I bought a cheap Prem-i-air oscillating fan heater (Model PF2002A)
from Debenhams for my garage's hobby workshop in the beginning of this
year to keep it warm. It was used on and off throughout the year as it
also doubles up as a fan when the heating element is off, and was also
used to force-dry clothes during the wet summer.

Recently, when I switched it on, the heating element glowed red and
then eventually bright yellow. The thermostat had no effect on
throttling back the heat. It looked like it was about to burn up so I
immediately unplugged the appliance. Shutting it down hot as it was
stopped the fan and the plastic actually then caught fire.

I am concerned that this appliance is a hazard as it should not have
overheated and if it did overheat, it should have shut itself off. Is
there anyone I can contact regarding this appliance which I think is a
fire hazard?

Will I have problems returning it to Debenhams (I've lost the
receipt), asking for a different brand and model?

Adam wrote:
I bought a cheap Prem-i-air oscillating fan heater (Model PF2002A)
from Debenhams for my garage's hobby workshop in the beginning of this
year to keep it warm. It was used on and off throughout the year as it
also doubles up as a fan when the heating element is off, and was also
used to force-dry clothes during the wet summer.

Recently, when I switched it on, the heating element glowed red and
then eventually bright yellow. The thermostat had no effect on
throttling back the heat. It looked like it was about to burn up so I
immediately unplugged the appliance. Shutting it down hot as it was
stopped the fan and the plastic actually then caught fire.

I am concerned that this appliance is a hazard as it should not have
overheated and if it did overheat, it should have shut itself off. Is
there anyone I can contact regarding this appliance which I think is a
fire hazard?

Will I have problems returning it to Debenhams (I've lost the
receipt), asking for a different brand and model?

Trading standards might take an interest.
If you paid cash, have no evidence of purchase and this model is not
exclusive to Debenhams you may have difficulty. You can but ask.

On Sep 25, 8:15*am, Adam wrote:
I bought a cheap Prem-i-air oscillating fan heater (Model PF2002A)
from Debenhams for my garage's hobby workshop in the beginning of this
year to keep it warm. It was used on and off throughout the year as it
also doubles up as a fan when the heating element is off, and was also
used to force-dry clothes during the wet summer.

Recently, when I switched it on, the heating element glowed red and
then eventually bright yellow. The thermostat had no effect on
throttling back the heat. It looked like it was about to burn up so I
immediately unplugged the appliance. Shutting it down hot as it was
stopped the fan and the plastic actually then caught fire.

I am concerned that this appliance is a hazard as it should not have
overheated and if it did overheat, it should have shut itself off. Is
there anyone I can contact regarding this appliance which I think is a
fire hazard?

Will I have problems returning it to Debenhams (I've lost the
receipt), asking for a different brand and model?

Most reputable high street retailers would welcome your input with a
potentially dangerous product. How did you pay for it ? your only
usually need proof of purchase so buying it on a credit or debit card
is a plus because most retailers will accept a copy of your statement
showing the purchase.

An organisation like Debenhams in the interest of good service will
usually be accommodating with faulty goods.

At this point going to trading standards is a bit OTT, and should only
really be used if the retailer refuses to help.

smithy

smithy wrote:
On Sep 25, 8:15 am, Adam wrote:
I bought a cheap Prem-i-air oscillating fan heater (Model PF2002A)
from Debenhams for my garage's hobby workshop in the beginning of
this year to keep it warm. It was used on and off throughout the
year as it also doubles up as a fan when the heating element is off,
and was also used to force-dry clothes during the wet summer.

Recently, when I switched it on, the heating element glowed red and
then eventually bright yellow. The thermostat had no effect on
throttling back the heat. It looked like it was about to burn up so I
immediately unplugged the appliance. Shutting it down hot as it was
stopped the fan and the plastic actually then caught fire.

I am concerned that this appliance is a hazard as it should not have
overheated and if it did overheat, it should have shut itself off. Is
there anyone I can contact regarding this appliance which I think is
a fire hazard?

Will I have problems returning it to Debenhams (I've lost the
receipt), asking for a different brand and model?

Most reputable high street retailers would welcome your input with a
potentially dangerous product. How did you pay for it ? your only
usually need proof of purchase so buying it on a credit or debit card
is a plus because most retailers will accept a copy of your statement
showing the purchase.

An organisation like Debenhams in the interest of good service will
usually be accommodating with faulty goods.

At this point going to trading standards is a bit OTT, and should only
really be used if the retailer refuses to help.

I disagree. The object of the exercise should not be to get a refund for the
cheap fan heater, but to protect the community from the danger of fire from
faulty goods. I'd be inclined to tell both Debenhams and Trading Standards
and to press for an assurance that these things won't be imported again
unless they are modified.