A product recall has been issued for an extension cord supplied with a popular commercial vacuum sold between 1 July 2018 and 18 March 2026.
The issue relates specifically to the 18m orange extension lead included with the unit - not the vacuum itself.
What's the issue?
The 18m orange extension cord supplied with the Vax Bagged Backpack Vacuum Cleaner (VXCB-01) has been found to pose a serious safety risk.
According to the recall notice, this can lead to internal arcing, overheating and sparking.
This creates a risk of burn injuries or property damage, and there have already been reported incidents involving injury.
What products are affected?
The recall applies to:
- 18m orange extension cord supplied with the Vax Bagged Backpack Vacuum Cleaner (VXCB-01)
- Sold between 1 July 2018 and 18 March 2026
Important:
- The vacuum cleaner itself is NOT recalled
- The extension cord was only sold as part of the vacuum package, not separately
What should you do?
If you have this unit:
- Stop using the extension cord immediately
- Remove it from the vacuum
- Contact the supplier (Techtronic Industries)
You’ll be provided with instructions for safe disposal and a replacement voucher. Do not return the cord to the store.
The vacuum unit can still be used safely - just not with the affected lead.
Why this matters (for test and tag)
This recall is a strong reminder that faults don't always show up on the surface. Equipment can look fine externally while developing faults internally.
Extension leads - especially longer ones used heavily in commercial environments — are more prone to internal conductor damage from repeated flexing and rough handling.
These faults often aren’t visible, but can lead to overheating, arcing, and other electrical hazards if left undetected.
This is exactly why regular inspection and testing is critical.
- Picking up early signs of wear and tear
- Identifying insulation breakdown
- Catching internal faults before they become incidents
