Tumble Dryer Fires

[Longtom]

This is nothing to do with bikes, but there was a thread a while back describing a fire in a tumble dryer and I have just found some information which might be useful, from, 'Which?' magazine. Between 2011 and 2014 there were 349 fires, and three injuries!.  There is a problem with Indesit and Hotpoint dryers, there are two websites where you can check your particular machine for safety:  safety.Hotpoint.eu, or, safety.Indesit.eu. Mine was on the list as a potential hazard, put your machine's serial number and model number in and if it needs modifying (the heater element is too near the filter) , they will ask you to fill in a form and will visit and fix it free of charge. Meanwhile, never leave them unattended and  clean the filters out after each use. More info. on which.co.uk/dryerfires.
Hope no-one minds me putting this 'heads-up' on a bike forum. Of course, if Kawasaki made them they'd be green, and very quick...,

[PRD]

Good advice I checked mine recently.

[O.C.]

I have already checked my Hotpoint and have been advised that it is one of the effected tumble dryers

A letter from Hotpoint states that the filter should be cleaned after use, every time, which mine is, it also recommends that the condenser unit is kept clean on a regular basis, which I always have done. I'm told to expect further contact from an engineer within 6-8 weeks

So, keep the filter clean and follow manufacturers maintenance instructions   

[Debs]

Do you have the link where we can check?

I went to the Hotpoint.eu site and couldn't find where to check..

I do clean the fluff filter and empty the water every time I use it.. I also clean the condenser every month as recommended by Hotpoint.

[PaulB]

Do you have the link where we can check?

I went to the Hotpoint.eu site and couldn't find where to check..

I do clean the fluff filter and empty the water every time I use it.. I also clean the condenser every month as recommended by Hotpoint.

To find out whether your dryer may be affected:

•  Visit one of these websites
   http://safety.indesit.eu
   http://safety.hotpoint.eu

•  or please contact their freephone hotline at 0800 151 0905

Hope that helps

Cheers

Paul B.

[Ant]

I checked my Hotpoint the other day too, was a little concerned as it was bought by my Dad for my wedding present.........................in 1990 !!!!

A divorce, 4 kids, and 5 house moves later.....................

Still works fine 

[O.C.]

To find out whether your dryer may be affected:

•  Visit one of these websites
   http://safety.indesit.eu
   http://safety.hotpoint.eu

•  or please contact their freephone hotline at 0800 151 0905

Hope that helps

Cheers

Paul B.

 

[Debs]

Just checked and mine is one of them..

Filled in the form and will wait for someone to contact me..

[STX1300man]

Ours is one of he ones affected too.

Reading between the lines of the letter we received ... the heating element is exposed (inside the case) and if the filter isn't kept clean restricted air flow can cause it to ignite the fluff/debris on the filter or inside the casing.

[Charlie747]

Having had a home fire in the passed...........

You just don't need that loss adjuster agro in your life.

[Ant]

I'm not surprised they are catching fire, if you remove the casing once a year and have a look inside ( not rocket science for anyone who can change a bike headlight bulb ), you will see all the 'fluff' that gathers in there.
Obviously these ones that are effected must be missing something or of just bad design.

Change the extractor pipe every few years too, or blast out with an air hose.

[doebag]

Having had a home fire in the passed...........

You just don't need that loss adjuster agro in your life.

Having spent over 30 years 'putting the wet stuff on the hot stuff' it never ceased to amaze me, the utter and total devastation that a fire could cause to people's lives.

[O.C.]

I spose I'm a bit anal about these things but I always clear out the filter and water container in our condenser dryer after every use I also vacuum out the ducting inside the machine

Finally it is never, repeat never, left on overnight or when we are not at home      

[virginiajim]

I do that a couple of times a year.  Also do the fridge.

[Charlie747]

Having spent over 30 years 'putting the wet stuff on the hot stuff' it never ceased to amaze me, the utter and total devastation that a fire could cause to people's lives.

+ 

I had no idea it would take over 14 months to sort out................Not the fire and damage but the loss adjuster trying to short change us