The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has issued an urgent safety alert as 114,000 circulating pumps installed in heating systems in Ireland could present a “serious risk of electrocution”.
The affected products are Tucson 5m, 6m and 8m pumps manufactured between 2017 and 2024.
While the CCPC has advised that consumers can continue to use their heating systems as normal, they must avoid handling affected pumps because of the electrocution risk.
This includes “disconnecting, adjusting or attempting any maintenance on the pump”.
The watchdog warns that the mains cable can be connected to the pump in reverse, allowing the live pin to connect to the earth pin, posing a major electrocution risk.
A spokesperson for the CCPC said that the safety alert is one of the largest the organisation has ever issued, and one of the most serious.
“If you’ve had work done on your heating system in the last 8 years, you need to check if you have one of these pumps. Check your heating system very carefully – do not touch the pump, just look for the Tucson brand, find the serial number and check it against the list on CCPC.ie. The affected pump can then be replaced for free by an approved Tucson technician or service agent,” Patrick Kenny of the CCPC said.
“We’re particularly highlighting this to tradespeople. At this time of year people are getting their heating systems serviced or upgraded, and any contact with the electrical connection of these pumps carries a risk of electrocution.
“Anyone working on heating systems must be very aware of the serious risk presented by these pumps, and retailers must check their stock and stop sales of the affected units immediately,” he said.
The serial number can also be checked at CCPC.ie or on the Tucson Pump website here.