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Electronic device and appliance recalls including batteries, chargers, heaters, and kitchen appliances. Fire and shock hazard alerts.
Hair Dryers Repaired by Andis & National Presto NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 22, 1980 Release # 80-016 Additional Hair Dryers Made With Asbestos To Be Repaired By Their Two Manufacturers WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 22, 1980) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced the recall of more than one-half million hair dryers and styling combs which were manufactured with asbestos. The recall includes professional hand-held hair dryers sold for use in barber shops and hair salons. The recalls are being conducted voluntarily by the Andis Company, of Racine, Wisconsin, and by National Presto Industries, Inc., of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Under voluntary corrective programs approved by the Commission, the two firms have agreed to replace the asbestos linings in the dryers and stylers with non-asbestos materials. The Andis Company is recalling tens of thousands of hand-held dryers sold to professional barbers and beauticians since 1973. Some salons may have resold the dryers directly to consumers, CPSC staff reports. The recall applies to the following Andis hair dryer styles and models: Electra Dryer, model ED, Electra Dryer 11, model ED2; Ultra 1200, model U-12; Elite 1500, model 480-EL; and Elite 1250, model E-12. Professional hair stylists should return these dryers to the supply distributor where purchased for free repairs. Consumers who own one of the dryers can obtain the location of the nearest repair center by contacting Andis at its toll-free number l-800-558-9441. Hundreds of thousands of bonnet and hood-type hair dryers and styling combs are being recalled by National Presto Industries. These hair products were sold to consumers as early as 1965 through a variety of independent retail stores nationwide. The following Presto brand dryers and stylers are eligible for free repairs: Elastic Bonnet, models LP04 and PPlOA; Professional Hood, model PP18A; Mist Hood, models PP19A and PP19B; Styling Comb, model PP24A; and Mist Styling Comb, model PP25A. Consumers should mail the dryers and stylers for free repairs to National Presto Industries, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, 54701.
Night Lights Recalled by Danara NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 18, 1980 Release # 80-015 55,000 Night Lights Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 18, 1980) -- Approximately 55,000 plastic night lights that may pose a shock hazard to consumers are being recalled by their importer, Danara International, Ltd., of South Hackensack, New Jersey. The recall is being conducted voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The night lights were manufactured in a square shape with a white plastic cover depicting popular cartoon and nursery- rhyme characters. The cover can be rotated so that the picture can be turned to an upright position regardless of how the light is plugged into an electrical outlet. Some of the lights were manufactured with insufficient amounts of glue, permitting the front cover to detach from the light assembly and thereby exposing the interior electrical wiring. No deaths or injuries, however, have been reported to the company or to CPSC. The recalled lights bear the following inscription embossed on the orange plastic backing: "Danara International, Ltd., 1/4 watt, 115 volts." An estimated 46,000 of the lights have been sold nationwide since March, 1978 by Sears, Roebuck and Co. for $1.50 each. The Sears models feature a picture of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger. The remaining 9,000 lights feature other characters and were sold in a variety of retail outlets for approximately the same price. Consumers should return the lights to the place of purchase for a full cash refund.
