Dishwasher safety checks appeal

Electrolux manufactures products sold in 150 countries

Electrolux is sending out engineers to check up to 7,000 customers' dishwashers owing to a fire risk.

The Swedish white goods giant estimates that just three dishwashers are faulty, but needs to find them among thousands sold since June 2006.

Customers with certain models are being told to stop using their dishwasher and make an appointment with an engineer.

The company, which sells 40 million appliances to customers in 130 countries, says the risk is minimal.

Fire risk

The safety notice, described as a "dishwasher market intervention" by the company, affects certain models of Electrolux, AEG-Electrolux and Zanussi-Electrolux products.

Customers should not ... try to repair it themselves Stephen Paish, Electrolux List of affected products

A component used could overheat or, in the worst cases, could catch fire. A company spokeswoman said a risk assessment estimated that just three dishwashers were affected.

But customers are being asked to check their dishwasher's product and serial numbers against a list and call a hotline for an appointment.

"Customers with an affected dishwasher should not use the product or try to repair it themselves until our service organisation has attended the appliance," said Stephen Paish, customer services director for Electrolux Major Appliances UK.

"They should switch the appliance off, but don't need to unplug it."

Customer advice

Customers should note the model, product number code (PNC) and serial number of the dishwasher printed on the rating plate on the right side of the dishwasher door. They can also be found in the user manual.

Details can be put into a search on the safety notices area of the company website at www.electrolux.co.uk

Those with a match should call 0800 707 6258 between 0800 and 1800 on weekdays or between 0900 and 1700 at the weekend to arrange a free visit by an engineer.

Alternatively, details including name, address, telephone number, dishwasher model, PNC and serial number can be e-mailed to [e-mail]

The company apologised for the inconvenience to customers and said no other products were affected.