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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2002
Release # 03-030
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Cadet Recall Hotline: (800)567-2613
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051
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CPSC Reminds Consumers to Check for Recalled Cadet In-Wall Heaters
WASHINGTON, D.C. - 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 of the heaters
were sold in other states. A four-year old boy died on September 14,
2002, in Alexandria, Va., 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 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 alleged that these Cadet and Encore brand in-wall electric
heaters are defective and 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 and their grills also can become energized, creating a risk
of electric shock.
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
$4.3 million, which includes six partial or total house fires.
In January 1999, CPSC filed a lawsuit against Cadet to compel it
to recall the heaters. Cadet filed for bankruptcy the same month.
Working with the company and its creditors, on February 17, 2000, CPSC
and Cadet announced a settlement of the lawsuit and a recall of the
heaters. Cadet agreed to make new heaters available to Cadet owners at
significantly reduced prices. However, due to Cadet's bankruptcy, the
opportunity to obtain discounted heaters expired on February 17, 2002.
Since the 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. These recommendations
and more are covered in "Your Home Fire Safety Checklist"
(a pdf version is also available).
You can also have a free copy mailed to you by
writing to CPSC, Washington, D.C. 20207.
For more information about the recall, contact Cadet's
informational Hotline at (800) 567-2613 anytime or visit the firm's
website at www.cadetco.com
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