WorkSafe bans sale of ‘fire hazard’ heater

Serene S2068 heaters manufactured in March 2021 have a manufacturing defect. There have been several fires and overheating events associated with these heaters.

WorkSafe published a prohibition for the sale (including an offer to sell), and use (including installation) of the Serene Classic S2068 wall mounted bathroom heaters under the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010.

WorkSafe say 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,’ said Simon Gallagher, National Manager, Consumer Services at MBIE.

‘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 in your home:

• 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.