Dishwashers recalled in UK still used here

A batch of dishwashers recalled in the UK because of a fire risk are still being stacked every day in Irish kitchens by appliance owners unaware of the potential hazard.

An investigation by RTÉ’s The Consumer Show reveals how one Dublin mother was left shaken when her Bosch dishwasher burst into flames last October.

Ger Corcoran put her dishwasher on for a cycle and went for a walk with her dog to post a letter.

However, within minutes, her 14-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter, who were in the house, smelled smoke and discovered the appliance was on fire.

They fled the house in Leopardstown in Dublin and called the fire brigade who got the blaze under control. The kitchen was extensively damaged. Ms Corcoran said she felt lucky to have avoi-ded a more tragic outcome.

“When you think of the amount of times you put on the dishwasher and you leave the house, it’s a very chilling thought, it’s frightening to think how close you could be to something more tragic happening.”

The show revealed that the make and model of the Corcorans’ dishwasher was one of a number of Bosch dishwashers recalled in the UK in Jul 2011. No such recall took place in Ireland.

It has been reported in the UK that there have been fires involving the batch of dishwashers while fire officials have said the appliances cause a “significant risk”.

Tadhg Enright, presenter on The Consumer Show, said: “The dishwashers being recalled in the UK have a problem with the soldering point in the control panel in the dishwasher and if the voltage goes over a certain level, it can overheat and it goes on fire.”

The Consumer Show was told an insurance investigator believed the fire in the Corcorans’ home started in the front panel of dishwasher. They were also informed that the insurance company handling the claim is planning on claiming from Bosch.

Bosch has said the fires in the UK were caused by fluctuations in the power supply. In a statement, the German manufacturer told The Consumer Show the dishwashers did not pose a threat in Ireland as the Irish national grid was not known to experience the same high voltage peaks as the UK.

“Our reports showed that the average voltage throughout Europe is 230. Within the UK, a voltage of 240V is commonly found with peaks of up to 250V and above on a permanent level,” it said.

However, The Consumer Show highlighted that since 2008 there is a standard voltage range that applies all across all of Europe which means appliances should function properly up 253V.

The ESB said appliances carrying the European safety mark or CE mark should have been tested and proved to function correctly in the range of 207V and 253V.

Brian McMenamin, director Ireland for BSH Home Appliances, said: “Although these dishwashers are between 8 and 14 years old it’s important for consumers to check their dishwashers and register their information with us so we can arrange a free of charge repair.”

* The Consumer Show airs on RTÉ One at 8.30pm.