An increase in the rate of electrical product recalls this previous year has highlighted the serious need for consumers to stay on top of potential dangers in their home. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released results from the 2015 – 2016 report which show some serious concerns for the quality of electrical products in our country.
As a faulty electrical product can have serious and fatal consequences, it’s crucial to remain aware of what products are operating in your home.
Why is there an increase in recalls?
The recent increase in product recalls has likely emerged for two reasons. Firstly, as many suppliers are now sourcing parts and labour from other countries there appears to be a lax in the manufacturing of products. The deputy chair of the ACCC believes that because the suppliers no longer have direct oversight of every step of the process, more and more faulty products are able to slip through the cracks.
Another possible reason for the increase in recalls comes from the suppliers, given recent punishment handed out to other corporations for providing faulty electrical products. Just recently, Woolworths had to pay a $3 million fine for supplying faulty goods and failing to provide a recall which has prompted others to report their recalls as well.
How can I tell if a product is faulty?
The safest way to ensure your electrical products are safe is to arrange an inspection with an electrician. A qualified electrician will be able to check your appliances for faults and assess the safety of your home overall. However, act immediately if you notice any of your electrical products doing the following:
- Overheating – if the appliance feels hotter than usual or is too hot to touch, there may be a problem.
- Smoke – if you see smoke or fire coming from an appliance then remove it immediately from the power outlet.
- Tripping power supply – if your home’s electricity goes off every time you try to power up the device then it should be disconnected straight away.
- Dripping liquid – any appliance which leaks water or other liquids should be removed immediately.
- Noise – if your electrical products are making strange noises such as buzzing or crackling then it’s likely faulty and should be removed from the power supply.
In addition to the supplier and manufacturer’s faults, there are some other things you should be aware of with your electrical products. Keep an eye on frayed cords, leads, overloaded circuits, built up dust and dirt, and the appliance’s proximity to water. All of these can lead to potentially fatal situations and should be rectified immediately.
What can you do about it?
With electrical products making up the third largest group of recalls this last year, and one with potentially fatal outcomes if not addressed urgently, it’s never been more important to pay attention to the appliances in your home.
To keep a close eye on recalled products, both electrical and otherwise, you can head directly to the ACCC Product Safety website. From there you can check a current list of recalls, and even report your own concerns. Once you’ve reported the fault to either the manufacturer of the faulty product or the ACCC directly, you can then begin the process of receiving a repair, replacement or refund.
Faulty electrical products pose a very serious threat to your home and family, so the health of your appliances is paramount. If you are on Sydney’s North Shore or Northern Beaches, for a thorough and professional inspection of your home and any potential risks, we invite you to contact our team at Everest Electrical on 0410 229 139.