'Urgent' recall as 114,000 homeowners warned of heat pump electrocution risk

The affected models have been manufactured between 2017 and 2024. Picture: CCPC.

A major warning has been issued in relation to more than 100,000 circulating pumps which could pose a “serious risk of electrocution”.

The "urgent safety alert" has been issued by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) as 114,000 circulating pumps installed in heating systems in the country could present a serious risk of electrocution.

The affected products are Tucson 5m, 6m and 8m pumps, which were manufactured between 2017 and 2024.

While consumers can continue to use their heating systems as normal, they have been advised not to handle affected pumps as there is a serious risk of electrocution. This includes disconnecting, adjusting or attempting any maintenance on the pump.

CCPC product safety officers have launched an investigation into the pumps following a referral from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

As a result of the CCPC investigation, manufacturer Tucson Pumps is rolling out a major replacement programme. Consumers can have the pump replaced for free by an approved, qualified Tucson technician or service agent.

Tucson 5m, 6m and 8m pumps are affected, and can be identified by checking the serial number — the series of digits starting with S/N, listed on the label of the pump. 

Users have been urged not to make any contact with the electrical connection of the pump.

Serial numbers starting with any of the below mean the pump must be replaced.

• S/N A 
• S/N B 
• S/N C 
• S/N D44 
• S/N 2017 
• S/N 2018 
• S/N 2019 
• S/N 2020

The CCPC's Patrick Kenny said: “This is one of the largest product safety alerts ever issued by the CCPC, and one of the most serious. There are about 114,000 of these pumps in Irish homes.

“If you’ve had work done on your heating system in the last eight years, you need to check if you have one of these pumps. Check your heating system very carefully — do not touch the pump, just look for the Tucson brand, find the serial number and check it against the list on CCPC.ie. The affected pump can then be replaced for free by an approved Tucson technician or service agent.” 

Mr Kenny said they were particularly highlighting the issue to tradespeople.

“At this time of year, people are getting their heating systems serviced or upgraded, and any contact with the electrical connection of these pumps carries a risk of electrocution. Anyone working on heating systems must be very aware of the serious risk presented by these pumps, and retailers must check their stock and stop sales of the affected units immediately.”