Baseboard Heater Recalled by Square D

Baseboard Heater Recalled by Square D NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Phone number change. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Media Relations Originally issued April 11, 1996, Revised June 26, 2006 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-098 CPSC and Square D Announce Baseboard Heater Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Square D Company of Palatine, Ill., announces a voluntary recall of approximately 920,000 electric baseboard heaters. The insulation of a wire running along the inside of the heater may deteriorate over time, causing sparking, which may lead to a potential fire hazard. In addition, if the heaters are not properly grounded, a potential shock hazard exists when the uninsulated wire contacts the metal heater enclosure. Square D Company has received at least 100 complaints or claims of baseboard heaters overheating. Ninety incidents of property damage, three deaths, and five injuries were among incidents alleged. The involvement of the baseboard heaters in the reported incidents has not been confirmed. This voluntary recall program affects baseboard heaters sold between 1970 and 1986 with brand names Square D and Nelco Corporation. Model numbers begin with 18, 25, or 30, followed by four numbers ending in series A or B (for example 25242-4 SER A). These tan colored baseboard heaters are permanently installed units measuring two feet (500 watt) to ten feet (2500 watt) in length. The brown and white Square D and Nelco Corporation identification label, which includes both model number and UL listing number, is located on the bottom left side of the heater just below the heating element. To prevent a potential fire or electric shock, all of the heaters subject to this recall should be replaced. Consumers who own the baseboard heaters should check for discoloration on the heater cover. If the cover is discolored, consumers s