my extension cable/fan heater plug just caught fire

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macuser

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#131155 10-Oct-2013 18:16

as the topic says, it started smoking beside me before I realised and turned it off. Both Items bought from the warehouse around last year, out of warranty but should I be telling them as it is a potential safety hazard for other people?

andrewNZ

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#912208 10-Oct-2013 18:21

That does not sound flash at all. You should definitely show them.

Don't suppose you have a photo of the damage.

gregmcc

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#912209 10-Oct-2013 18:22

yes

Batman

Mad Scientist
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#912212 10-Oct-2013 18:24

I guess if you brought it back they will givea refund and whatever you do don't buy hot warehouse appliances

macuser

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#912216 10-Oct-2013 18:30

Most likely out of warranty, I'm not so worried about the money back, more the fact it caught fire ha!

Bung

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#912218 10-Oct-2013 18:33

As far as safety goes try this
"Report electrically caused fires to the Energy Safety Service by calling FREEPHONE 0800 10 44 77"

As far as the Warehouse goes I'd still ask them for a replacement.

RunningMan

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#912219 10-Oct-2013 18:35

Was the plug pushed all the way in firmly? If it wasn't connecting properly, that could cause the melt down.

macuser

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#912221 10-Oct-2013 18:37

RunningMan: Was the plug pushed all the way in firmly? If it wasn't connecting properly, that could cause the melt down.

Yea that could have been it for sure, It was being a bit of a jerk last week not plugging in properly, seemed fine this week though since I hadn't touched the connection

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andrewNZ

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#912222 10-Oct-2013 18:39

RunningMan: Was the plug pushed all the way in firmly? If it wasn't connecting properly, that could cause the melt down.

The photo makes it look as if this is the case. It looks as if the charred buildup is quite thick, do you have a side on photo as well?

macuser

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#912225 10-Oct-2013 18:44

andrewNZ

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#912231 10-Oct-2013 18:49

Maybe I was wrong. Either way, show them, they should have the opportunity to have someone look at it

If nothing else, this is a good lesson about electricity. If something isn't working properly, don't use it. If you hadn't been there...

Geektastic

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#913324 10-Oct-2013 22:16

macuser: as the topic says, it started smoking beside me before I realised and turned it off. Both Items bought from the warehouse around last year, out of warranty but should I be telling them as it is a potential safety hazard for other people?

I recommend central heating.

Discovered by the Romans in about AD40, it has yet to be discovered in NZ in AD 2013....!

Geektastic

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#913326 10-Oct-2013 22:18

macuser:

That could be the socket not the plug. If the fit on the pins is not good (and NZ/Aus plug pins are pretty weak and insubstantial compared to the 1/4 inch solid brass square UK pins) then the power arcs across the gap inside.

I had this happen with our tumble drier last year.