Electric Heaters Recalled by Titan NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 11, 1980 Release # 80-004 Faulty Portable Electric Heaters Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 11) -- Approximately 1,000 heavy-duty, model 267C, portable electric heaters which may pose a shock hazard to consumers are being recalled by their manufacturer, the Titan Sales Corporation, of Kansas City, Missouri. The recall is being conducted voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Some of the heaters were improperly wired during manufacture, allowing the heaters' metal casing to become electrified. No injuries have been reported to the manufacturer or the Commission. Consumers should return the heaters to the place of purchase for free replacement or repair. Intended for use in homes, classrooms and workshops, the heaters were manufactured with a baked enamel finish of tan and brown. The company name "Titan" appears above the control knob on the front of the heaters, and model number 267C is displayed on the back. The 220-240 volt heaters were manufactured in July, 1979, and distributed from July through early November, 1979. They were sold nationwide in hardware stores and other retail outlets for approximately $88.95. The firm successfully has recalled from distributors approximately 70 % of the 3,800 potentially defective heaters it produced. The faulty units bear the following manufacturing date codes on a label on the bottom: 267-904-716 267-904-717 267-904-718 267-904-719 267-904-727 267-904-720 267-904-723 267-904-724 267-904-725 267-904-726
Hair Dryers Corrected by Manufacturers NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 1979 Release # 79-061 Commission Approves Corrective Plans For 26 Manufacturers Of Asbestos Hair Dryer WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 1) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has voted unanimously to accept the voluntary corrective action plans of 26 manufacturers and importers of hand-held hair dryers made with asbestos. The 26 companies account for nearly 10 per cent of those hand- held hair dryers manufactured with asbestos since 1969. The other 90 per cent were distributed by 11 manufacturers and private labelers whose corrective actions were approved by the Commission last May. Among the 26 manufacturers and private labelers, eight have agreed to repair their hair dryers: three have agreed to refund the purchase price or replace the dryers with asbestos-free dryers: and 15 have agreed to exchange their dryers for refunds, new asbestos- free dryers or other products manufactured or imported by the firm. Nearly 100 different models and styles of hair dryers are covered under these corrective action plans. Since May, 1979, CPSC has ordered 146 corporations to submit sworn information regarding the use of asbestos in their hair dryers. The 26 companies listed below informed CPSC that the heat shields in their dryers contained asbestos (but that no other dryer parts exposed to the dryers' airstream contained asbestos). None of the remaining 120 firms reported having manufactured hair dryers containing asbestos. The companies which have agreed to repair or accept returns of their hair dryers include: Afro Products, Inc., of Ottuma, Iowa; Allied Stores Marketing Corp., of New York City; Arrow Trading Co., New York City; B&E Sales Co., of Detroit, Michigan; Brother International Corp., of Piscataway, New Jersey; Formac, Inc., of City of Industry, California; Hartman Products of Hawthorne, California; W.P. Hemenway Co., of Portland, Oregon; Hairaoka New York Inc., of New York City; Hitachi Sales Corp. of Compton, California; Interpur (a division of Dart Industries) of Orlando, Florida; and M.S.S. Direct Ltd., of Hauppauge, New York. Also included are: Market Importing Services Inc., of New York City; New York Merchandise Co. of New York City.; Pace Setter of Burbank, California: Panasonic Co. of Secaucus, New Jersey; Pearlduck Inc., of Garden City, New York; Sanyei New York Corp. of New York City; Sanyo Electric Inc., of Compton, California; Save-Way Industries Inc. of Hialeah, Florida; Swank Co., Inc., of New York City; T.G. & Y. Stores Co. of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Wakefern Food Corp. of Elizabeth, New Jersey; Windsor Industries, Inc., of Melville, New York; F.W. Woolworth Co. of New York City; and Zayre Corp. of Framingham, Massachusetts. Many of these companies maintain that hair dryers containing asbestos have not been proven to present a health hazard. CPSC staffers have compiled a list providing the specific corrective actions which the 26 individual firms have agreed to perform. The list can be obtained free by writing to: Hair Dryers, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C., 20207. Consumers also can obtain specific information about the plans by contacting CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772.
Power Mowers Modified by Sunbeam NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 1979 Release # 79-052 Power Mowers To Be Modified WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct.1) -- The Sunbeam Outdoor Co., has instituted a program to modify approximately 8,900 electric lawn mowers which may pose electrical shock hazards to users. The program is being conducted voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Sunbeam Outdoor Company, of Manning, South Carolina, is a division of the Sunbeam Corporation. The program applies only to models 3227 and 3228 "Sunbeam" electrical mowers. They have been sold nationwide since 1978 at a retail price of approximately $140. The mowers feature handles which can be reversed over the top of the motor enabling consumers to change mowing directions without turning around the entire machine. As the position of the handle is changed, the power cord may get caught between the handle and a bracket which mounts the handle to the mower. This could cause sufficient abrasion to expose electrical wires. No injuries have been reported. Consumers should not use these mowers until they have installed a small metal part to eliminate the potential hazard. The part can be obtained free of charge, along with installation instructions, by contacting: Department 91B, Sunbeam Outdoor Company, Division of Sunbeam Corporation, P.O. Box 430, Kingstree Highway East, Manning, South Caroling 29102, telephone 803/435-8444. To verify model numbers, consumers may contact CPSC's toll- free Hotline at 800/638-2772.
