Hotpoint fridge freezer linked to Grenfell fire – what you should do if you own one

Former_MSE_Megan_F

Thousands of Hotpoint fridge freezers owners who have the same model as that linked to the Grenfell Tower fire have been asked to contact the company and register for updates.
'Hotpoint fridge freezer linked to Grenfell fire – what you should do if you own one'

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hollydays

Hotpoint being careful to avoid bad pr.

societys_child

If my fridge caught fire I'd unplug it and put the fire out.

amersall

I suppose they have to warn people about this to be honest, that makes sense really.
Forewarned is forearmed.

DigForVictory

Good to know the numbers, I'll check my godma's gizmo - as if it does need reporting, I'll do that & get her another smoke detector.

It's a chance to go make a bit of a fuss of her & check she's properly kitted anyway.

unforeseen

societys_child wrote: »

If my fridge caught fire I'd unplug it and put the fire out.

But are you keeping it on or close to flammable cladding that has been mounted such that here is a natural chimney formed to assist the spread of the fire?

Zandoni

Very scary especially after their tumble dryer problems.

neilmcl

societys_child wrote: »

If my fridge caught fire I'd unplug it and put the fire out.

Have you actually ever seen how fast these fridge fires can get out of control.

Lorian

Do we know what's actually caused the ignition?

A few years ago I repaired a slightly newer model Hotpoint Frost Free Fridge Freezer (FF200). This fix involved moving the defrost element down lower on the evaporator - away from the temp sensor.

This one had an early-life warranty modification to add a secondary defrost element, as the vertical channel was blocking due to frost. I'd speculate this was due to it being in a slightly more humid environment than anticipated.

Moving the element down was a more effective solution than the additional "poor quality" element.

Even if its nothing to do with the defrost elements, I would hypothesise that there are many other Hotpoint FF models with very similar designs to the FF175.

tacpot12

I have one of this model of Fridge Freezer. I've logged it with Hotpoint and will wait to see if any product recall happens. It is on a dedicated fridge circuit protected by a 16A MCB in the consumer unit; I hope this will help reduce the risk of an electrical fire. It is installed in a non-combustible alcove in the kitchen; brickwalls on all three sides.

I won't be proactively replacing it. It has worked well and not shown any signs of any problems.

Pollycat

Let's not forget that Grenfell Tower residents reported power surges.

From The Metro:

They said there had been a ‘terrifying’ incident in May 2013 where a ‘near catastrophic and highly dangerous power surge destroyed many electrical appliances belonging to Grenfell Tower residents.’
Electrical appliances were catching fire and burning out due to the surge which was due to faulty wiring, they claimed.

http://metro.co.uk/2017/06/14/tower-block-fire-safety-warnings-fell-on-deaf-ears-residents-group-claims-6707156/