Brits have been warned of an issue with more than 100,000 common heating systems which pose a “serious risk of electrocution”. Consumers and tradespeople are very vulnerable to electrocution from affected circulation pumps.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) issued an “urgent safety alert” in relation to the 114,000 circulating pumps installed in heating systems in Ireland. The affected products are Tucson 5m, 6m and 8m pumps manufactured between 2017 and 2024. While consumers can continue to use their heating systems as normal, they must take care not to handle affected pumps as “there is a serious risk of electrocution”. The risk includes disconnecting, adjusting or attempting any maintenance on the pump. CCPC product safety officers launched an investigation into the pumps following a referral from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). As a result of the CCPC investigation, manufacturer Tucson Pumps is rolling out a major replacement programme. Consumers can have the pump replaced for free by an approved, qualified Tucson technician or service agent.
CCPC member Patrick Kenny said: “This is one of the largest product safety alerts ever issued by the CCPC, and one of the most serious.
“There are about 114,000 of these pumps in Irish homes. If you’ve had work done on your heating system in the last eight years, you need to check if you have one of these pumps.
“Check your heating system very carefully – do not touch the pump, just look for the Tucson brand, find the serial number and check it against the list. The affected pump can then be replaced for free by an approved Tucson technician or service agent.”
He added: “We’re particularly highlighting this to tradespeople. At this time of year people are getting their heating systems serviced or upgraded, and any contact with the electrical connection of these pumps carries a risk of electrocution.
“Anyone working on heating systems must be very aware of the serious risk presented by these pumps and retailers must check their stock and stop sales of the affected units immediately.
“This issue was first brought to our attention by the HSA, showing the importance of cross-agency collaboration. Reports from consumers, traders and other State bodies are essential to our work.”
Consumers are advised not to make any contact with the pump but check the serial number on the front against information on The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission or at Tucson Pumps’ checking tool or by calling 01 842 6255.
Under advice for tradespeople, the CCPC said the mains cable can be connected to the pump in reverse, allowing the live pin to connect to the earth pin and posing a serious risk of electrocution.
Tucson 5m, 6m and 8m pumps are affected and can be identified by checking the serial number – a series of digits starting with S/N, listed on the label of the pump. Users must not make any contact with the electrical connection of the pump.