The ACCC is urging consumers who have a dual fuel gas/electric water heater in their caravan, motor home or horse campers to check for the dangerous Suburban-branded water heaters ahead of any post-lockdown holidays.
The ACCC is concerned that more than 50 per cent of these units might emit deadly odourless carbon monoxide if used in gas mode. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause death, and short-term exposure can cause serious long-term injuries.
There are still over 8,300 consumers who have not registered their water heaters for a free inspection. As the risk of failure is so high, the ACCC is concerned that these owners are not aware of the recall and may use their caravan, motor home or horse campers these holidays without checking if they are safe.
"Consumers should not use the affected water heaters in gas mode under any circumstances, even if they have a carbon monoxide detector," ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
"It's very important to check your recreational vehicle, horse camper or caravan's water heater as soon as possible as there is a significant risk of injury or death from this product."
Carbon monoxide is invisible, has no smell, is lethal and cannot be detected. It is also highly flammable and can explode on contact with a spark or flame.
The water heaters were supplied between 1 May 2018 and 25 September 2019, either new with the vehicle by retailers nationally, or purchased separately online and installed later.
Consumers can check if their heater is affected by opening the exterior access door to the hot water service and checking the model and serial number located on the right-hand side. They should then enter the serial number on the Coast to Coast website.
