CPSC, Holmes Group Announce Recall of Portable Electric Heaters

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Portable electric heater

Units: About 13,500

Importer: The Holmes Group, Inc. of Milford, Mass.

Retailer: QVC, Inc. of West Chester, Penn.

Hazard: Some heaters have improperly crimped wires which can result in overheating and a potential thermal burn or fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Holmes is aware of 19 reports of heaters overheating, melting or charring along the bottom of the heater, including 13 reports of minor property damage beneath the heater. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves the Holmes model HCH4305 portable electric heaters sold by QVC as QVC Item No. V19768. The model number and date code is located on the bottom of the heater. Recalled heaters have a date code beginning with “33xx” through “39xx”.

Sold by: The recalled heaters were sold exclusively by QVC via the QVC cable television channel from October 2004 through January 2005 for about $33.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled heater immediately. QVC is directly contacting all known consumers to arrange for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact QVC Customer Service at (800) 367-9444 between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight ET, any day of the week.