Japanese company warns its electric toilets may catch fire

The Columbus Dispatch ^ | April 16, 2007 | AP

[Slump Tester]

TOKYO—Japan's leading toilet maker Toto is offering free repairs for 180,000 bidet toilets after wiring problems caused several to catch fire, the company said today.

The electric bidet accessory of Toto's Z series caught fire in three separate incidents between March 2006 and March 2007, according to company spokeswoman Emi Tanaka.

"Fortunately, nobody was using the toilets when the fire broke out and there were no injuries," Tanaka said. "The fire would have been just under your buttocks."

The company will repair 180,000 toilet units manufactured between May 1996 and December 2001 for free, she said. A manufacturing defect is thought to have led to the faulty wiring.

Toto has been a pioneer in high-tech toilets fitted with pressurized water sprayers — a standard fixture in Japanese homes.

The popular Z series features a pulsating massage spray, a power dryer, built-in-the-bowl deodorizing filter, the "Tornado Wash" flush and a lid that opens and closes automatically. Prices range from $1,680 to $2,600.

The model is not sold overseas.

[libstripper]

So,me manufcturers actually make incierating toilets that burn the waste. See: http://www.barnstablecountyhealth.org/AlternativeWebpage/Incinerating/Incinerating.htm

I once researched this for a cousin who had a problem installing a regular flush toilet. Suffice it to say, the incinerating toilets are both somewhat disgusting and expensive, five to ten times what a flush toilet costs.

[martin_fierro]

No amateurs, please. Send FReepmail if you want on/off ISHP list
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[JoeSixPack1]

Sometimes a little fire on someones butt is a necessary evil! :-)

[rzeznikj at stout]

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

Did Mr. Whiffle’s evil twin have a hand in the design?

[stylecouncilor]

ping