Programmable thermostat communication module

CPSC Recall #10-743 — June 16, 2010

Recall Summary

Recall Number10-743
Recall DateJune 16, 2010
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 6,300
ManufacturerComverge Inc. of Norcross, Ga.
Manufactured InMexico

Where It Was Sold

TXU Energy to customers in North Texas.

Product

Programmable thermostat communication module

Description

This recall involves Comverge communication modules inside programmable thermostats sold by TXU Energy with a serial number between 1015857 and 1022518. The serial number can be found on the top of the thermostat's plastic housing. The thermostats have "TXU Energy" and "White Rodgers" printed on the front faceplate.

Hazard

The communication module in the thermostat can overheat, posing a risk of fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

Comverge is aware of 13 incidents of the communication module overheating and damaging the thermostat, in at least two incidents there was minor smoke damage to the wall. Comverge has not received any reports of injuries.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should contact Comverge for a replacement communication module. The company will install a new communication module for consumers free of charge. Consumers should not attempt to disable or replace the communication module. Comverge is directly contacting consumers who own the recalled communication module.

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.