Alarming Results
Warwickshire Trading Standards Service is warning consumers of an unsafe, potentially dangerous, Carbon Monoxide Alarm.
Trading Standards officers have recently undertaken safety testing of a range of alarms, one of which failed the checks.
The alarm, a “Power Plus 6167” model, failed to detect the presence of lethal carbon monoxide at specified levels. Essential safety warnings were missing and the instruction booklet provided with the alarm was poorly translated.
The alarms were purchased from a variety of retailers across the county and were rigorously tested to ensure that they met relevant safety standards. The tests included exposing the alarms to varying levels of carbon monoxide gas and a detailed examination of all labelling, warning markings and product instructions.
As a result of this investigation, Power Plus Enterprises Ltd has issued a safety recall of all 6167 model Carbon Monoxide Alarms. If you have one of these alarms in your home, you should return it to where it was purchased for a full refund.
Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection said: “It is a cause of grave concern to me that these unsafe alarms may be giving a false sense of security to Warwickshire residents.
"The consequences of undetected carbon monoxide could be fatal. It is vital that Trading Standards continue to test the market of such products to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Common sources of carbon monoxide in the home include faulty or badly maintained gas fires, boilers, water heaters and blocked flues and chimneys. Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas, known as the "silent killer" because it is virtually undetectable. The only way to alert you of its presence is the use of a carbon monoxide alarm.
When buying a carbon monoxide alarm, always look for one that meets British and European safety standards such as EN 50291:2001. Choose an audible alarm, so that you’ll be alerted if you are asleep. You should always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and test your alarm regularly.
If you have any problems returning one of these alarms to a retailer, or require further consumer advice, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.