CPSC Warns of LP Gas-Fired Cabinet Heaters Dangers

Washington, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Valor International Limited, an English manufacturer, is issuing a safety notice concerning approximately 3,000 LP gas-fired cabinet heaters which may create a potential fire and explosion hazard due to gas leakage. The heaters are "Cosy-Glo" Model 177 and "Valorette" Model 378. They were imported and sold by Valor America Heating, Inc., Ottsville, Pennsylvania, an independent U.S. firm that has gone out of business. The cabinet heaters were sold primarily in Iowa, Minnesota, Pennsyl vania and Wisconsin from 1980 to 1982 for approximately $250.

The Commission is aware of 5 fire/explosion incidents involving the Cosy-Glo or Valorette heaters. In all 5 incidents property damage and/or injuries were reported.

The heaters were designed to be used with a 20 pound LP gas cylinder stored inside the cabinet, although no LP gas cylinder was sold with the heater and all available LP gas cylinders are intended for outdoor use. Use of the heaters connected to an LP gas cylinder located indoors may create a potential fire and explosion hazard due to gas leakage at the connector valve or pressure regulator. In addition, an LP gas cylinder intended for use outdoors may vent gas into the environment due to the expansion of gas if it is over-filled.

Consumers should discontinue use of the heater and contact 11 their local gas company for assistance in connecting the heater to an outside gas source. Anyone wishing additional information may call the CPSC's toll-free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is 800-638-8270.