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Fire hazard of Samsung top-loaders

Tom ChapmanThe Kimberley Echo
Burnt out Samsung washing machine.
Camera IconBurnt out Samsung washing machine. Credit: Supplied

Recalled Samsung top-loader washing machines remain in Australian homes, creating a serious fire hazard that puts lives at risk.

We want anyone who has a Samsung top-loader to check the model number on the back of the machine above the barcode, and make sure it’s not a recalled machine listed at www.samsung.com/au/ washingmachinerecall.

The recalled models, including SW75V9WIP, SW65V9WIP, SW70SPWIP, SW80SPWIP, WA85GWGIP and WA85GWWIP, were manufactured between 2010 and 2013.

You may have bought one new from the shops seven to 10 years ago, or second-hand any time in the last decade.

Exactly 14,483 units were sold in WA, and in a progress report released late in January, Samsung reported 11,247 units in WA were resolved — meaning they’ve been reworked, exchanged or the consumer has had a refund.

That leaves 3236 outstanding, though we think a number will have been dumped at the tip due to the age of the machines.

Affected units have an internal fault whereby condensation can penetrate an electrical connector causing deterioration which may in turn cause a fire.

Most recently, this happened in Armadale in October 2019, but thankfully no one was hurt.

In that instance, the consumer was entitled to recover damages from Samsung for consequential loss or damage suffered as a result of the faulty product.

It’s really important for anyone who finds out they have a recalled washing machine to disconnect it from the power supply immediately, not use it again, and contact Samsung on 1800 239 655 for a refund and removal.

As this is regarded as a major fault, repair is not an option.

Affected consumers will get their money back and the supplier should dispose of the dangerous machine.

Recalled machines should not be re-sold, given away or placed on the verge for bulk rubbish collection because the aim is to remove any possibility of them being used by people who may not realise they are dangerous.

Contact Consumer Protection on email at consumer@dmirs.wa. gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.

Tom Chapman is the senior regional officer for Consumer Protection in the Kimberley.

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