Appliance. net

Appliance news, reviews, ratings, forums, reports and buyers guides.
Locate repairs and parts. for home and kitchen appliances.

You are here: Home / Archives for Recalls

Recalls

Recall: Gecko Alliance Electronic Spa Controls Used on Serenity Spas Due to Fire Hazard

By

Name of Product: Serenity Spa Hot Tubs

Units: About 1,670

Manufacturer: Gecko Alliance of Quebec, Canada

Hazard: The hot tub’s spa control can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Gecko Alliance has received 28 reports of the spa control overheating, including one incident of damage to spa equipment. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Hydropool Serenity Series Spa hot tubs with serial numbers 01350XXXX through 03210XXXX. The serial numbers are printed on the right side of the spa control. The Gecko spa control (SSPA-1) has model number 0202-205097 printed on it.

Sold Exclusively by: Hydropool dealers throughout Northeastern United States in Serenity brand spas from January 2002 through December 2004 for between $3,900 to $8,200.

Manufactured in: Canada

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the hot tubs and reduce the water temperature control to the minimum setting. Consumers should contact Gecko Alliance’s Back-Pak support center to receive the free retrofit enclosure kit. The kit will be provided with a full set of instructions. Instructions also are available at www.back-pak.com. Consumer should not use their spa until after the retrofit enclosure kit is installed.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the Back-Pak support team toll-free at (800) 784 3256 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET or visit www.back-pak.com

Picture of Recalled Serenity Spa Hot Tub Picture of Location of Serial Numbers

Recall: Progress Lighting Ceiling-Mounted Outdoor Light Fixtures

By

Name of Product: Progress Lighting Outdoor Ceiling Light Fixtures

Units: About 1,000

Importer: Progress Lighting, of Greenville, S.C.

Manufacturer: Pegtom, of Hong Ding, China

Hazard: A weld that affixes a mounting bracket to the ceiling pan can fail, which can cause the fixture to fall and injure nearby persons.

Incidents/Injuries: Progress Lighting has received six reports of fixtures falling. No property damage or injuries have been reported.

Description: Only Progress Lighting ceiling-mounted outdoor light fixtures with model numbers P5526-20 and P5526-44 are included in the recall. The light fixtures have three flame-shaped lights inside a beveled glass and solid frame. The fixtures require (3) 60-watt light bulbs. “Made in/Hecho En/Fabrique Aux China” and the model numbers are written on the packaging of the product.

Sold at: Electrical and lighting distributors nationwide from January 2007 through November 2007 for about $200.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should contact Progress Lighting to schedule a free repair of the lighting fixture.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Progress Lighting toll-free at (866) 418-5543 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.progresslighting.com


Recall: Salton Inc. Electric Toasters Due to Fire Hazard

By

Name of Product: Electric Toasters

Units: About 12,000

Distributor: Salton Inc., of Lake Forest, Ill.

Hazard: The toaster can turn on without bread in the slots and ignite items placed on top of it, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None.

Description: This recall involves the chrome two-slice electric toasters sold under the following brands: Farberware (model # FCT200 or FCT100), Hoffritz (model # HZT2 and HZT2M), and Russell Hobbs (model #RH2MT). The brand name and model number are printed on a plate located on the underside of the toaster.

Sold by: Online and retail liquidators nationwide from January 2000 through December 2007 for between $40 and $50.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the toaster immediately, unplug it, and cut off the power cord where it enters the body of the toaster. Consumers who return the power cord in the prepaid envelope that will be provided will receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Contact Salton at (800) 233-9054 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.esalton.com

Note: About 13,000 toasters of similar model were recalled by QVC in December 2007.


Recall: Ensto Control Oy Toggle and Rotary Switches Due to Electric Shock Hazards

By

Name of Product: Toggle Switches and Rotary Switches

Units: About 19,000

Distributor/Importer: Disconnects of Florida Corp., of Tampa, Fla.

