Safety Alert: Serene Classic Bathroom Heaters
Product Identifiers
Serene Classic S2068 wall mounted bathroom heaters
The prohibited S2068 heater is described as:
· Wall mounted fan heater with step-down thermostat with pull-cord on-off switch, for fixed-wired installation in bathrooms and similar locations with mirror polished or white stainless steel metal shell with die cast grille
Dimensions: 300 mm wide, 210 mm high and 110 mm deep, and the prohibited S2068 heaters have a serial number in the following ranges:
· VH145173 – VH147003
· VK154294 – VK160567
· WF167045 – WF168874
The Hazard!
WorkSafe NZ have published a prohibition notice for the sale (including an offer to sell), and use (including installation) of the Serene Classic S2068 wall mounted bathroom heater, pursuant to Regulation 87 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010.
Serene S2068 heaters manufactured in March 2021 have a manufacturing defect, there have been several fires and overheating events.
There is a significant risk of people being seriously harmed and property being damaged from electricity going through these heaters.
What to do...
· Check if your heater is a Serene model S2068 with a serial number in the range listed in the Product Identifiers section - you will find this information on the top side of the unit when mounted on the wall.
· If you have this heater, do not use it, and if it is installed in your property, get an electrical worker to make it safe by isolating it from the electrical supply,or contact your landlord to arrange this, and they can dispose of it safely.
The Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) guarantees that products must be of acceptable quality, including safe to use. Where a product is unsafe — or doesn't meet mandatory product safety requirements — you have the right to a refund, repair, or replacement. MBIE suggests consumers who have this heater return it to the supplier they purchased it from to discuss the most appropriate remedy under the CGA.
Product Identifiers
Serene Classic S2068 wall mounted bathroom heaters
The prohibited S2068 heater is described as:
· Wall mounted fan heater with step-down thermostat with pull-cord on-off switch, for fixed-wired installation in bathrooms and similar locations with mirror polished or white stainless steel metal shell with die cast grille
Dimensions: 300 mm wide, 210 mm high and 110 mm deep, and the prohibited S2068 heaters have a serial number in the following ranges:
· VH145173 – VH147003
· VK154294 – VK160567
· WF167045 – WF168874