"Aire Tek" Ceiling Fans
CPSC Recall #03-193 — September 24, 2003
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 03-193 |
| Recall Date | September 24, 2003 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | 1,200 |
| Manufactured In | Taiwan |
Where It Was Sold
| Independent retail lighting stores nationwide between January 2002 and May 2002 for between $350 and $450. |
Product
"Aire Tek" Ceiling Fans
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. About 80 of these units were improperly assembled with a metal sleeve that could cause exposed wiring. If this occurs, consumers are at an increased risk of receiving an electrical shock during installation or removal.Name of product: Ceiling FansUnits: 1,200Distributor: Vaxcel International Co. Ltd., of Glendale Heights, Ill.Hazard: About 80 of these units were improperly assembled with a metal sleeve that could cause exposed wiring. If this occurs, consumers are at an increased risk of receiving an electrical shock during installation or removal.Incidents/Injuries: None reported.Description: These dual-motor, 36-inch ceiling fan were sold in chrome, stone white, brush nickel, polished brass, antique brass, or weathered patina finishes. Model number 355-6645 is printed on a label located on the central housing of the ceiling fan. The brand name of the fan, "Aire Tek" is written on the packaging only.Sold at: Independent retail lighting stores nationwide between January 2002 and May 2002 for between $350 and $450.Manufactured in: TaiwanRemedy: Consumers should contact Vaxcel to determine if their unit is defective. A free, replacement ceiling fan will be provided to consumers with defective units. To avoid the risk of shock while removing a recalled 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
About 80 of these units were improperly assembled with a metal sleeve that could cause exposed wiring. If this occurs, consumers are at an increased risk of receiving an electrical shock during installation or removal.
Incidents & Injuries
None reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should contact Vaxcel to determine if their unit is defective. A free, replacement ceiling fan will be provided to consumers with defective units. To avoid the risk of shock while removing a recalled 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 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.
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.