your model number is similar. I have known cases before when manufacturers have said an issue only affects certain models and serial numbers, but then later had to extend their range of affected appliances so you might want to contact them to see what they say just in case.
Having said that, all tumble dryers as well as other appliances can catch fire for various reasons and faults which may not be connected to this specific appliance safety notice so until a competent engineer looks at it you can’t know why it happened.
Mary Noonan says
My white knight tumble dryer serial number 1526 760581 .model number C767C .Is it a fire risk as I’m a senior citizen and worried . thank you
Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp) says
Hello Mary, all appliances are potential fire risks so it’s best to never leave them running when no one is in the house or people are asleep. Other than there’s not much else we can do apart from looking after them, using as instructed in the manual and keeping all filters clean etc. Your model and serial numbers don’t appear to match this specific fire risk notice. The models affected were made in October 2010 so if yours is a fair bit older or newer it should be unaffected. Obviously I have to advise that if you want to make 100% sure you can contact the manufacturer using the information in my article above.
Related advice – Fire risks in appliances
Pamela Brumpton says
Hi my White knight tumble dryer serial number is 0919472288 model 031276A 15002/21 is this particular on at risk ,I think it may be .
Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp) says
Anyone concerned needs to read my article above. It gives explicit instructions on what to do, including White Knight’s helpline telephone numbers and website.
Amy Orland says
i have white knight condenser tumble dryer Model 0312 96A, serial 1308064082 purchased 04/07/13 is my dryer a fire risk
Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp) says
Amy, the safety notice says it only affects models built in Oct 2010 and the model numbers listed above are not your model or serial number.