Commercial Hair Dryers Corrected by Bonat NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20, 1979 Release # 79-048 Commission Accepts Asbestos Correction Plan From Commercial Hair Dryer Manufacturer WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 20) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the manufacturer of the "Rocket Blower", a commercial hair dryer used nationwide in beauty salons patronized primarily by blacks, today announced a voluntary program for the removal and replacement of asbestos heat shields in the hair dryers. The correction program has been accepted by the Commission as adequate. The manufacturer, Bonat Inc., of West Patterson, New Jersey, estimates that since 1972 approximately 1,000 of the special purpose hair dryers have been sold to distributors for resale to beauty salons. The company estimates that perhaps 500 individual beauty salons currently may be using the "Rocket Blower", predominantly in major urban areas. Bonat and CPSC will be instructing Bonat distributors and their beauty salon customers to return the dryers for retrofitting. Bonat has informed the Commission that it believes these hair dryers do not present a health hazard. Although Bonat therefore feels it is not legally obligated to undertake the correction program, it has agreed to do so voluntarily. Distributors and their beauty salon operators can identify the "Rocket Blower" by its name on the label, which reads "Bonat Blower Dryer." The "Rocket Blower" models requiring removal of the asbestos heat shield are models B-10, B-11 and B-14. No other Bonat dryers have been manufactured with asbestos heat shields. The replacement program is scheduled to begin in mid-October when the company will have completed its retrofitting arrangements. Beauty salon operators are being advised to write the Bonat company at 250 Lackawanna Ave., West Patterson, New Jersey 07424, to receive details of the retrofit program. Salon operators also may contact CPSC at the agency's toll-free Hotline, 800/638-2772, to initiate participation in the program.
Television Sets Repaired by Sears NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 1979 Release # 79-044 Repair Program Set For Sears Televisions WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 30) -- Sears, Roebuck and Co. today announced a repair program to correct a potential fire hazard in 21,000 of its 19-inch portable color television sets. The program is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The sets were manufactured with an electrical resistor which may overheat, possibly causing an internal fire which could spread to other combustible materials. The sets were sold from 1973 through 1975. Sears has received consumer reports of five fires in the television sets. No injuries have been reported. The sets were sold nationwide under the "Sears" brand name for approximately $490. They can be identified by one of the following model numbers on the back of the cabinet: 564.41990300, 564.419913000, 564.41991301, 564.41991302 or 564.41991303. No other sets are involved. Consumers should contact their local Sears store or service center to arrange for free repairs. To verify model numbers, consumers also may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline 800/638-2772.
