Story Highlight
– Over 100,000 heating systems pose electrocution risk.
– Urgent safety alert issued by Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
– Affected pumps produced by Tucson from 2017 to 2024.
– Consumers can receive free pump replacements from technicians.
– Tradespeople warned to avoid contact during servicing.
Full Story
Concerns have been raised about over 100,000 heating systems in the UK, with specific warnings regarding a significant risk of electrocution from the circulation pumps involved. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has issued an urgent safety alert pertaining to 114,000 pumps installed in heating systems across Ireland, particularly affecting models from Tucson, including the 5m, 6m, and 8m variants manufactured between 2017 and 2024.
While it is safe for consumers to continue using their heating systems, they are advised against any handling of the affected pumps due to the serious electrocution hazard. This includes activities such as disconnecting or adjusting the pumps, as well as any maintenance work.
The CCPC initiated its investigation following a notification from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), which has led to a significant steps being taken by Tucson Pumps to facilitate a replacement program for these faulty devices. Consumers can arrange for a free replacement by contacting a qualified Tucson technician or service agent.
Patrick Kenny, a member of the CCPC, emphasised the severity of the situation, stating, “This is one of the largest product safety alerts ever issued by the CCPC, and one of the most serious. There are about 114,000 of these pumps in Irish homes. If you’ve had work done on your heating system in the last eight years, you need to check if you have one of these pumps.” He urged homeowners to visually inspect their heating systems without touching the pumps, advising them to look for the Tucson brand and check the serial number against a provided list.
Kenny further highlighted the need for caution among tradespeople, particularly during the winter when heating systems are commonly serviced or upgraded. He warned, “Anyone working on heating systems must be very aware of the serious risk presented by these pumps,” and urged retailers to remove affected units from their stock immediately.
The importance of cross-agency communication has been underscored by this incident, as the HSA’s initial notice prompted the CCPC’s investigation. Reports from consumers, tradespeople, and various state bodies are critical to ensuring safety.
Customers are instructed to avoid contact with the pumps and to confirm the serial number, which begins with “S/N,” found on the pump’s label, either on the CCPC website, through Tucson Pumps’ tool, or by calling 01 842 6255. For tradespeople, the CCPC noted that there is a significant risk if the mains cable is connected in reverse, potentially exposing individuals to electrocution risks.
As a UK health and safety professional, this alert is deeply concerning. Electrocution risk from circulation pumps is a serious hazard — immediate precautions are essential. Homeowners should: stop any interaction with affected pumps, isolate the heating system at the breaker or main switch if safe to do so, and contact a qualified, competent heating engineer or the supplier to arrange the free replacement. Tradespeople must treat these units as live electrical hazards during diagnosis and servicing, use appropriate lock-off/tag-off procedures, confirm isolation with a suitable voltage detector, and wear required PPE. Building managers and landlords should ensure residents and occupants are informed promptly, log inspections and actions taken, and remove access to the plant room until replacements are fitted. Report any incidents to the appropriate authorities and document communications with the CCPC or supplier. Prioritise safety over convenience — if in doubt, leave the system isolated and seek professional assistance.
This alert is extremely serious. Anyone with a Tucson circulation pump from 2017 to 2024 should stop any interaction with the unit immediately and follow the recall instructions. Do not attempt repairs or testing yourself and ensure tradespeople are told about the risk before any work. Isolate power to the system where it is safe to do so and arrange the free replacement through the official channels. Check notifications from your supplier or the CCPC and share the warning with neighbours and tenants who might be affected.
This is a serious and timely warning. Anyone with a Tucson circulation pump from the affected years should stop any contact with the unit immediately and arrange the free replacement through the official channels. Tradespeople should treat these pumps as live risk items during inspections or repairs and use appropriate isolation and testing procedures before working on the system. Owners who are unsure which model they have should seek professional verification rather than attempting to handle it themselves.