Safety Issue.

RiaAnn

I have made a complaint direct to a manufacturer regarding a dangerous fault with an appliance (item was gift so can't go to retailer). They have refused a replacement/repair/refund and no interest in the safety issue.

a) do I have any rights with the manufacturer (given I can't prove when it was purchased).

b) Who can I report the safety issue to? - trading standards?

Blacksheep1979

what is the issue and who is the manufacturer and why can't you ask who gave you it where it came from?

pulliptears

What was the item and what was the fault? Is it a known issue? Who is the manufacturer. How old is the item?

Need a lot more info to help.

pulliptears

Blacksheep1979 wrote: »

what is the issue and who is the manufacturer and why can't you ask who gave you it where it came from?

Great minds again BS

RiaAnn

Item is a chocolate fountain
Manufacturer is ethos
Recieved as a gift in Oct 07
First used very recently and only once. Due to poor design or fault Chocolate leaks into the motor (causing motor to cease.)
If chocolate will leak so too will water when cleaning.
I don't know if it is a known fault.

Blacksheep1979

How is this dangerous? Isn't it common sense to unplug most electrical goods before putting them near water?

RiaAnn

The base is a sealed unit, you would not necessarily see the water had dripped onto the motor before you plugged it back in for next use? Also possible if you didn't spot the motor had ceased and left on the motor would overheat?

marleyboy

it might be a good idea not to clean the applience when connected to the mains, ensuring as per instructions, no risk of danger. But on the issue of leaking chocolate, I cant see why they wont replace the item if the motor ceases up due to a chocolate leak, however I dont think chocolate is conductive, but dont quote me on that, ive never tested chocolate on the mains.

As a fault, yes I agree it should be replaced or refunded, but as for a potential danger, I dont think it poses much of a threat, so long as you dont try dipping it in water whilst its plugged in. Good luck

Tozer

marleyboy wrote: »

it might be a good idea not to clean the applience when connected to the mains, ensuring as per instructions, no risk of danger. But on the issue of leaking chocolate, I cant see why they wont replace the item if the motor ceases up due to a chocolate leak, however I dont think chocolate is conductive, but dont quote me on that, ive never tested chocolate on the mains.

As a fault, yes I agree it should be replaced or refunded, but as for a potential danger, I dont think it poses much of a threat, so long as you dont try dipping it in water whilst its plugged in. Good luck

What an electrical item becoming wet? I think that is mighty dangerous. Even if unplugged whilst cleaning, residual water may well get into the motor. That cannot be a good thing!

Tozer

And to answer the original question, you may have rights directly against the retailer as a third party following a change in the law in 1999.

There would also be liability under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

Blacksheep1979

Oh come on - any kitchen appliance with a motor in that gets washed could have 'residual water' in it, it's common sense to let the item dry out before plugging it in again. Personally I think manufacturers/retailers should be absolved of all wrongdoing if it's a Darwinistic mistake.