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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to examine their in-wall electric heaters to determine
if they are among the 1.9 million Cadet and Encore brand heaters
recalled in February 2000. Although the Cadet Manufacturing Co.
heaters were sold and distributed primarily in California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington from about 1978 through 2000, some were sold in other states. A 4-year old boy died on Sept. 14, 2002, in Alexandria, VA, U.S., when one of the recalled Cadet heaters allegedly was involved in a house fire.
CPSC strongly urges consumers to stop using these heaters and have them replaced if they have one of the recalled models. Consumers who had their heaters repaired under Cadet's original program in 1997 still need to get their heaters replaced. Consumers are advised to contact the Cadet informational Hotline at 800/567-2613 or visit their website www.cadetco.com for where to buy replacement heaters.
The following models of Cadet and Encore brands were involved in
the February 2000 recall: FW, FX, LX, TK, ZA, Z, RA, RK, RLX, RX, RW, 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 turn off the power supply to the heater at the electrical panel board (circuit breaker or fuse box). If power is not turned off, consumers risk electrocution.
CPSC is aware of more than 320 reports of heaters that smoked,
sparked, caught fire, emitted flames, or ejected burning particles or molten materials. These incidents have allegedly resulted in four deaths, two serious burn injuries and property damage claims exceeding U.S. $4.3 million, which includes six partial or total house fires.
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