Extension cables sold at Argos and B&Q recalled over electrocution and fire risk fears
A range of electronic products sold at stores like Argos and B&Q have been recalled over electrocution and fire risk fears.
Extension leads, flexible cables and smart sockets have been pulled from shelves or seen a safety notice issued this week.
Some of the products have been sold via B&Q, Argos, Amazon and Tradepoint.
They all pose a fire risk while some could cause electric shocks.
If you think you’ve bought one of the affected products, the suppliers are urging people to stop using them immediately and get in touch for a refund.
TCP – Smart Wi-Fi 2 Gang socket – White
The Smart Wi-fi 2 Gang socket in white from supplier TCP has also been recalled due to incorrect wiring instructions and design flaws.
This means the product, which is sold at Argos, has a high risk of giving customers an electrical shock.
The recall covers the socket with the product code of TAUWIS2GWUK, which has the catalogue number 763/0222 and the barcode of 8719638018890.
Argos has warned people to stop using the product and unplug all devices attached to it.
To receive a replacement, you can email customerservice@tcpi.eu with the product code TAUWIS2GWUK in the subject line.
Alternatively you can call Argos on 0802752669.
The retailer said: “Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
The Sun has contacted TCP and Argos for comment and whether customers will need to show their receipt.
TIME – 2 Core Flexible Cable
A safety notice has been issued for flexible cables from the manufacturer TIME due to incorrect amp rating being printed on the packaging.
The 2 Core Flexible Cables in question were sold at B&Q and Tradepoint between December 2020 and April 2021.
The printing error on the packages showed the amp rating of 25A when they should have read either 6A, 10A or 16A.
This could cause the product to be used for an installation which draws in too much current for its true capacity, potentially causing a risk of fire.
TIME flexible cables included in the safety notice
HERE are the products affected, their barcodes and their correct maximum amp ratings:
- TIME 2 Core Flat Flexible Cable 0.75mm² 2192YWhite 5M
Barcode: 5055268787007
Sheaf text visible on the cable: H03VVH2-F 2×0,75mm²
Correct amp rating: 6 amps
- TIME 2 Core Flat Flexible Cable 0.75mm² 2192YBlack 5M
Barcode: 5018486486404
Sheaf text visible on the cable: H03VVH2-F 2×0,75 mm²
Correct amp rating: 6 amps
- TIME 2 Core Flat Flexible Cable 0.75mm² 2192YGold 5M
Barcode: 5055268787014
Sheaf text visible on the cable: H03VVH2-F 2×0,75 mm²
Correct amp rating: 6 amps
- TIME 2 Core Flat Flexible Cable 0.75mm² 2192YGold 25M
Barcode: 5055268786796
Sheaf text visible on the cable: H03VVH2-F 2×0,75 mm²
Correct amp rating: 6 amps
- TIME 2 Core Round Flexible Cable 1.0mm² 3182YOrange 25M
Barcode: 5018486437840
Sheaf text visible on the cable: H05VV-F 2×1 mm²
Correct amp rating: 10 amps
- TIME 2 Core Round Flexible Cable 1.5mm² 3182YWhite 5M
Barcode: 5055268787038
Sheaf text visible on the cable: H05VV-F 2×1 mm²
Correct amp rating: 16 amps
- TIME 2 Core Round Flexible Cable 1.5mm² 3182YWhite 10M
Barcode: 5055268787045
Sheaf text visible on the cable: H05VV-F 2×1 mm²
Correct amp rating: 16 amps
B&Q advises customers to check with their installer whether the products may have been used.
If you’re in doubt over whether or not the wires have been installed, you’re urged to stop using it immediately.
You should then consult a qualified electrician or contact the TIME Cables helpline by calling 0800 531 6287 which is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm.
You can also email time-cables@pitacs.com
If it’s found that the product is not safe to continue using, TIME Cables will give you a full refund and send out a suitable replacement product.
The supplier said no receipt is required for a refund, but they will need to verify the purchase and the item before arranging to collect it from the customer.
They added: “Time Cables apologises that it has been necessary to issue this safety notice and for any inconvenience caused.”
The Sun has also contacted B&Q for comment.
SMJ Electrical extension lead
The recall covers an SMJ Electrical extension lead with the model number, F6W215 (8618N), which you can find on the packet.
The product has six sockets and a two-metre cord and comes in transparent packaging measuring 34cm by 15cm.
However, its wire strands can break if the cord is flexed, causing sparks that could lead to electric shocks or fires.
Those who believe they’ve bought this product are urged to stop using it immediately and contact the retailer where you bought it for further advice.
Products from SMJ Electrical are sold at stores like Halfords, B&Q, Travis Perkins and Staples.
The Sun has contacted the manufacturer for more information on which stores sold the product and whether a receipt is needed to claim a refund.
Pifco – 4-Way Surge-Protected Extension Lead
The 4-Way Surge-Protected Extension Lead from Pifco with the product number Pif2048 has also been recalled.
It has four sockets with a two metre cord that was sold in translucent packing measuring 20cm by 20cm.
You should be able to find the product number on the back of the packet.
Like the SMJ Electrical lead, the Pifco cord’s wire strands can also break if flexed, causing sparks that could lead to electric shocks or fires.
Your product recall rights
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.
Customers who may have bought the lead are urged to stop using it immediately and contact the retailer for further advice.
The Pifco extension lead has been sold by suppliers online, particularly via Amazon, according to Trading Standard’s recall notice.
The Sun has contacted Pifco for more information on where the product was sold and how to arrange a refund.
Most read in News Money
Next has also recalled a range of girls nightdresses over fears of how flammable the fabric is.
Supermarkets like Tesco, Iceland and Asda have recently recalled a range of products including chicken and ice lollies.
Other recent product recalls to look out for include breakfast cereal at Morrisons, which has been recalled due to fears it contains plastic.