August 2, 1979 Release # 79-036 Glass Doors On Wood Heaters Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 2)-- The Jackes Evans Manufacturing Company in St. Louis, Missouri, is recalling the glass doors on approximately 1,000 wood-burning heaters, the U.S. Consumer product Safety Commission today reported. CPSC reported that the glass can break, permitting live sparks to escape into the living area. No injuries have been reported. The recall applies to the doors on those model WEL "Hearth-Glo" wood-burning circulator heaters which contain 11 x 13-inch glass and door frames with an inner diameter of 10 x 12 1/2 inches. The model letters "WEL" appear on a nameplate on the back of the heater. The heaters were sold primarily by hardware stores nationwide from November, 1977, through October, 1978. The firm is not recalling the doors on similar Hearth-Glo heaters with 9 x 13-inch glass and frames with an inner diameter of 8 1/4 x 12 1/2 inches, since it used a different type of glass which does not pose the fire hazard. Consumer should contact their retailers to arrange for receipt of free replacement doors
Electric Fans Recalled by Vernco NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 12, 1979 Release # 79-033 Electric Fans Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C, (July 12) -- The Vernco Division of the Emerson Electric Company in Columbus, Indiana, today announced it is still trying to contact the owners of some of its portable electric fans which could catch on fire. The firm urges consumers to return the fans for free repairs. This announcement was made in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission. According to the firm, the rotors on some 13- and 19-inch fans may lock, possibly causing the motor to overheat and the plastic components to ignite. CPSC and the company are concerned that consumers using un-repaired fans during the current summer weather are exposing themselves to a potential fire hazard. To date, only a small percentage of the approximately 72,000 fans in question have been returned for modification. Approximately 75 per cent of the fans were sold by Sears, Roebuck 6 Company. These fans are inscribed with the initials "SR" in the center of a plastic fan guard, are light green in color, and stand on a circular plastic base. The 230inch model sold at a retail price of approximately $30 and the 19-inch for about $50. The fans marketed directly by Vernco bear the "Vernco" inscription on the fan guard. They are light blue, are also mounted on circular stands, and were sold at comparable prices through other retailers nationwide. All of the fans were manufactured in 1973 and 1974. The fans posing the potential hazard are stamped on the bottom with a 5-digit date code ending with the number "3" or "4," along with Vernco model number V-1001 or V-1003, or Sears number 758.80530 or 758.80550. Consumer who own one' of the fans should return it as soon as possible to the place of purchase to arrange for free repair. Anyone requiring additional information about the Vernco models being recalled should contact Norman Edwards of Vernco at 812/372-9901. Information about Sears fans can be obtained at any Sears retail store. Consumers wishing to verify the model numbers may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772.
The CPSC is concerned that asbestos that may be exposed to the air stream in hand-held hair dryers may present a health hazard.
Air Conditioners Recalled by Carrier NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 1979 Release # 79-017 Air Conditioners Recalled WASHINGTON, D. C. (April 16 ) -- Carrier Corporation, Syracuse, N.Y., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today reissued the announcement of its October 20, 1978 recall of two models of room air conditioners produced between 1962 and 1964. The company said engineering tests on several of the 14 - 16 year old units have revealed deterioration of a terminal board insulator, which could cause an electrical short that might ignite adjacent combustible material. Three fires in May 1978, in an apartment complex in Anaheim, Calif., were reported by the company to CPSC. There were no reported injuries. The product is a 6,000 BTU air conditioner sold under the Carrier "Weathermaker" brand name and bearing model number 51GA0661 or 51GB0661. The model number is on a metal plate behind the unit's decorative front grille, which can be snapped out easily. The units are used to cool a single small room, such as a bedroom, and are usually installed in a window. The units are about 16-l/2 inches high, 22 inches wide, and 11-l/4 inches deep, and weigh 100 pounds. They were sold throughout the continental United States from 1962-65 at a retail price of $185-$210. Carrier said that it produced 21,591 of the units, but because they are now well beyond their normally expected product life it is estimated that only as many as 2,782 units or as few as 628 might still be in service. Consumers having one of these units are urged not to use it and to disconnect it from the electrical outlet. They should telephone their nearest Carrier room-air conditioning dealer, listed in the Yellow Pages, to arrange for a free repair. Consumers who need additional information should write to Carrier Air Conditioning, Carrier Parkway, Syracuse, N.Y. 13221, or phone the company's Consumer Relations Department at (315) 432-7651. To verify brand names and model numbers, consumers may contact CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800/638-2772.
