The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) published a product safety report on 6 March 2025 for the Bauer Electric Hot Water Bottle, model CHB-006, item number 38930, warning that it presents a serious risk of fire1. The report was notified by Local Authority Trading Standards and carries the case number 2412-00841.
The hazard is in the plug. The report states that the plug is fitted with a 13-amp fuse, instead of the 3-amp fuse required for this type of product, and that a 13-amp fuse could allow too much current to flow, potentially leading to overheating and fire if the product draws more power than intended1. The report says the product does not meet the requirements of the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 19941.
The product is described as a pink rechargeable electric hot water bottle supplied in white cardboard packaging with an image of the product on the face, made in China1. It falls under the electrical appliances and equipment category, and the risk level is listed as serious1.
The corrective action is a warning to consumers. The manufacturer has issued a warning notice with instructions for the fuse to be replaced, or the option to return the item to the retailer for a refund1.
"A warning notice has been issued with instructions to replace the fuse, or return the item to the retailer for a refund."
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Product | Bauer Electric Hot Water Bottle |
| Model | CHB-006 |
| Item number | 38930 |
| Country of origin | China |
| Hazard | Plug fitted with a 13-amp fuse instead of the required 3-amp fuse |
| Risk level | Serious |
| Measure | Warning consumers of the risks |
| Report date | 6 March 2025 |
| Case number | 2412-0084 |
Why it matters for households
The report concerns a rechargeable electric hot water bottle, a mains-powered item used for warmth, so the risk applies to households that have this model in use. The report says the plug carries a fuse rated higher than the product requires, which it links to possible overheating and fire1. The manufacturer's warning notice sets out two routes: replacement of the fuse, or return of the item to the retailer for a refund1. The report directs users to contact the distributor by email at afterservice@benross.com or by telephone on +44 (0) 1518 327 600 for further information1. The report does not state how many units are affected or over what period the product was sold; those details have not been reported.
What happens next
The report records that the manufacturer is warning consumers of the risk and has issued a warning notice with the replacement and refund options1. No further steps, such as a recall of the product from sale, are set out in the report. Households with questions are directed by the report to the distributor's email address and telephone number above1.
Households checking the safety of mains-powered heating items can refer to the guide on electrical fires, overloaded sockets and faulty appliances, and to the comparison of hot water bottles and wheat bags for non-electric alternatives.
Hot Water Bottle or Wheat Bag
Electrical Fires and Sockets
