The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
is reminding Cadet
heater owners that they must file a claim by
February 17, 2002, to participate in the recall program. CPSC and Cadet
Manufacturing announced the recall of 1.9 million Cadet and Encore
brand in-wall heaters in February 2000, expanding the original recall
of 190,000 heaters announced in October 1997.
CPSC alleges these heaters, which were distributed mainly in
California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, can overheat and
catch fire. Flames, sparks or molten particles can spew through the
front grill cover of the heater into the living area of a residence,
putting consumers at risk from fires, including
burn injuries, smoke
inhalation and property damage. The heaters also can become energized
creating a risk of electric shock.
Previously, CPSC became aware of more than 320 reports of heaters
that smoked, sparked, caught fire, emitted flames, or ejected burning
particles or molten materials. These incidents allegedly resulted in
three
deaths, two serious burn injuries and property damage claims
exceeding $1.2 million.
The following models of Cadet and Encore brands are involved in
the recall: FW, FX, LX, TK, ZA, Z, RA, RK, RLX, RX and ZC. The brand
and model are located on a label on the front of the heat box, behind
the grill. Before removing the grill to check the identification label,
consumers must disconnect the power supply to the heater at the circuit
breaker. If power is not disconnected, consumers risk electrocution and
shock.
Cadet is offering consumers replacement heaters at a significantly
reduced cost. Each heater will cost between $25 and $57, depending on
the model. Also, consumers that replaced their recalled units from
October 23, 1997 through February 17, 2000, can file a claim for
partial reimbursement for $25 per heater. Consumers must register to
participate in this recall by February 17, 2002. To register, contact
Cadet at (800) 567-2613 anytime or visit the firm's web site at
www.cadetco.com.
In October 1997, Cadet recalled its model FW, FX, LX and ZA
heaters to replace defective over-temperature black plastic limit
switches. By December 1997, Cadet informed CPSC that it could no
longer pay the full costs of the recall, and that the number of heaters
involved were far greater than it had originally known. While
attempting to resolve the problems with the limit switch recall, the
CPSC staff discovered additional problems with the heaters involved in
the 1997 recall, as well as problems with some other Cadet and Encore
models. In addition to the switch defect, the February 17, 2000 recall
announcement stated the heating elements and internal wiring
connections on these heaters are defective and can fail. Even if
consumers have had the heaters' switches repaired, the heaters have
additional problems and need to be replaced.
CPSC strongly urges consumers to participate in this recall. Since
the recalled heaters pose a fire hazard until they are replaced,
consumers should have at least one fully operational smoke detector on
every floor of their home, especially near bedrooms. To ensure that the
detector's batteries are working, test the detector every month.
Consumers also should have a well-defined and rehearsed escape plan and
an alternate escape plan in the event of a fire. To obtain a free copy
of "Your Home Fire Safety Checklist," visit CPSC's web site at
www.cpsc.gov or write to CPSC, Washington, D.C. 20207.
See your doctor if you have experienced serious health problems because of a defective heater or furnace. In addition, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.
See Also
- Furnaces & Space Heaters
- Burns: Overview