November 22, 1978 Release # 78-094 Amana Freezers WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 22)-- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Amana Refrigeration, Inc., Amana, Iowa, today announced that 96,000 owners of Amana side-by-side refrigerator-freezers made between February 1969 and September 1974, have been contacted by the company and given instructions for modifying the units to eliminate any possibility of shock hazard. In its first announcement of the possible defect made jointly with Amana in August 1977, CPSC described the voluntary repair program for about 240,000 units. According to Amana, it has exhausted all available lists of consumers to contact concerning the modification program and wants the remaining owners to get in touch with the company immediately. The Amana models to be modified are SR17, SR19, SR22, SR25, SD19, SD22, and SD25, whose serial numbers begin with the letters IS, E, B, L, A or C. The appliances in question can be positively identified by checking the model and serial number on the serial plate located behind the removable black grille at the lower front of the unit. The possibility of a shock hazard is caused by a defective hinge wire assembly which powers the butter-keeper heater and anti-sweat heater. CPSC has learned of 41 shock incidents to date. Anyone owning one of the 144,000 units that have not yet been modified should immediately furnish model, serial number, name and address to Amana Refrigeration, Inc., Amana, Iowa 52204. If consumers are unable to contact Amana directly they should call, with the same information, CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800/638-2772
October 19, 1978 Release # 78-086 WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 19) -- Carrier Corporation, Syracuse, N.Y., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced it is voluntarily recalling two models of room air conditioners produced between 1962 and 1964. The company said engineering tests on several of the 14 to 16-year-old units had revealed the deterioration of a terminal board insulator which could cause an electrical short that might ignite adjacent combustible material. Three fires last May involving these unit models in an apartment complex in Anaheim, Calif., were reported by the company to CPSC. There were no reported injuries related to those fires. The product involved is a 6,000 BTU air conditioner sold under the Carrier "Weathermaker" brand name and identified by the mode1 number 51GA0661 or 51GB0661. The model number will be found on a metallic plate behind the unit's decorative front grille, which can be snapped out easily. The units generally would be used to cool a single small room, such as a bedroom, and, in most instances, would be installed in a window. The units are about 16 1/2 inches high, 22 inches wide, 11 1/4 inches deep and weigh 100 pounds. They were sold throughout the continental U.S. during the years 1962-65 at a retail price of $185 to $210. Carrier said the company had produced a total of 21,591 such units, that they are now well beyond their normally expected product life, and that age, moisture and heat contributed to the deterioration of the electrical terminal board. The company estimates that as many as 2,782 units or as few as 628, might still be in service. Consumers having units as identified for the recall are urged to disconnect the air conditioner from the electrical outlet and to cease using it immediately. They should telephone their nearest Carrier room air conditioning dealer, as listed in the Yellow Pages Directory. Units will be repaired at no cost to the consumers. Consumers who require additional information should write to Carrier Air Conditioning, Carrier Parkway, Syracuse, N.Y. 13221 or phone the company's Consumer Relations Department at 315/432-7651. To verify brand names and model numbers, consumers may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772
October 18, 1978 Release # 78-085 Portable Water Heaters Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 18) -- Rhinehart Manufacturing Co., Spencerville, Ind., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today warned consumers about a possible serious shock hazard stemming from its "Miti-Mite" portable, immersible electric water heater. About 15,000 to 25,000 heaters have been sold since production began 15 years ago. The heaters are primarily used to heat small quantities of water in rural areas without hot water facilities. The heater is to be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. It consists of an exposed, resistive heating element contained inside a disc-shaped, perforated, aluminum case. This perforated case allows water to flow inside and directly into contact with the heating element, presenting a dangerous shock hazard if the appliance is "on" and immersed in water. To date, CPSC knows of no injuries involving the Rhinehart heaters. The heater does not bear a model number, but can be identified by the label "Miti-Mite" embossed on top. The heaters are sold in outlets such as hardware stores. They presently sell for about $4-$5 and distribution may be nationwide. An unknown number are currently in consumers' hands. Consumers are warned they may be electrocuted if they touch the water container or the water itself while the heater is "on" and immersed in water. Consumers should immediately stop using these heaters and return them for a refund to: Rhinehart Manufacturing Co., Spencerville, Ind. 47688 (telephone: 219/238-4442). Rhinehart no longer manufactures or repairs the "Miti-Mite" heaters
