In the past 24 hours, Christchurch fire crews have battled two separate house fires, both involving Serene bathroom heaters.

This alarming trend follows a series of similar incidents last year, prompting urgent action and widespread concern.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s safety arm, WorkSafe, back in April 24 issued urgent warnings and safety notices regarding Serene bathroom heaters, specifically targeting the model S2068. This model has been identified as non-compliant with safety standards and linked to multiple fires and overheating incidents. If you are still using this model stop and discard it.

This warning has now been extended to the following Serene models: S2068, S207T, and S2069.

Serene Classic S2068

WorkSafe has prohibited sale, use, installation, and importation of Serene Classic S2068 wall mounted bathroom heaters. This prohibition applies to all units imported, sold, or installed since June 2018.

Serene S2068 heaters are unsafe. Testing has found these heaters are non-compliant with safety standards. A series of fires and overheating incidents are associated with these heaters. More recently, events have occurred outside the previously prohibited serial number range.

There is a significant risk of people being seriously harmed or property being damaged through use of these heaters.

The prohibited S2068 heater is described as follows:

• • Wall mounted fan heater with step-down thermostat with pull-cord on-off switch, for fixed-wired installation in bathrooms and similar locations.
  • Available finishes include mirror polished stainless steel metal shell with die cast grille, and also known to come in a range of colours including white and black.
  • Dimensions: 300 mm wide, 210 mm high and 110 mm deep.

Serene S2068 heater

Serene S207T

WorkSafe have prohibited sale, installation, and importation of Serene S207T wall mounted bathroom heaters. This prohibition applies to all units imported, sold, or installed since January 2018.

Testing has found Serene S207T heaters are non-compliant with safety standards. There is a low risk they may be unsafe, however we are not aware of any fires or overheating events with these heaters.

The prohibited S207T heater is described as follows:

• • Wall mounted fan heater with step-down thermostat control.
  • Available finishes include stainless steel or white with gray wall bracket and cast metal grille.
  • Approximate dimensions: 375 mm wide, 220 mm high and 140 mm deep.

Serene S207T heater

Serene S2069

Serene S2069 wall mounted bathroom heaters imported, purchased, or installed after June 2018 have had their approval withdrawn. This confirms they cannot be legally sold in New Zealand.

Serene S2069 heaters are non-compliant with safety standards. WorkSafe are currently investigating a reported fire associated with one of these units.

Energy Safety will continue to monitor for incidents involving any of the above Serene models, and may take further actions if necessary.

What to do if you have a bathroom heater in your home

• • Check the make and model of the heater in your bathroom.
  • If your heater is a Serene model S2068, do not use it. If you can’t unplug it from a wall socket, you should arrange for removal by an electrician.
  • If your heater is a Serene model S207T or S2069, Energy Safety considers there is a low risk from continued use. However if you observe an unusual smell or noise from the heater, do not use it and contact an electrical worker to check it over.

Information from Consumer Services at MBIE

The Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) guarantees that products must be of acceptable quality, including safe to use and fit for purpose. Where a product is not of acceptable quality, you have the right to a refund, repair, or replacement. MBIE recommends that consumers who have the S2068 contact the business they purchased it from to arrange for its return under the CGA. Consumers who have the S2069 or S207T and are concerned may also wish to contact the supplier to seek a remedy under the CGA. For more info see Product safety | Consumer Protection