Heater recall

Published: 12.08.2009

An Energy Safety (ES) investigation into a Goldair oil filled column heater has resulted in a voluntary product recall after a child with breathing difficulties was admitted to hospital. The child had inhaled a heater oil vapour consequential to an electrical fault.

The heater was sent to a test laboratory for analysis. The laboratory established the fault to be a breakdown of wiring insulation due to the temperature of the heater exceeding the operating temperature limit of the wiring insulation held in contact with it. Electrical flashover occurred between the live conductor and the metal end cover causing small holes to be punctured in the metal panel resulting in leakage of oil and fumes.

This does not comply with the applicable electrical safety standard for heaters and therefore a recall notice was published by the supplier in all the major papers throughout the country.

There have also been a number of significant house fires notified to ES which appear to have been initiated from various other makes of oil filled column heaters throughout the country. The damage caused by the fires made it difficult to separate any potential electrical problem from user error.

Important safety issues to consider with these types of heaters are their relatively low surface temperatures which may make the oil-filled heaters appear safer than most other types of heater. This may entice consumers to cover the heaters for the purpose of airing or drying clothing or place the heater in a confined space.

A general reminder to all consumers is to apply the heater meter rule. Keep the heater at least a meter away from everything.

Related link to safety tips with heaters