September 28, 1978 Release # 78-079 J.C. Penney Conducts Repair Program For Bench Grinders WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 28) -- The J.C. Penney Company, Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and McGraw-Edison Co., has announced a voluntary repair program of about 2,700 J.C. Penney six-inch bench grinders that may pose an electric shock hazard. The model 4030 grinders were sold by J.C. Penney between June 1973 and approximately June 1975. A protective sleeve that insulates a lead wire may wear through if in contact with the motor shaft. Severe shock could result if the bench grinder is not properly grounded, and the user is grounded or touching a grounded metal object such as a water pipe. The repair program applies only to model 4030 grinders purchased after June 1973 which are not imprinted with a three-digit date code (such as 57C) on the nameplate. The bench grinder should not be used until it has been inspected and reworked. Owners of the bench grinders should contact their local J.C. Penney store to make free inspection and repair arrangements. A repair program that included the J.C. Penney grinders was first announced by the McGraw-Edison Co. and CPSC on August 29,1978. To verify the model number, call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772
September 27, 1978 Release # 78-078 Consumers Urged To Inspect Edger/Trimmer Garden Tools WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 27) --Weed Eater, Inc., Houston, Texas, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced an inspection and replacement program for the "406 Grass Getter", a nylon string edger/trimmer sold exclusively by Montgomery Ward and Co. The electrical insulation on some of the garden tools may have been damaged during shipping and could expose a user to an electric shock. No injuries have been reported. The units involved were sold by Wards between December 20,1977 and August 10, 1978. They were offered for sale through Wards' retail and catalog stores and sold for about $59.00. The only units affected can be identified by the model number WWH 2052A. This is the only model number affected. The model number appears both on the warning label on the metal shaft and on a name plate on top of the motor housing. The logo "406 Grass Getter" also appears on the name plate. To inspect the unit, the consumer is urged to unplug the unit, separate the upper and lower halves of the metal tubular shaft so as to expose the wiring, and check the visible wiring for cuts in the insulation of the wires. (About four inches of wiring is exposed when the unit is taken apart.
September 25, 1978 Release # 78-077 Portable Electric Fans Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 25) -- The Vernco Division of the Emerson Electric Co., Columbus, Ind., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a potential fire hazard in some of its 13- and 19-inch, portable electric fans. Vernco said that under certain conditions these fans may overheat and possibly catch fire. Some 72,000 fans manufactured in 1973 and 1974 and sold nationwide are being recalled. The affected fans have a plastic fan guard and circular plastic base. Approximately 75 percent were sold through Sears, Roebuck and Co., and are inscribed with the initials "SR" in the center of the plastic fan guard. The Sears units are light green. The 13-inch model sold for approximately $30, and the 19-inch for about $50. The Vernco fans bear the "Vernco" inscription on the plastic fan guard. They are light blue and were sold through other retailers at similar prices. The only fans involved are those having the 5-digit date code ending with the numbers 3 or 4 and bearing Sears model no. 758.80530 or 758.80550, or Vernco no. V-1001 or V-1003. Both the date code and model number are stamped on the bottom of the base. Consumers are cautioned against using these fans and are urged to return them to the place of purchase to arrange for free repair. For further information about the Vernco models, contact Mr. Norman Edwards of Vernco at 812/372-9901. For Sears fans, call the nearest Sears retail store
Bench Grinders Repaired by McGraw-Edison NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 1978 Release # 78-074 Bench Grinders To Be Repaired WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 29)-- The Portable Appliance and Tool Group, McGraw-Edison Co., Columbia, Mo., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary repair program for about 16,000 six-inch bench grinders, which may pose a shock hazard. A protective sleeve insulating a lead wire may wear through on some of the units, bringing the wire into direct contact with the motor shaft and possibly resulting in severe shock if the tool is not properly grounded and if the user is grounded or touching a grounded metal object such as a water pipe. Two cases have been reported where the insulation has worn through, one of which resulted in a shock. The tools were manufactured from April through July 1973, and for limited periods between February 1977 and January 1978. The repair program applies to the following models of six-inch bench grinders purchased after June 1973 and not showing any three-digit date code embossed on the nameplate (e.g., 57C): Manning Bowman model 715100, Toastmaster model 5577, Power House model 711100, J. C. Penney model 4030, Western Auto-Wizzard model POE 6203A, Ward's Power Kraft model TGB-5102A, and K-Mart model 30-09Tl. Also involved are K-Mart model 30-90Tl showing the date code 77B, 77D, 77E or 77F, and Ward's Power Kraft model TGB 5102A with the 77F date code embossed on the nameplate. Tools having these date codes and containing an orange inspection sticker on the carton or the unit have already been inspected and are not involved in the repair program. Anyone owning one of these bench grinders should temporarily stop use and write to: Bench Grinder Repair Program, c/o National Service Manager, Portable Appliance and Tool Group, McGraw-Edison Co., 2nd and Vine St., Boonville, Mo. 65233, to get instructions for having the unit checked and repaired free-of-charge. To verify brand names and model numbers, consumers may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772.
