An example of a serial number on a circulating faulty pump. Tucson Tucson
THE COMPETITION AND Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has issued an urgent safety alert over circulating pumps installed in more than 114,000 heating systems across the country. 

Households are warned that there is a serious risk of electrocution.

It’s one of the largest ever product safety alerts issued by the Commission.

Which pumps are affected?

The affected products are Tucson 5m, 6m and 8m pumps manufactured between 2017 and 2024.

The pump works by pushing water through the house. It is installed beside a home’s oil or gas boiler. 

However, it’s powered by the mains, and the connector to the mains on faulty pumps is inverted, which can present a serious risk of electrocution.

To find out whether your pump has been affected, find the serial number.

Check whether it’s faulty on the CCPC’s website, or use Tucson Pumps’ online tool.

You can also check by calling the CCPC on 01 842 6255.

What’s the risk?

Patrick Kenny, a member of the CCPC, told RTÉ Radio One: ”[The faulty pump] is not dangerous as it sits there. It’s only dangerous when you put back in the electricity connect.

“The risk involved is ultimately electrocution because if you think about your three-point plug at home, you’re plugging in your kettle or your hairdryer, it’s impossible to put it in sideways or upside down. This should be designed in the same way.

“Unfortunately this, only with minimum force, can be inverted and then immediately the live touches the wrong thing and it becomes live and a danger.”

What should you do?

Once you’ve established that you have a faulty pump, do not interfere with it.

While households can continue to use their heating systems as normal, they should not handle affected pumps.

Do not disconnect, adjust or attempt any maintenance on the pump.

Contact Tucson and they will have a trained installer come out and replace it with a safe pump.

The service and new pump will be provided free of charge.

The safety alert came following an investigation CCPC product safety officers launched an investigation into the pumps following a referral from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

As a result of the CCPC investigation, manufacturer Tucson Pumps is rolling out a major replacement programme. Consumers can have the pump replaced for free by an approved, qualified Tucson technician or service agent.