Morco Products Ltd has issued a safety alert, reference NR24-003, for four models of LPG open flued water heater and is offering free upgrades for affected appliances, according to an alert published by CO-Gas Safety on 31 July 20241. The models named are the Primo 6 (MP6), Primo 11 (MP11), EUP6 and EUP11, sold between 2018 and 20231.
The alert follows concerns that appliance test-point screws may not have been correctly tightened at the time of commissioning or servicing1. Morco's stated concern is that un-rectified water heaters can potentially leak unburnt gas that could cause fires or explosions, that may result in burns and injuries1. Gas leaking from an installation test-point could ignite and cause the plastic bezel and control knobs at the front of the water heater to catch fire and melt1.
"Morco has identified a potential fire risk on their Primo 6 (MP6), Primo 11 (MP11), EUP6 and EUP11 LPG open flued water heaters."
The Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) is supporting Morco in the campaign to find and fix the affected heaters1. The BSS is a public safety initiative run as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, and the 17 navigation authorities that have adopted the scheme use it to help reduce the risks of fire, explosion and pollution on small craft, typically under 24m1. A BSS Certification has a life span of four years1. BSS Examiners who spot one of the affected water heaters installed on a boat are being asked to ask customers whether it has had the free safety upgrade, and owners who have not are to be encouraged to contact Morco1.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Alert reference | NR24-0031 |
| Models affected | Primo 6 (MP6), Primo 11 (MP11), EUP6, EUP111 |
| Period sold | 2018 to 20231 |
| Hazard | Gas leaking from an installation test-point could ignite, causing the plastic bezel and control knobs to catch fire and melt1 |
| Remedy | Free safety upgrade by an approved Gas Safe registered engineer, arranged by Morco1 |
| Contact | 01482 325456 or gaswaterheaters@morcoproducts.co.uk1 |
Why it matters for households
The alert covers LPG open flued water heaters sold over a six-year period, so households with one of these models installed, in a home or on a boat, are affected1. Morco advises that the Morco website can be used to check whether an appliance is one of the affected ones, and includes a guide on how to find the model number and serial number1. Where an upgrade is confirmed as needed, Morco asks owners to fill in a Safety Upgrade Form so that it can ratify the need to act and organise an approved Gas Safe registered engineer to make the required safety upgrade, which will be free of charge1. Water heaters that have already had the safety upgrade should have a Morco branded yellow service notice sticker on the front face of the appliance, including the words "Notice to commissioning engineer" and a reference in the bottom left: Cod. 80000353, ed.11.
Morco stresses that if the LPG water heater is suspected to be leaking gas, the supply should be disconnected and Morco or a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer contacted straightaway1. The Boat Safety Scheme urges anyone with a Morco water heater to check their model and year against the information on the Morco website and to get in touch with Morco if they are at all unsure and need help1. General guidance on gas leaks, fire and carbon monoxide is set out in the guide to home emergencies.
What happens next
Morco is arranging the free safety upgrades through approved Gas Safe registered engineers for owners who complete the Safety Upgrade Form1. The BSS has an information page on the Morco Safety Upgrade Campaign with additional information on how the matter may affect BSS Examinations for a boat with one of the affected water heaters installed1. Queries about the safety upgrade can be put to Morco on 01482 325456 or at gaswaterheaters@morcoproducts.co.uk1. No completion date for the campaign has been reported1.
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