August 2, 1978 Release # 78-070 Black And Decker Cord Adapters Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 2) -- The Black and Decker Manufacturing Co., Towson, Md., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary recall of its no. 86-210 extension-cord adapters because of a potential shock hazard. The adapters were packaged with Black and Decker electric hedge trimmers during the spring and summer of 1978, and distributed nationwide. According to the company, less than 1,000 of the more than 200,000 adapters produced could have exposed brass electrical contacts protruding through the molded material, a condition which could cause a serious electrical shock. The adapters are orange and can be identified by the number "86-210" molded on the outside surface. The adapters are supplied as standard equipment with hedge trimmers, along with instructions for attaching the adapter to an extension cord. Consumers should immediately stop using the adapters and closely examine them for any metal showing through the outside surf ace. Adapters showing metal should be returned for free replacement to any Black and Decker Service Center, or a Black and Decker-authorized service center listed in the yellow pages. The company, which informed CPSC of the potential safety hazard on July 11,1978, sent letters providing recall instructions to all consumers who mailed in the registration card packed with the hedge trimmers. Consumers who have questions about the condition of their adapters or who need additional information can call Black and Decker collect at 301/828-2955 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time. To verify the model number, call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772
June 5, 1978 Release # 78-042 CPSC Announces Replacement/Refitting Program For Electric Deep Fryers WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 5) -- American Electric Corp., Culver City, Calif., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary replacement, refitting and refund program involving two styles of its model 7000 "Great American Frying Machine," mini electric deep fryers, because they may pose an electric shock hazard. CPSC is aware of one alleged electric shock incident involving each fryer style out of approximately 260,000 marketed. Both styles retailed for about $14.95, and were sold nationwide. This program does not apply to model 7000A fryers. One of the model 7000 styles has two white plastic carrying handles and stands on three black plastic legs. It is encased in a two-tone metal housing with a black top half and a gold bottom half. This style was marketed between January and April 1977. The company will replace this style free of charge. The second style is similar to the first, except it has a black plastic circular base and a single bucket-type plastic handle. This style was marketed between April and December 1977. The company will refit this style with additional electrical insulation. The company warns consumers to immediately stop using these mini fryers and return them to American Electric Corp., 9937 W. Jefferson Blvd., Culver City, Calif. 90230, Attention: Consumer Relations Department. CPSC believes that these two styles of mini deep fryers may, in some instances, pose a potential shock hazard because of the possibility that internal wiring may move during use and contact the metal casing. Any consumer who wants a refund for either style must send the unit to the American Electric Corp., along with proof of purchase indicating the price. Consumers will be reimbursed for postage costs. Consumers who desire information about this program should contact the Consumer Relations Department of the American Electric Corp. at the address cited above, or call the company at (213) 871-2222. To verify the model number, contact CPSC's toll-free hotline at (800) 638-2772