Gas Control Valves Recalled By Honeywell NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 15, 1982 Release # 82-001 Explosion Hazard Results In Recall Of Honeywell Heating Gas Control Valves-- Investigation Continuing WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 15) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of more than 200,000 gas control valves used in heating appliances fueled by LP ( Liquid Propane) gas because they may create an explosion hazard. CPSC staff are continuing to investigate the use of 2.5 million of the same gas control valve in heating appliances fueled by natural gas to determine whether a similar explosion hazard is presented. These gas control valves were last manufactured in 1972. CPSC has been informed of 28 explosion incidents involving LP fueled appliances which have occurred since February 1972, in which Honeywell valves, which are a component in an overall furnace system were present. These incidents resulted in 5 deaths and 21 injuries. The valves being recalled were manufactured from 1966 through 1972 and distributed to a variety of manufacturers for use on their LP fueled heating appliances which were principally central furnaces, but also boilers, unit heaters, conversion burners and space heaters. The recall is being conducted voluntarily by the manufacturer of the valves, Honeywell, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota. The combination valves serve the dual purpose of regulating the gas supplied to the appliance and of shutting off the gas supply when the pilot light is extinguished. In a number of these incidents, it is alleged that the valve may have failed allowing LP gas to leak. Because LP gas, unlike natural gas, is heavier than air, it may accumulate near the floor. If the gas is exposed to an ignition source such as electric sparks or matches, an explosion may occur causing property damage and personal injury. The recall pertains to