Mr Stowe said 328 power adaptors had been sold nationally through Optus between June and November 2011.

Consumers should cease using the product immediately. Optus is contacting all customers directly. Optus has couriered replacement products to all affected customers. NETGEAR and Optus have announced the recall on their websites. NETGEAR has also posted an announcement on the Whirlpool forum where the fault was originally identified.

Consumers should follow the directions provided in the new replacement package sent by Optus and use the reply paid satchel included to return the faulty product. Affected consumers who have not received a replacement kit should contact Optus on 133 937 or email NETGEAR at [email protected]

Rod says the power adaptor was being recalled due to a potential safety hazard because of incorrectly attached internal wiring that posed a risk of electric shock.

“Thankfully no serious injuries have been reported to date,” he says.

Rod congratulated the suppliers for acting swiftly to rectify the problem and provide replacement products to all affected consumers.

“Voluntary recalls play an important role in product safety by minimising risk to consumers,” he says.

“By working closely with government, manufacturers and sellers of electrical goods can ensure consumers are readily notified, with the aim of removing or rectifying any unsafe products sold to the public.”

Under the Australian Consumer Law, a supplier is obliged to recall consumer goods immediately they are aware the goods may cause injury, do not comply with a safety standard or are banned.

When a supplier initiates a recall, they must notify the Commonwealth Minister within 48 hours of recalling the goods. Failure to do so is breaking the law. For more Australian product recall information visit www.recalls.gov.au