THRII hand wash dryer - Wallgate Ltd — fire risk

Hazard

The THRII hand wash dryers within the scope of the corrective action have been identified as presenting a serious risk of fire. The products incorporate an EMC filter. The EMC filter carries the maximum current during the wash cycle when the instantaneous water heater is on. In situations where the hand wash dryer is in continuous use, but users are not using any of the drying cycle, excessive heat gain can build up in the EMC filter increasing the risk of the unit catching fire. Inadequate design margin on the EMC filter has been found to be the likely cause of this overheating. The THRII hand wash dryers within the scope of the corrective action do not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016.

Remedy

Wallgate Ltd has implemented the following corrective measures to bring the THRII hand wash dryers into conformity: For THRII units incorporating a power setting potentiometer, the settings have been changed to reduce the water heater power and increase the air auto shut-off time. For THRII units without a power setting potentiometer, the water heater has been disconnected and it will, in time, be replaced with an adjustable water heater. The wiring loom has been redesigned and will be incorporated into the manufacturing process of new units. Owners of the THRII hand wash dryers within the scope of the corrective action who have not been contacted by the manufacturer, should get in touch with Wallgate Ltd.

Product safety report

Measures taken

• Other

Product description

All-in-one hand wash dryers used in commercial washrooms