Electric heater caught fire - what rights have I got?

skylark52

I have a Beltray 3 bar electric heater, which I had on in the evenings to give extra warmth to the living room last week.
I went to the kitchen to make a cuppa and on my return found the heater on fire! The flames were originating from the lower part on one side and were growing taller as I approached. Molten plastic was all over the wooden floor.:eek:
I dread to think what would have happened if I had been out of the room any longer as I had a hell of a job to douse the flames. Lucky I had a fire blanket in the kitchen.


My question is: do I go back to the shop where I bought it or direct to the company? I know I have bought this in the last 18 months but don't have my receipt any more. Should I be looking for a replacement or damages too? I know nothing more than a severe shock and a burned finger occured but I feel that what could have happened is quiet an issue and the fire didn't blow the fuse either, which is even more concerning.


Any advice greatfully received

SHAFT

I'd start by looking for proof of purchase.

JJ_Egan

Damages then you would need to quantify your actual losses .
Your complaint under Consumer Law is against the vendor .They will most likely want to inspect the item as to determining the fault .Or may get you to prove your claim via an independant report .
Not blowing the fuse could be the simple fact that it was not an electrical fault .


As said receipt or other prove of purchase .

CakeCrusader

It's worth checking your house insurance policy.

Hasbeen

skylark52 wrote: »

I have a Beltray 3 bar electric heater, which I had on in the evenings to give extra warmth to the living room last week.
I went to the kitchen to make a cuppa and on my return found the heater on fire! The flames were originating from the lower part on one side and were growing taller as I approached. Molten plastic was all over the wooden floor.:eek:
I dread to think what would have happened if I had been out of the room any longer as I had a hell of a job to douse the flames. Lucky I had a fire blanket in the kitchen.


My question is: do I go back to the shop where I bought it or direct to the company? I know I have bought this in the last 18 months but don't have my receipt any more. Should I be looking for a replacement or damages too? I know nothing more than a severe shock and a burned finger occured but I feel that what could have happened is quiet an issue and the fire didn't blow the fuse either, which is even more concerning.


Any advice greatfully received

You need a receipt or proof of purchase and the correct manufacture's name.?

RunningMum

where did you buy it?

coffeehound

Worth reporting this to Trading Standards too in case it is a design fault.

Fire_Fox

:eek:

Check, replace or add to your smoke alarms/ heat detectors, electrician in to check the consumer unit/ circuit breakers and plug sockets, throw away any plug-in extension leads. Belt and braces.

You do need some sort of evidence of date of purchase: go through your bank statements perhaps? Store is not liable after so long: report in writing, with photographs if possible, to the manufacturer.

Be prepared for them to remind that the manual says "never leave unattended" as a bit of a get out. We ALL do it when we go to the bathroom, or for a quick drink.

unforeseen

Surely the first thing to do is have it examined to find out the cause of the fire?