Mitsubishi Electronics America Recalls Speakers

WASHINGTON, DC -- Mitsubishi Electronics America, Inc. (MELA) of Cypress CA, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary repair program of its SS-2100 and SS-3100 stereo speakers because of a possible fire hazard. Between June 1988 and January 1991, approximately 27,000 pairs of these speakers were sold nationwide through authorized MELA dealers. These speakers were sold separately and as components of E-1100, E-2100 and E-3100 models of Mitsubishi brand audio systems.

MELA has determined that these speakers may be unable to handle the peak power supplied by amplifiers sold with the component system or from amplifiers connected after purchase. In certain cases, when the amplifier is operated at near-maximum volume levels for approximately four to five hours, internal parts of the speaker may overheat and burn. The firm reported five such incidents to CPSC. Although MELA has received no reports of external fires, that possibility may exist.

Speaker model numbers can be found on the rear label of the speakers. Consumers who purchased SS-2100 and SS-3100 speakers individually or as part of the Mitsubishi brand audio system models E-1100, E-2100 and E-3100 should return them to their authorized MELA service center for free replacement of the defective parts. No other component of the systems mentioned or additional MELA products of any kind are affected by this recall. Consumers may contact their nearest authorized MELA audio or television dealer or telephone toll-free, 1-800-444-1636 for the name and location of the nearest service center.

The repair program is being announced as part of CPSC's mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for product safety. Some 15,000 types of consumer products fall within the Commission's jurisdiction.

MELA contacts for media information only are Jon Kasle of the Mitsubishi News Bureau at 1-800-828-6372 and Beth Brandegee, Corporate Public Relations Manager at 1-714-229-3829.