cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
1

Ask

2

Reply

3

Solution

Sure Signal V3 Burnt out

susagood
3: Seeker
3: Seeker

I purchased a new Sure Signal V3 from an ebay seller in March 2016. I always thought it ran too hot and tried to remember to unplug it when I wasn't at home. We were away for the recent bank holiday weekend and I'd forgotten and left it plugged in.  Very scary that it decided to blow up while we were away! It tripped the ring main circuit and looked black around the earth pin of the socket on the front.  It also rattled and had no lights showing at all. Taking the unit apart shows the extent of the burnt components. I believe this is a serious fire hazard and have contacted Consumer Direct as advised by another forum member.  IMG_6839s.jpg

9 REPLIES 9

gsmsecure
12: Established
12: Established
Please take a look at my post (link below) in relation to SureSignal V3 units failing with all lights out and the reasons why..

IF YOUR DEVICE HAS FAILED WITH THE LIGHTS OUT THEN THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE INTERNAL COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN DESTROYED BY HEAT AND CONTINUING TO LEAVE IT CONNECTED CARRIES A SMALL FIRE RISK. VODAFONE SHOULD NOT BE RECOMMENDING ANY OTHER ACTION THAN TO REMOVE IT FROM THE MAINS IMMEDIATELY.

I am currently working with Vodafone's CEO and Trading Standards on this issue.

Vodafone are now offering to replace any suspected unit with power supply failure regardless of warranty status as they now admit units manufactured prior to August 2015 have a flaw in the unit.

Although they are replacing faulty units I don't believe this goes far enough and need your help in convincing Trading Standards to force a full recall by  reporting yours even if they offer to replace it.

Please report the failed unit to Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 0345 4040506 who are investigating why so many of these units are failing so  catastrophically and that there is  potentially a fire hazard when they fail.

When you get through, let the operator know that West Berkshire Trading Standards are monitoring for calls in relation to this product and that you wish to register your details as well.

If Vodafone offer a replacement (even under warranty), do not hand in your old unit but instead inform them that you want to hold on to the device for further investigation and you are willing to prove the device is faulty by taking it to a local store as I did.

Ensure you let staff know that in plugging the device into a mains socket that there is a small risk it could set on fire.

Trading Standards need to know about any failure where all lights are out as it is suspected that components on the power supply PCB have suffered extreme heat or voltages.

Whether or not Vodafone replace under warranty or you have been told to go buy another, you must report it as any replacement will most likely suffer the same demise.

If you were near to the unit when it failed you probably would have witnessed a loud bang with a bright flash.

These units can fail anytime from new within a week to around two and a half years. UK Consumer law covers you to claim compensation or a refund as you should have reasonably expected it to have lasted longer.

You can use the UK courts to claim for up to six years from date of purchase so even if yours failed a while ago or it is out of warranty you can still make a claim.

Consequencial damages such as a defrosted fridges or freezers or damaged stock due to  a power circuit tripping can and should also be claimed as well other other losses such as travelling to store to pick up replacement.

If you need help with information to make a claim, contact me directly where we can open up the unit, take pictures and report on the failure.

For over three years Vodafone claim these devices are reliable and safe and have not addressed why so many are failing with heat damaged components inside.

Mine was replaced at two and a half years after contacting Trading Standards and suggested I would have the unit design inspected. I work in electronics and checking components and design is where our factory specialise and there are some serious questions over the design of this product.

https://forum.vodafone.co.uk/t5/Vodafone-Sure-Signal/Suresignal-V3-Overheated-Hot-Burnt-out-amp-Dead...

It is important to report all failed SureSignal V3 using the links below to:

BBC's Watchdog: https://ssl.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mg74/contact

Trading Standards: Call them on 0345 4 040506

Vodafone CEO: http://www.ceoemail.com -  (Search Vodafone UK)

Rahim
Moderator (Retired)
Moderator (Retired)

@susagood 

I've sent you a private message with details on how to get in touch.

 

I also have a burned out suresignal serial No 40134920616. 

Not sure how long I have had it but probably around 2 or 3 years - it failed with a bang and consequently does not work at all now. This is seemingly a common occurrence and I would like to get the unit replaced or repaired but the posting I read said to keep hold of the unit and report to trading standards and to BBC Watchdog as this is a recognised issue.

 

Are you replacing failed units as is reported?

 

Thank you

 

James

Becca_P
Moderator (Retired)
Moderator (Retired)

@Jamms

 

I've sent you a private message with details on how to get in touch. 

 

Once you've followed the instructions, you'll receive an automated response with a reference number. It will look something like this [#123456]. 

 

A member of the team will be in touch to assist you with this query shortly.

I called the number provided to add my details to the case with Trading standards, but the person I spoke to was very unhelpful. I explained I wanted to add my voice to the already open case but she didn't seem to understand this or know what to do. She started to ask me for all the details of the individual I bought my v3 from on ebay, and at that point I'm afraid I gave up. SHe didn't seem to have any knowledge of how to handle the call.

 

I have 2 suresignals that died at about the same time. My v3 went out with a bang and is charred inside, and my v2 has a faulty power supply. 

 

I find it unacceptable that people should just be expected to go out and buy another, also probably faulty, product.

Rahim
Moderator (Retired)
Moderator (Retired)

@Timeweasel I've sent you a private message with details on how to get in touch.

 

 

Thanks, I called customer support yesterday and they are dealing with it. I'll get back to you if it's not sorted out.

Rahim
Moderator (Retired)
Moderator (Retired)

@Timeweasel Thanks for letting us know. 

If you have any trouble, please let us know and we'll help. 

gsmsecure
12: Established
12: Established
Jamms

Have you been offered a replacement?

It is important to report all failed SureSignal V3 using the links below to:

BBC's Watchdog: https://ssl.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mg74/contact

Trading Standards: Call them on 0345 4 040506

Vodafone CEO: http://www.ceoemail.com -  (Search Vodafone UK)