Eltek solar inverters
CPSC Recall #19-061 — February 7, 2019
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 19-061 |
| Recall Date | February 7, 2019 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 2,600 |
| Importer | Delta Electronics USA Inc., of Plano, Texas |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Through various solar installers in Arizona |
| New York |
| Tennessee and Washington from March 2012 through May 2017 for between $2 |
| 000 and $4 |
| 000. |
Product
Eltek solar inverters
Description
This recall involves the Eltek THEIA HE-t string inverters that convert DC power from residential solar panels to AC power supplied to the electrical grid system. The recalled inverters measure about 28 inches high by 14 inches wide by 6.5 inches deep. They were sold in four different kilowatt ratings: 2.0 kW, 2.9 kW, 3.8, kW, and 4.4 kW. “Eltek,” and the model designation “THEIA” and “HE-t” are printed on the front display panel of the inverter. The inverters could be installed in different places in consumers’ homes.
Hazard
The capacitors can fail and allow heat to build up and the cover can eject with force from the unit, posing fire and impact hazards.
Incidents & Injuries
Delta Electronics has received 11 reports of the capacitors failing and allowing heat buildup, including two reports of the cover forcibly ejecting off the inverter units. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled inverters, turn off the switch on the inverter’s front cover, switch off the circuit breaker for the inverter and contact Delta Electronics USA to arrange for a free replacement inverter. Delta Electronics will remove the recalled inverter and install a replacement.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.
If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.