Product recallOPSS
Motex SD008 Plug-In Energy Saving Device recalled over a fire risk
Product Recall for Motex SD008 Plug-In Energy Saving Device presenting a serious risk of fire and electric shock.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice
Check your product
Only products that match these details are covered. Have your pack in front of you.
1 identifier listed for this notice.
Motex SD008 Plug-In Energy Saving Device
- ModelOn the rating label, base, back or box.
- SD008
What to do now
Motex SD008 Plug-In Energy Saving Device could overheat or catch fire.
- Stop using and charging it now, and unplug it.
- Keep it somewhere cool and clear of soft furnishings. Never put lithium batteries in the household bin.
- Use the contact details in the official notice to arrange a refund, repair or replacement.
- Incidents and injuries can be reported to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.
Why it matters. Faulty chargers, batteries and appliances are a common cause of house fires. A fire can start while the product is charging or switched on and nobody is watching.
If someone has been hurt
Look out for
- make sure you have working smoke alarms
Get help urgently
- if it starts to smoke, smell of burning or catch fire, get everyone out and call 999
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Refunds, repairs and replacements
In a recall, the business responsible arranges the remedy, which may be a refund, a repair, a replacement or a free part. The notice says which one applies.
Your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 also apply: goods must be safe, of satisfactory quality and as described. Within 30 days of purchase you can usually reject faulty goods for a full refund.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2204-0026). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Recall for Motex SD008 Plug-In Energy Saving Device presenting a serious risk of fire and electric shock.
The risk
The product presents a serious risk of electric shock and fire due to multiple test failures which included the following. The product does not bear a plug compliant with BS 1363. The earth pin and live and neutral pins are not straight and are too short. The product has weak plug pins that are liable to break off in the socket-outlet.
The product was fitted with a large, unmarked capacitor which was only connected to the neutral side of the circuit, despite the manufacturer’s energy saving claims. The device was fitted with a fuse on the PCB, presumably to protect the other components on the PCB however, the fuse was of the low breaking capacity type and is likely to explode in the event of a short circuit.
The product also claimed to have lightning or spike protection. Testing revealed it did have a Varistor (MOV) fitted, however the varistors were incorrectly specified and were not fitted with adequate protection for this device. Varistors are also known to degrade after prolonged use. When varistors are specified incorrectly and not provided with proper protection (as is the case here) the result is in an increased fire risk.
The product does not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016.
Action taken
Mandatory recall of the product from end users
Advice to consumers
OPSS are requiring the recall of the product from end users.
We recommend owners stop using this product immediately. Contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress.
Additional information
PSD case numbers: 2204-0026
Notified by: Office for Product Safety and Standards
Product description
White energy saving UK plug in device with a bright green strip light at the bottom
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Motex SD008 Plug-In Energy Saving Device been recalled?
Motex SD008 Plug-In Energy Saving Device could overheat or catch fire. Faulty chargers, batteries and appliances are a common cause of house fires. A fire can start while the product is charging or switched on and nobody is watching.
How do I know if my product is affected?
Compare the model on your product with the details listed under “Check your product” on this page. Only items that match are covered by the notice.
What should I do now?
Stop using and charging it now, and unplug it. Keep it somewhere cool and clear of soft furnishings. Never put lithium batteries in the household bin.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
In a recall, the business responsible arranges the remedy, which may be a refund, a repair, a replacement or a free part. The notice says which one applies. Your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 also apply: goods must be safe, of satisfactory quality and as described. Within 30 days of purchase you can usually reject faulty goods for a full refund.
