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RM and ZM model Cadet in-wall electric heaters

CPSC Recall #02-531 — April 1, 2002

Recall Summary

Recall Number02-531
Recall DateApril 1, 2002
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 19,000

Product

RM and ZM model Cadet in-wall electric heaters

Description

PRODUCT: RM and ZM Model Cadet In-Wall Heaters - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Cadet Manufacturing Co., of Vancouver, Wash., is reminding consumers about its voluntary recall program for certain RM and ZM model Cadet in-wall electric heaters which began in July 2001. The RM and ZM program is not affected by the closure of the recall program for the Cadet heaters announced in February 2000. The RM and ZM model heaters were distributed mainly in California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. This program involves RM and ZM heaters that were shipped prior to September 2000 and provided as replacements for the model ZA and RA Cadet heaters that were recalled in February 2000. The program also includes about 19,000 units of the RM and ZM model Cadet heaters that were sold through other sales channels from 1998 through 2001. Only heaters used as a replacement for the ZA and RA models and installed in a ZAC wall can and wired through the top-left wall can knock-out are part of this recall.PROBLEM: When an RM or ZM model heatbox (replacing a ZA or RA model heatbox) is inserted into a ZAC wall can and wired through a fitting in the top-left wall can knock-out (see diagram below), the RM or ZM model has the potential for continuous heater operation, regardless of thermostat settings or room temperature. This can cause the heater to overheat and catch nearby combustibles on fire.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported.WHAT TO DO: Consumers should check to see if their heater meets the conditions of this recall by following the directions at Cadet's website at http://www.cadetco.com/upgrade_program.php#recall. If the heater is part of the recall, stop using it immediately by turning it off at the electrical panel board (circuit breaker or fuse box). Consumers should contact Cadet to schedule a free repair at (800) 567-2613 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. In July 2001, Cadet began directly notifying affected consumers who participated in the October 1997 and February 2000 heater recalls about this RM and ZM program and began arranging service calls.

Hazard

When an RM or ZM model heatbox (replacing a ZA or RA model heatbox) is inserted into a ZAC wall can and wired through a fitting in the top-left wall can knock-out (see diagram below), the RM or ZM model has the potential for continuous heater operation, regardless of thermostat settings or room temperature. This can cause the heater to overheat and catch nearby combustibles on fire.

Incidents & Injuries

None reported.

Remedy Instructions

If the heater is part of the recall, stop using it immediately by turning it off at the electrical panel board (circuit breaker or fuse box). Consumers should contact Cadet to schedule a free repair at (800) 567-2613 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. In July 2001, Cadet began directly notifying affected consumers who participated in the October 1997 and February 2000 heater recalls about this RM and ZM program and began arranging service calls.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

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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 (Repair) 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.

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