Wylex product recall - change of process?

[richy3333]

Has anyone heard that Wylex have changed the process for dealing with the MCB product recall?

I had to inspect a Volex board yesterday for some proposed works. Customer just moved in to new house. No idea who did the original install just a test date on the board suggesting it fits with the recall dates.

I called Electrium to ask about changing the MCBS, there are 12 of them, 6A and 16A. I was told that I had to purchase replacement MCB's, send the faulty ones back and they would then send me replacements! I never use Volex products so don't want to fork out for 12 Volex MCB's to be reimbursed with another 12 MCB's that I might as well throw in the bin! This sounds crazy? Plus I was told they no longer pay for the work. It's a product recall, I'm not a flippin' charity!

 

[DurhamSparky]

i would leave them in the box then....!! sod that!

end of day its NOT YOUR PROBLEM!!

 

[richy3333]

Cheers Durham.
I'm minded to write to Electrium/Wylex and give them full details of the property and the potential problem and tell them that in the event of a fire the customer will hold them responsible due to their obligations for a defective product. The house is in the sticks, if there is a fire it will burn down before Hugh, Pugh and Barny can get there!

 

[thekingiam]

lol agree with you, just wondering if putting something down on eic or eicr like contacted manufacturer who refused to correct problem?

 

[richy3333]

Incensed as I was I have emailed the following to Electrium to see what response, if any it promotes:

I have just called about the MCB product recall. My customer has just moved into the property and when I was asked to inspect the electrical system discovered a Volex board which I believe has MCB's fitted that may be part of the product recall. 11 16A and 1 6A type B's.


During my call I was informed that I have to purchase the replacement MCB's, fit them and then send the faulty ones back to you; where upon I will be sent replacements. I do not use Volex equipment. To be honest I dont much care for Wylex products either. I was also informed that I would not be paid by Electrium/Volex/Wylex for undertaking this work.


I am totally stunned that I should undertake this work either free of charge, or that the customer should pay when the products, your products are potentially defective and potentially dangerous. I am sure you have a legal obligation to remedy the situation as a result of the defective products. The customer can not contact the installing electrician as he is not known and they would have little or no redress against him in any event as they did not employ him to fit the Volex consumer unit.


In view of what I have been told by Electrium I have passed a copy of this email on to my customer. I have recommended that they contact Trading Standards and also the Citizen Advice Bureau for further advice. In the meantime I put you on notice that there is a potentially dangerous board located at (address inserted) and in the event of an electrical fire emanating from the Volex board have suggested to the customer that they contact you direct.

 

[colshaws]

Richy, please keep us informed of this, as I have a customer with a similar set up and they are not having a lot of luck getting replacements.

 

[timo1]

Surely you are protected under your statatory rights? It is my understanding that a faulty product has to be reimbursed. I think its something like the sale of goods act?

 

[richy3333]

Colshaws - will do. No response from Electrium yet...

timo1 - Sale of Goods doesn't apply in this scenario as the customer did not purchase the board. I guess it will be The Consumer Protection Act?

 

[DurhamSparky]

If it was my house I would start an electrical fire just for fun....

 

[Guest111]

probably volex have realised the amount of money the product recall is costing them and are trying to cut costs.never liked volex products and I think the electrium name was just to smokescreen volex,s poor quality products.