Warning of blaze risk from faulty water heaters

MORE than 500 homes in Ireland are at risk of fire because of faulty water heaters that the owners may not realise they have in their hotpress.

The hazardous GeminoX immersion water cylinders have already caused fires in four homes and the company is now desperately trying to track down the owners of the remaining models.

But despite a number of warnings to the public, the response has been poor and just 200 have been located to date, with 500 still remaining unchecked.

Householders have been urged to check their hotpress and if they have a GeminoX Ebs water cylinder they are urged to switch it off immediately. They should then contact GeminoX's helpline on Lo-call 1850 427 947 or email info@gaswise.ie to arrange a free safety inspection and refit.

The risk of overheating and possible fire comes from the black plug-in connectors located at the bottom of the grey box at the front of the cylinder and on top of the cylinder.

In a statement, the company stressed that not all cylinders were affected, but it warned householders not to be complacent and contact the helpline if they had a GeminoX.

No one has been injured in the four fires caused by the cylinders but the company is concerned about the poor response rate from the public.

Between 2001 and 2006, about 700 items were imported into Ireland by Aquatech in Cork, of which about 500 have yet to be located. Most are believed to have been installed in the south of the country.

Grainne Cunningham
Irish Independent
28th Sept 2010