ACCC recalls popular home heater due to safety concerns
By
Danielle F.
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During winter, Australians look for ways to keep homes warm without cranking up the central heating.
As of recently, portable heaters have become a popular choice due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness.
However, a recent safety recall raised serious concerns about these devices.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Product Safety issued an urgent recall notice for the Ozzi Heat Portable Wall Heater.
The plug-in heater was available for sale on the Ozzi Mozzie website between 27 April and 22 September 2024.
According to the ACCC's recall notice, the Ozzi Heat Portable Wall Heater did not comply with Australian Standards.
'The product has integral plug pins that directly insert the heater into socket outlets,' the notice read.
'Risk of serious injury from burns if the heater causes wall fittings, socket outlets or fixed wiring to overheat and catch fire.'
This recall followed months of investigations by consumer advocacy groups into the safety of plug-in electric heaters.
Consumer advocacy group CHOICE reported that its United Kingdom counterpart also conducted safety tests on ten portable heaters—all of which showed alarming results.
All heaters failed their safety tests, as they could start fires or even explosions due to counterfeit fuses.
In response to these findings, CHOICE contacted the ACCC in February 2023 to alert them to the dangers of these heaters.
Subsequently, the electrical safety and performance standards for electric heaters were updated in 2023, effectively banning the certification of these mini heaters in Australia.
The ACCC urged users of the Ozzi Heat Portable Wall Heater to stop using it at home immediately.
Returns and refunds are also available for owners of the said product.
To initiate the return process, contact Ozzi Mozzie's customer care at [email protected].
Their team will guide you through the return process.
It's crucial to prioritise your home's safety when selecting heating options, especially when winter rolls in.
Always check if the heaters meet Australian Standards. When in doubt, consult with a professional before making a purchase.
This recall should be a stark reminder of the importance of product safety and the potential hazards that can arise from electrical devices.
You may read the full recall notice here.
Have you had any experiences with portable heaters that you would like to share? Do you have tips on staying warm safely during the colder months? We invite you to join the conversation in the comments below.
As of recently, portable heaters have become a popular choice due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness.
However, a recent safety recall raised serious concerns about these devices.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Product Safety issued an urgent recall notice for the Ozzi Heat Portable Wall Heater.
The plug-in heater was available for sale on the Ozzi Mozzie website between 27 April and 22 September 2024.
According to the ACCC's recall notice, the Ozzi Heat Portable Wall Heater did not comply with Australian Standards.
'The product has integral plug pins that directly insert the heater into socket outlets,' the notice read.
'Risk of serious injury from burns if the heater causes wall fittings, socket outlets or fixed wiring to overheat and catch fire.'
This recall followed months of investigations by consumer advocacy groups into the safety of plug-in electric heaters.
Consumer advocacy group CHOICE reported that its United Kingdom counterpart also conducted safety tests on ten portable heaters—all of which showed alarming results.
All heaters failed their safety tests, as they could start fires or even explosions due to counterfeit fuses.
In response to these findings, CHOICE contacted the ACCC in February 2023 to alert them to the dangers of these heaters.
Subsequently, the electrical safety and performance standards for electric heaters were updated in 2023, effectively banning the certification of these mini heaters in Australia.
The ACCC urged users of the Ozzi Heat Portable Wall Heater to stop using it at home immediately.
Returns and refunds are also available for owners of the said product.
To initiate the return process, contact Ozzi Mozzie's customer care at [email protected].
Their team will guide you through the return process.
It's crucial to prioritise your home's safety when selecting heating options, especially when winter rolls in.
Always check if the heaters meet Australian Standards. When in doubt, consult with a professional before making a purchase.
This recall should be a stark reminder of the importance of product safety and the potential hazards that can arise from electrical devices.
You may read the full recall notice here.
Key Takeaways
- The ACCC issued a recall for the Ozzi Heat Portable Wall Heater due to safety concerns.
- The recalled product did not meet Australian Standards and posed a serious risk of burns due to potential overheating.
- Consumers should stop using the heater immediately and return it to Ozzi Mozzie for a full refund.
- The ACCC's recall followed CHOICE's concerns about the safety of similar plug-in electric heaters.