'Important' recall: Bathroom heater causes at least 18 fires

People are continuing to be urged to check their bathrooms for a potentially dangerous recalled heater, which authorities say is now illegal and has caused at least 18 fire events.

Since May 2024, the S2068 Serene Bathroom Heaters have been recalled after they were found to have a defect by WorkSafe NZ.

This defect resulted in a number of fires — at least two of which have occurred since the recall was first issued — and it is now illegal to use the heater, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said.

MBIE business specialist Ian Caplin said: "Checking your bathroom and seeing if you have one of the recalled heaters in there is the first step in making sure you, and your family's home is safer."

"It's incredibly important that these heaters are removed as soon as possible.

"We have heard from suppliers that some people may have chosen to ignore the recall notice after being approached.

"If you have one of these heaters, it's important to know that these products have been recalled because they can cause serious harm, so they shouldn't be ignored."

MBIE recommends people first contact the business they purchased the S2068 model from to arrange the return of goods under the Consumer Guarantees Act for either a safe replacement if available, or a refund.

"It doesn't matter if you rent your home or own it, if you have one of the recalled heaters, contact the electrician who installed it, the company you bought it from, or your landlord, and ensure its disconnected and replaced with a safe and fit for purpose model," said Caplin.

"Landlords are responsible for the heaters that they have provided in rental homes they own. Ensuring they are safe is part of that responsibility.

"Suppliers in New Zealand also have a responsibility to provide consumers with a remedy when a product is deemed unsafe which is why having a recalled product remedied won't cost the consumer."

People can visit the Product Safety website for more information.

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