Manufacturer: Ensto Control Oy, of Finland

Hazard: When switched OFF, one electrical pole may remain energized, posing a risk of electrical shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Ensto Control Oy has received 13 reports of the switches not functioning properly. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled toggle and rotary switches are manual motor controller switches or disconnect switches. The switches are typically used with HVAC units, electric distribution and control panels and industrial uses. Primarily the switches are used commercially, however they may also be found in residential applications. The switches were sold under the brand name Ensto Control Oy with a four digit manufacturing week date code stamped on the bottom of each switch. The code indicates the week and year of manufacture. Product codes ranging from 0107 through 5007 are included in the recall. The model numbers are located on labels attached on the upper part of the plastic switch housing. The following model numbers are included in the recall:

KK17.3
KK17.963
KK17.980
KK19.3
KK19.963
KK19.980
KKCSU3.60JDR/U
KSR3.100		 KSR3.100/U
KSR3.1001/U
KSR31002/U
KSR3.125/U
KSR3.1251/U
KSR3.63
KSR3.80
KSR3.80/U          		 KSR3.801/U
KSR3.802/U
KST3.100U
KST3.63
KST3.80
KST3.80/U

Sold at: The recalled switches were sold through Ensto Control Oy to distributors, which in turn sold the switches to industrial OEMs. They were not sold in retail establishments or to consumers. The switches were sold for between $30 and $60.

Manufactured in: Finland

Remedy: Consumers who have installed switches can contact the firm for information on how to receive a free inspection and replacement switch. Consumers who have switches that are not installed can return them to Ensto Control Oy, c/o Kaltek Inc., 2310 Peachford Road, Atlanta, Georgia for a replacement switch.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Ensto Control Oy toll-free at (866) 800-0690 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday ET or visit the firm’s Web site at www.ensto.com



Recall: JCPenney Recalls Cooks Deep Fryers Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

By

Name of Product: Cooks Deep Fryers

Units: About 27,000

Importer: JCPenney, of Plano, Texas

Hazard: The deep fryer has a faulty heating element which can cause it to overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: JCPenney is aware of five incidents involving the deep fryers, including one report of a minor burn and three reports of damaged countertops.

Description: The Cooks deep fryer has a brushed stainless steel exterior, a wire mesh basket with a handle, a lid with a window and black handles. The deep fryer has a 1/3-gallon capacity. “Cooks” is stamped on the side of the deep fryer. Model number 22016 is printed on the bottom of the deep fryer.

Sold exlusively at: JCPenney’s stores nationwide, catalog and at www.jcp.com from August 2007 through January 2008 for about $50.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the deep fryer and return it to the nearest JCPenney store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact JCPenney toll-free at (888) 333-6063 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.jcp.com

Picture of Recalled Cooks Deep Fryer

Recall: Hamilton Beach Recalls Toasters Due to Fire Hazard

By

Name of Product: Hamilton Beach® and Proctor-Silex® Toasters

Units: About 482,000

Importer: Hamilton Beach Brands Inc., of Glen Allen, Va.

Hazard: The toasters can remain “on” (energized) after popping up, and can ignite flammable items covering or in contact with the toaster, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Hamilton Beach has received at least 63 reports of toasters that remained “on” despite being in the “up” position. There are no reports of injuries or fires.

Description: The recalled Hamilton Beach® and Proctor-Silex® toasters are black, red, white, chrome or brushed chrome with 2-slice or 4-slice openings. Hamilton Beach or Proctor-Silex is printed on the side of the toasters. Only specific series codes of each model are included in this recall. The model number and series code are printed on the bottom of the toasters.

Toaster Model Numbers
22145B 22779
22145BC 22900
22450 22903
22559 22903H
22625 24450
22627C 24559
22635 24657
22657 24779
22658  

Sold at: Department stores, mass merchandisers, grocery stores, home center stores, and other stores retail stores nationwide, and various online retailers from August 2007 through February 2008 for between $13 and $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled toasters and contact Hamilton Beach for instructions to receive a free replacement toaster.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Hamilton Beach at (800) 574-6800 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.hamiltonbeach.com for Hamilton Beach® toasters, and www.proctorsilex.com for Proctor-Silex® toasters.

recalled toasters

—

Recall: Portable Air Compressors Sold Exclusively at Advance Auto Parts Stores Due to Fire and Electrical Hazards

By

Name of Product: Strike Force™ Portable Air Compressors

Units: About 64,000

Supplier: All-Power America, of City of Industry, Calif.

Importer: Advance Stores Co., d.b.a. Advance Auto Parts, of Roanoke, Va.

Hazard: The compressor’s motor can overheat and ignite the protective cover, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Also, the cover might not prevent internal components from being touched, which poses an electrical shock hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received four reports of fires. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves the 4.6 gallon, 3.5 HP Strike Force™ brand portable air compressor and includes the following model and serial numbers:

Model Number Serial No.
BMM2524 (25254) JWAPC4005xxxxxxxxx
AC251FT (2516) YFJAC4005xxxxxxxxxx
APC4005 (4005) CSCC4005xxxxxxxxxxx

The compressor has twin air tanks that are black-colored. The model and serial numbers are located on the compressor’s housing.

