"Aire Tek" and "Turn-of-the- Century Apollo Series" ceiling fans with light
CPSC Recall #04-198 — August 12, 2004
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 04-198 |
| Recall Date | August 12, 2004 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | 1,200 |
| Manufacturer | Vaxcel International Co. Ltd., of Glendale Heights, Ill. |
| Manufactured In | Taiwan |
Where It Was Sold
| Menard stores nationwide between January 2002 and May 2002 for between $350 and $450. |
Product
"Aire Tek" and "Turn-of-the- Century Apollo Series" ceiling fans with light
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Vaxcel International Co. Ltd., of Glendale Heights, Ill. is voluntarily recalling 1,200 ceiling fans (with light). These ceiling fans were assembled without the proper wire insulation sleeving, which could result in exposed wiring. Consumers could receive an electrical shock during installation or removal.Name of product: Ceiling Fans with Light Units: 1,200 Manufacturer: Vaxcel International Co. Ltd., of Glendale Heights, Ill. Hazard: These ceiling fans were assembled without the proper wire insulation sleeving, which could result in exposed wiring. Consumers could receive an electrical shock during installation or removal.Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: These down-rod-mount, dual-motor, 36-inch ceiling fans were sold in chrome, stone white, brush nickel, polished brass, antique brass, or weathered patina finishes. Model number 355-6645 is printed on the box and on a label located on the central housing of the ceiling fan. The brand names of the fans are "Aire Tek" and "Turn-of-the- Century Apollo Series" which is written on the packaging only. A label located on the central housing of the ceiling fan displays the File Number "E215078," the UL Listing Mark, and the model number 355-6645. Vaxcel had previously recalled the same model fan sold under the "Aire Tek" brand name. Sold at: Menard stores nationwide between January 2002 and May 2002 for between $350 and $450. Manufactured in: Taiwan Remedy: Consumers should contact Vaxcel to verify if they have one of the recalled ceiling fans and to receive a free replacement ceiling fan if they do. To avoid the risk of shock while checking or removing a recalled fan, consumers should turn off the power source to the fan. Consumers are encouraged to use a professional electrician. Vaxcel will reimburse consumers up to $75 for charges incurred in removing recalled fans. Consumer Contact: Call Vaxcel at (800) 482-9235 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.
Hazard
These ceiling fans were assembled without the proper wire insulation sleeving, which could result in exposed wiring. Consumers could receive an electrical shock during installation or removal.
Incidents & Injuries
None reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should contact Vaxcel to verify if they have one of the recalled ceiling fans and to receive a free replacement ceiling fan if they do. To avoid the risk of shock while checking or removing a recalled fan, consumers should turn off the power source to the fan. Consumers are encouraged to use a professional electrician. Vaxcel will reimburse consumers up to $75 for charges incurred in removing recalled fans.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund 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 (Refund) at no cost to you.
No — you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.
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.