More than 5,000 De Vielle Dual Fan Electric Heaters have been recalled across Ireland following the discovery of a serious electrical safety flaw. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) issued the urgent safety alert after testing revealed these small white fan heaters pose a significant risk of electric shock to users.
If you own one of these heaters, the message from safety officials is clear: stop using it immediately. The recall affects thousands of Irish households, with units sold in dozens of retail outlets nationwide. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the recall, your consumer rights, and the legal options available if you’ve been injured by a defective product.
Details of the De Vielle Heater Recall
The CCPC’s recall notice specifically targets De Vielle Dual Fan Electric Heaters, with over 5,000 units distributed throughout Ireland. These compact white fan heaters were sold across numerous retail locations, making them widely available to Irish consumers.
The safety concern centres on a fundamental design flaw. CCPC testing revealed that the front grill of these heaters can break during normal use, exposing live electrical parts. This breakdown creates an immediate and serious risk of electric shock for anyone using or handling the device.
Grainne Griffin, the CCPC’s director of communications, emphasised the severity of the situation: “Tests carried out by our product safety team have revealed a serious risk of electric shock.” The commission’s testing process identified this as a ‘serious risk’ classification, the highest level of safety concern for consumer products.
Immediate Action Required for Consumers
If you own a De Vielle Dual Fan Electric Heater, take these steps immediately:
Stop using the heater right away. Even if your unit appears to be functioning normally, the risk of grill failure and electrical exposure remains present.
Check your heater’s brand and model. The CCPC specifically advises owners of any small white fan heater to verify the brand name and model number to confirm whether their unit falls under the recall.
Return for a full refund. Consumers can return their recalled heaters to the original point of purchase for a complete refund, regardless of how long ago the purchase was made.
Disconnect and store safely. Unplug the heater and store it in a safe location away from children and pets until you can return it to the retailer.
Understanding CCPC’s Safety Assessment
The CCPC’s product safety team conducted thorough testing that revealed the structural weakness in the heater’s front protective grill. This testing process follows established European safety standards and protocols designed to identify potential hazards before they cause widespread harm.
The classification of ‘serious risk’ indicates that the CCPC determined the electric shock hazard posed an immediate threat to user safety. This level of risk assessment triggers mandatory recall procedures and requires immediate consumer notification.
The commission’s testing likely involved stress tests, durability assessments, and electrical safety evaluations. When the front grill failed under these conditions, exposing live electrical components, it created a clear path for potentially fatal electric shock injuries.
Consumer Rights Under Irish Law
Irish consumers affected by this recall have robust legal protections under the Liability for Defective Products Act 1991. This legislation establishes clear manufacturer and distributor responsibilities for product safety and consumer protection.
Under this Act, manufacturers and importers bear strict liability for defective products that cause injury or damage. This means you don’t need to prove negligence—only that the product was defective and caused harm.
The Act covers various types of damages, including personal injury, property damage, and associated losses. Defects can arise from design flaws, manufacturing errors, or inadequate safety warnings—all potentially relevant to the De Vielle heater situation.
Consumer protection extends beyond immediate refunds. If a defective product causes injury or property damage, affected individuals have legal recourse against the manufacturer, importer, and potentially the retailer.
Pursuing Personal Injury Claims
If you’ve suffered an electric shock or other injury from a De Vielle heater, you may be entitled to compensation. Personal injury claims related to defective products fall under product liability law, which provides specific protections for consumers harmed by unsafe goods.
To pursue a successful claim, you’ll need to establish several key elements. First, you must demonstrate that you suffered a genuine injury directly caused by the defective heater. Medical documentation and professional treatment records strengthen your case significantly.
Second, you’ll need to show the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s control. The CCPC’s official recall notice and testing findings provide strong evidence of the inherent design flaw.
Third, establishing the connection between the defect and your injury requires careful documentation. This includes preserving the faulty heater, photographing any damage or injury, and maintaining records of medical treatment and associated costs.
Most personal injury claims in Ireland must be initiated within two years of the injury date or when you reasonably became aware that the injury was connected to the defective product.
Expert Legal Support for Product Liability Claims
Navigating product liability claims requires specialised legal expertise. HOMS Assist, recognised as Personal Injury Law Firm of the Year, offers comprehensive support for individuals affected by defective products like the recalled De Vielle heaters.
With over five decades of experience in product liability claims, HOMS Assist understands the complex legal landscape surrounding defective product injuries. Their team combines technical knowledge of product safety standards with practical experience in securing compensation for injured consumers.
Their comprehensive approach includes initial consultation to assess your case strength, evidence collection to support your claim, development of effective legal strategy, professional claim submission, skilled negotiation with opposing parties, and courtroom litigation when necessary.
HOMS Assist operates offices in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick, providing accessible legal support across Ireland. Their client-focused approach ensures you receive personalised attention while benefiting from their extensive experience in product liability matters.
For immediate assistance, contact HOMS Assist at 1800 207 207 . We offer initial consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
Protecting Yourself and Your Family
The De Vielle heater recall serves as an important reminder of the need for vigilance regarding product safety. Even products that meet initial safety standards can develop problems over time or contain design flaws that only become apparent through extensive testing.
Regular safety checks of electrical appliances, staying informed about product recalls, and responding promptly to safety alerts help protect your household from potential hazards. The CCPC maintains updated recall information on their website, making it easy to stay current on safety issues affecting Irish consumers.
When purchasing electrical appliances, research the manufacturer’s safety record, ensure proper installation and use according to instructions, register your appliances for recall notifications when possible, and remain alert to any unusual sounds, smells, or performance issues that might indicate problems.
If you experience any electrical issues with household appliances, discontinue use immediately and seek professional evaluation. The cost of replacement or repair pales in comparison to the potential consequences of electric shock injuries.
