An undersized mains cord triggers a UK vacuum cleaner recall
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has published a recall for a 1,000 W vacuum cleaner after finding an undersized mains lead. OPSS gives an area of 0.454 mm², against a minimum of 0.75 mm² for the model. It says the cord can overheat in normal use and also identified shortcomings in the product markings and warnings. [1]
With the same material, length and temperature, the smaller conductor would have about 65% more resistance: divide 0.75 by 0.454 and the ratio is 1.65. If both carry the same current, the smaller one also dissipates about 65% more power as heat, because the resistive loss is current squared multiplied by resistance.
That extra heat has to escape through the insulation and surrounding air. A lead left in a bundle loses heat differently from one laid out in the open, so the resistance calculation cannot tell us how hot this particular cord got. The notice gives no measured temperature and does not report a fire. [1]
OPSS says the vacuum cleaner does not meet the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016. The recall covers model XY-1008, sold under eBay item 305855855734 from 23 October 2024 to 31 January 2025. The seller has contacted affected customers, and OPSS advises owners to stop using the appliance immediately and contact the seller for a refund. [1][2]
