Too hot to handle: Big W fan heaters a fire risk

March 14th, 2012

Home Collection and Abode Oscillating Fan Heaters have been recalled.

The risk of smoke, fumes and fire has caused a nationwide recall of the Big W and Woolworths fan heaters.

The potential hazard is due to the incorrect assembly of parts and faulty internal crimping which may result in wires coming into contact with the heating element, and catching fire.

No injuries have been reported, according to the advice notice from Woolworths. The products have been sold across Australia from March 2011 to 24th May 2011.

Check the label on the top of the heaters and at the base to see if you have a faulty heater

“Woolworths Supermarkets and BIG W apologies for any inconvenience caused,” said the company. It also said that no other Home Collection or Abode products have been affected.

“Customers are asked to immediately return the products to any Woolworths Supermarkets or Big W store for a full refund.”

The affected 2000-watt units can be identified by looking at the Home Collection or Adobe logo on the top of the fan where the settings are. The Model Number can be found at the base of the fan.

Home Collection 2000W Oscillating Fan Heater
Sold in Woolworths Supermarket stores
Ref No.: 317034
Model No.: NFE20O

Abode 2000W Oscillating Fan Heater
Sold in Big W stores
Keycode No.: 8126597
Model No.: NFE20O

Affected consumers have been encouraged to contact the company on the following numbers:

Woolworths Toll-free Customer Service number: 180 103 515 or

Big W Toll-free Customer Service number: 1800 251 311

Keri Algar

Having once had to sit on the washing machine to stop it from bouncing into oblivion, Keri is today delighted with the new (smoother running) technologies that make housework easier every day. A self-confessed lazy-bones, Keri seeks out quirky inventions that ease the human workload, such as the robotic vacuum cleaner (wow). And as soon as someone figures out a Jetsons-like self-cleaning house, she will happily lay her pen to rest and retire from appliance journalism. Until then, her pick is a fridge that will tell her smartphone when it's time to pick up more beer on the way home. Magic.