Fire warning as B&Q and Wilko recall electric plug sets you may be using this Christmas

There's a risk that the plugs could cause nearby products to ignite

ByZara Whelan
11:53, 20 DEC 2017

Retailers B&Q and Wilko are urgently recalling a batch of plugs due to safety concerns.

Anyone who has the plugs have been told to switch them off immediately and return them to their nearest store

B&Q’s two products are the twin and triple plug sets that come with a remote control to switch them on and off. It has been revealed that excessive heat build-up in the plugs could cause nearby products to ignite, posing a dangerous fire risk.

The B&Q products were on sale between September 2014 and November 2017 - and around of 70,000 of them were sold.

(Image: B&Q)

In a statement on its website B&Q said: “We have taken the decision to recall the products as in some circumstances, items in contact with the product could ignite.

The company added: “Again, there is a potential fire risk so if you, or someone you know, has bought one of these products, stop using it.

The barcode numbers of the affected products are 5052931395033 and 4895130705675.

Back of plug showing label (Image: B&Q)

A B&Q spokesperson said: “We have identified a potential risk with these products which have shown excessive heat build-up in the plug of some units.

“Due to the potentially serious nature of the risk and our commitment to safety, we have taken the decision to recall these products as in a rare set of circumstances, items in contact with the product could ignite.

“Customer safety is of paramount importance to B&Q and we have rigorous quality control procedures in place.”

Anyone concerned about the item should contact B&Q on 0300 303 4482 in the UK and 1800 946 327 in the Republic of Ireland.

Wilko have recalled a UK 2 pin converter plug

Wilko has also recalled its Euro to UK 2 Pin Converter plug after it was revealed certain components failed to meet the European standards presenting a risk to users.

If you have this product, stop using it immediately and return it to your nearest Wilko store. If you need further advice or information, contact the Wilko helpline on 0800 032 9329.

In the case of a product recall, a receipt is not usually necessary and customers will be entitled to a full refund.