WorkSafe has prohibited the sale and use of Serene Classic S2068 wall mounted bathroom heaters, which it describes as being unsafe
WorkSafe has published a prohibition for the sale (including an offer to sell), and use (including installation) of the Serene Classic S2068 wall mounted bathroom heaters, pursuant to Regulation 87 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010.
Serene S2068 heaters manufactured in March 2021 have a manufacturing defect. There have been several fires and overheating events associated with these heaters.
There is a significant risk of people being seriously harmed and property being damaged from electricity going through these heaters.
The prohibited S2068 heater is described as:
- Wall mounted fan heater with step-down thermostat with pull-cord on-off switch, for fixed-wired installation in bathrooms and similar locations
- Mirror polished stainless steel metal shell with die cast grille
- Dimensions: 300 mm wide, 210 mm high and 110 mm deep.
The prohibited S2068 heaters have a serial number in the following ranges:
- VH145173 – VH147003
- VK154294 – VK160567
- WF167045 – WF168874
We are actively engaging with known suppliers and known locations that have the heaters available or installed to stop selling or using the heaters.
We also want to inform consumers who may have this appliance in their home, and potential suppliers such as stores and tradespeople, of what they need to do.
Other Serene bathroom heaters
We are also aware of two other Serene bathroom heater models, the S2069 and S207T, that we recently had tested, and did not comply with required safety standards. We are actively considering what further action needs to be taken in respect of these products.
If you have a bathroom heater on your property
- Check if your heater is a Serene model S2068 with a serial number in the range listed above. You will find this information on the top side of the unit when mounted on the wall.
- If you have this heater, do not use it.
- If it is installed in your property, get an electrical worker to make it safe by isolating it from the electrical supply, or contact your landlord to arrange this, and they can dispose of it safely.
Simon Gallagher, National Manager, Consumer Services at MBIE:
The Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) guarantees that products must be of acceptable quality, including safe to use. Where a product is unsafe — or doesn’t meet mandatory product safety requirements — you have the right to a refund, repair, or replacement. MBIE suggests consumers who have this heater return it to the supplier they purchased it from to discuss the most appropriate remedy under the CGA.
More information on consumer rights on unsafe products | consumerprotection.govt.nz
If you are a supplier of heaters
The Serene model S2068 with a serial number in the range listed above cannot legally be sold.
We are working with MBIE to reach out to known suppliers.
Simon Gallagher, National Manager, Consumer Services at MBIE:
MBIE are aware of the issues found by WorkSafe with the Serene S2068 appliance and are working with WorkSafe and the retailers of the product to discuss what they can do to ensure the safety of their customers. As part of this work, MBIE are encouraging these retailers to undertake a voluntary recall.
Gazette notice correction of the serial numbers
