Product recalls have been a big feature in the news recently, but none more serious than the recall of electrical appliances. Unlike food scares that can make you ill and bedridden for days, faulty electrical products can be potentially fatal to you and your family.
Hoverboards, heaters, and surface tablets are among some of the more recent recall scares, prompting Australians to keep a closer eye on the appliances within their own homes which may pose a risk.
The biggest product recall in recent history was Apple’s iPhone wall plug adaptor, believed to have a technical fault that was responsible for electric shock. With just 12 cases since 2004, Apple stated this was more of a precaution than a serious risk. The company offered customers a brand new, redesigned adaptor in exchange for the outdated one, hoping to avoid any further serious incidents.
What Is a Product Recall?
A product recall simply means that a manufacturer has found one of their items to be faulty or at risk of harm. This is especially important to be made aware of for electrical products due to the serious risk carried with faulty appliances.
If a product is found to be faulty, there can be very serious risks attached. Most common is fire or electric shock, so each recall notice should be taken very seriously and attended to instantly.
A manufacturer will alert the media and any other governing bodies responsible for product recalls as soon as possible so that their recall notice can be advertised. They will then inform their customers on how to return the faulty item in exchange for a new one.
What to Do If a Product Is Recalled
If a product you’ve purchased has been recalled, there are a few simple steps to take to ensure you receive adequate compensation.
- Confirm that the recall notice applies to your product and specific model;
- Stop using the product immediately, even if it doesn’t appear visually faulty;
- Choose a return option for the product – most common is to return it to the store you purchased from, however, in some cases you may need to send it via post;
- Wait to hear from the manufacturer on the outcome of the recall, this could mean either a refund, repair or exchange.
Keeping Check on Your Family’s Safety
The Australian Government has its own website dedicated to product recalls as part of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Electrical items are located in a specific section, updated regularly with new recall notices.
If you think that a family member might own one of the recalled products, check with your children and partner to be sure. Especially in the modern age of technology, it can be hard to keep up with all of the electrical appliances present in your house.
Safety Inspections
Electrical safety at home doesn’t only concern recalled products. With many homes using outdated appliances and substandard products, there can be an increased risk of electric shock or fire as well.
To ensure your home is running the safest appliances, you can arrange a thorough safety inspection to be aware of any potential risks and hazards. Not only are any electrical appliances inspected, but light switches, smoke detectors, wiring, and power points too.
Here at Everest Electrical, we want to be sure your home is running as safely as possible. Let one of our friendly staff visit your house to conduct a comprehensive safety inspection for your peace of mind. Phone us today on 0410 229 139 for a chat about this potentially lifesaving service.