The Range issues urgent recall of popular energy-saving gadget due to fire risk – unplug it now
THE Range has issued an urgent recall of a popular energy-saving gadget.
The discount retailer has warned that the product could overheat and catch fire.
Shoppers who have recently purchased a Teddy Sherpa Electric Throw are being advised to unplug it and return it to stores immediately.
The Range said on its website: "This product has been recalled due to a safety issue which could potentially be a fire hazard.
"The blanket may overheat and cause the plastic cable covering to melt."
Not all Divante Teddy Sherpa Electric Throws are affected by this issue.
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However, if your product has a CSL/Batch Number of either 38157 or 38933, you should not use it.
These codes can be found on the label attached to the blanket.
The Range says that affected customers return the product to their local store for a full refund.
You can find your nearest store by visiting therange.co.uk/stores.
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If you are unsure whether your heated throw is affected, you can contact The Range by visiting therange.co.uk/contact.
Your product recall rights
By chief consumer reporter James Flanders:
Product recalls are an important means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods.
As a general rule, if a recall involves a branded product, the manufacturer would usually have lead responsibility for the recall action.
But it's often left up to supermarkets to notify customers when products could put them at risk.
If you are concerned about the safety of a product you own, always check the manufacturer’s website to see if a safety notice has been issued.
When it comes to appliances, rather than just food items, the onus is usually on you - the customer - to register the appliance with the manufacturer as if you don't there is no way of contacting you to tell you about a fault.
If you become aware that an item you own has been recalled or has any safety noticed issued against it, make sure you follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer.
They should usually provide you with more information and a contact number on its safety notice.
In some cases, the manufacturer might ask you to return the item for a full refund or arrange for the faulty product to be collected.
You should not be charged for any recall work - such as a repair, replacement or collection of the recalled item.
Electric blankets have become a must-buy for many as they are a cheaper way of keeping warm instead of relying on central heating.
Heating yourself rather than your entire home is more cost effective for those worried about rising energy bills.
Blankets cost just 3p per hour to run, on average and usually cost from around £30 all the way up to £100, depending on the model you choose.
But there are a number of risks many first-time users may be unaware of.
Those with the handy heating gadget should always roll their blanket as opposed to folding it.
This is because over time folding can weaken the wiring in the blanket.
If you don't have the space to store the blanket it can be left on your bed all year round, according to Electrical Safety First.
Using your electric blanket with an extension lead is a major no-no.
This is because it increases the risk of overloading the circuit and this could cause an electrical fire.
It's recommended that you do not sleep with an electric blanket on.
If it is left turned on for a long amount of time, the blanket may overheat and cause severe burns.
Electric blankets are designed only to pre-warm your bed only.
It is common knowledge that water and electricity are a deadly mix.
That's why it's imperative to keep your hot water bottle as far away from your electric blanket as possible.
And if you spill a drink or any water on the gadget switch it off and unplug it from the mains immediately.
OTHER PRODUCT RECALLS
Product recalls are common practice among retailers with items pulled from shelves for a host of different reasons.
In most cases, products are pulled because there is a safety risk to customers.
You can read more about your rights concerning a recalled product in our guide.
Another festive product has also recently been urgently recalled over injury fears.
John Lewis has been forced by safety officials to recall its latest Quality Street Sweet Glass Baubles due to their resemblance to the chocolates.
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Officials have warned that people risk being left with cuts to their mouth or hand if they try to take a bite of the bauble.
They were sold at John Lewis from September 1 to October 17.