Sold at: Advance Auto Parts stores nationwide and online at www.partsamerica.com from October 2006 through December 2007 for about $90.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the air compressor immediately and return it to any Advance Auto Parts store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For further information, contact All-Power America toll-free at (888) 896-6881 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit either www.allpoweramerica.com or www.advanceautoparts.com

Picture of Recalled Portable Air Compressor

Recall: Rinnai Wall Furnaces Due to Carbon Monoxide Hazard

By

Name of Product: Direct-Vent Wall Furnaces, Models RHFE 431 and RHFE 556

Units: About 52,000

Manufacturer: Rinnai America Corp., of Peachtree City, Ga.

Hazard: A gasket in the unit can fail, posing a risk of poisonous carbon monoxide gas leaking into the home.

Incidents/Injuries: Rinnai has received 11 reports of carbon monoxide leaking from the furnace. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves Rinnai EnergySaver Direct-Vent Wall Furnaces, Models RHFE 431 and RHFE 556. They are either natural gas or LP gas (propane) fueled. The following model numbers are included in the recall:

Model RHFE-431 FAIII-N FAIII-P
  WTA-N WTA-P
  WTA-72B-N WTA-76B-N
     
Model RHFE-556 FAIII-N FAIII-P
  WTA-N WTA-P

The model number is printed on the top of the rating plate located on the right side of the unit. The recall includes only those units manufactured from February 2000 through December 2007. The manufacturing date code is the first four digits of the serial number, written as YY MM, and is located at the bottom of the rating plate.

Sold through: Wholesale distributors nationwide to contractors and dealers from February 2000 through December 2007 for between $1,600 and $1,900.

Manufactured in: Japan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the furnace immediately and contact the firm to arrange for the installation of a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Rinnai toll-free at (866) 746-8344 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.wallfurnacerecall.com

Picture of Recalled Wall Furnace   Picture of Recalled Wall Furnace

Picture of Recalled Wall Furnace Labeling

Recall: Portable Electric Heaters by Aloha Housewares Due to Fire Hazard

By

Name of Product: Portable Electric Heaters

Units: About 152,000

Importer/Distributor: Aloha Housewares Inc., of Arlington, Texas

Hazard: The portable electric heater can overheat and melt plastic parts, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Aloha Housewares has received 29 reports of the heaters melting, smoking or catching fire, including 18 reports of property damage. One consumer reported minor burns to the hands and feet.

Description: This recall involves electric oscillating tower heaters with the name “Aloha Breeze” printed on the top. The white heaters have model number 02044 and dates codes 06/06, 06/07, 06/08 or 06/09. Model numbers and date codes are printed on the silver label located on the back of the heater, near the bottom.

Sold at: Wal-mart and small retail chain stores nationwide from August 2006 through November 2007 for between $35 and $45.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled heaters and contact Aloha Housewares to receive a replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Aloha Housewares at (800) 295-4448 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or email the firm at ahitexaslg@aol.com

Picture of Recalled Portable Electric Heater

Vornado Trust to Pay $500,000 Civil Penalty for Failure to Report Defects and Hazards with Electric Heaters

By

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that a liquidating trust acting on behalf of a now-dissolved manufacturer of heaters has agreed to pay the government a $500,000 civil penalty. The penalty settles allegations that Vornado Air Circulation Systems Inc., formerly of Andover, Kan., failed to report in a timely manner incidents of fire and overheating from defective heaters. In August 2004, CPSC and Vornado announced the recall of about one million portable electric heaters.

From January 1993 through February 2004, Vornado received more than 300 reports of units overheating, melting, smoking, or catching fire. The firm failed to report these incidents to the CPSC in a timely manner. Vornado finally reported the incidents to the CPSC in February 2004, but only after information was requested by the Commission staff.

Federal law requires firms to report to CPSC immediately after obtaining information reasonably supporting the conclusion that a product contains a defect which could create a substantial product hazard, or creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death.

“The law is clear and exists for a reason,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. “Any delay puts consumers at greater risk. The quicker we know about a dangerous product, the faster we can act to protect consumers.”

In agreeing to settle the matter, the liquidating trust denies that Vornado violated federal law.

Picture of Recalled Portable Electric Heaters