Hager B&R is encouraged by the industry’s response so far, to the recall of a range of its RCBO circuit breakers, although ongoing cooperation throughout the industry will be vital.

As a specialist in manufacturing electrical protection devices, Hager B&R prides itself on the quality of its product and services.

The company has made the voluntary decision to recall a range of its RCBO circuit breakers after testing revealed a rare fault in 0.15% of the devices. The recall is specific to RCBO units with reference numbers AD310T, AD316T, AD320T & AD325T. These units have been sold nationally from July 2010. In the small proportion of devices affected, there is a risk of malfunction and electric shock.

Hager B&R in Australia chief executive Chris De Veyrac says many wholesalers have been quick to respond, helping Hager B&R identify affected electricians.

“We recognise that the recall is potentially a lot of work for wholesalers in particular, so we’re taking over the bulk of the administrative burden by contacting electricians directly ourselves. I think this helped generate a strong initial response from wholesalers.”

Hager B&R takes safety very seriously. Accordingly, it has established a dedicated hotline for the recall.

“We are asking electricians who have installed any of these devices or have any still in their stocks to please call our dedicated number on 1300 786 685, email recall@hagerbr.com.au or connect to the web page www.rcboreplacement.com.au. Our purpose-trained staff will then talk them through the steps of replacing and returning the potentially faulty RCBO’s at our expense.

“As well as wholesalers, the cooperation of installers is essential to the success of the recall. It is important that together, we act quickly to minimise risk to consumers and electricians,” Chris says.

It is possible that electricians may suffer personal liability if they fail to respond to the recall. Hager B&R will endeavour to write to each affected electrician, though it also encourages installers to proactively contact the hotline once they learn of the recall.

Chris went on to say, “We understand the recall will be inconvenient to installers and their customers, and we are doing everything we can to minimise the disruption to all concerned by streamlining the process. I’m proud to work for Hager B&R because of the quality of the brand and the integrity of its people. Our decision to voluntarily recall these RCBOs reinforces these strengths. It’s a decision I’m proud we have made.”