Heater exhaust fan and light combination danger

Several brands of bathroom heater exhaust fan and light combinations (typically called bathroom 3-in-1 units, or 2-in-1 units if it has no fan) have been the subject of an electrical safety recall.

The hazard relates to the design of the units and use of plastic lamp holders for the heat lamps. There is evidence that these parts overheat and catch fire.

Currently the brands involved are Airflow Sunshine, Lanson and P&R brands.

The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) is looking into incidents involving other brands and more may be added to the recall list.

Visit the electrical safety recall section to see the items subject to a recall.

ESO response

The ESO has made representations to the Australian standards committee to have the relevant standard for these products improved to eliminate design issues that have resulted in this fire risk. The Australian Standard for these products has recently been strengthened to require the use of ceramic lamp holders for the heat lamps, and no longer allows for plastic lamp holders to be used.

Where there is evidence the design of the particular brand or model has a risk of fire then ideally the plastic heat lamp holders need to be replaced by ceramic type lamp holders to remove the risk of fire.

Items should be disabled until repaired or replaced.

Contractor liability

Electrical contractors should make themselves aware of the liability they may expose themselves to in inspecting, maintaining and repairing such units.

A recent incident occurred in an aged care facility in which over 100 units are installed. The item which caught fire had only just been inspected by a licensed electrician, who had been engaged by the company responsible for the recall, and given the ‘all clear’.

The ESO is investigating all parties in this incident to ensure their electrical safety obligations have been met.