Duracraft Corporation's 16" brass-plated fans
CPSC Recall #92077 — April 27, 1992
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 92077 |
| Recall Date | April 27, 1992 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
Product
Duracraft Corporation's 16" brass-plated fans
Description
WASHINGTON, DC -- Duracraft Corporation, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced the voluntary modification of its Duracraft models DP-161, DP-1601 and DP-1602, fans manufactured before February 1991. Some of these 16" fans have blades that may fracture while in use possibly striking someone nearby. In addition, the grill retaining clips sold with the fans may not hold the fan grills together. Duracraft reports 47 instances involving fan blade parts escaping from the grill. The suggested retail prices of these fans were $40.00 (DP-161) and $60.00 (DP-1601 and DP-1602). Only brass and platinum plated 16" fans, model numbers DP-161, DP-1601 and DP-1602, are involved in this product modification. No fans made after January 1991 are involved. To determine the model number and the date of manufacture, check the stamped date-of-manufacture code on the product label on the bottom of the fan base. The first two digits of the code represent the month. The next two digits represent the year. Owners of affected fans who call Duracraft's number, 508-490-7000, will receive free modification kits consisting of replacement fan clips and blades and installation instructions. Notice of this modification program is being mailed to Duracraft customers who have sent in warranty cards for these fans. Owners of these fans should not use them until they have received their modification kits. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing this modification program as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The Commission's objective is to reduce the estimated 28.5 million injuries and 21,600 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different types of consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction.
Hazard
Fans' blades may fracture and fly from the fan grill, possibly striking someone nearby. Additionally, grill clips may not adequately hold fan grills together.
Incidents & Injuries
Some of these 16" fans have blades that may fracture while in use possibly striking someone nearby. In addition, the grill retaining clips sold with the fans may not hold the fan grills together. Duracraft reports 47 instances involving fan blade parts escaping from the grill.
Remedy Instructions
Call Duracraft at 508-490-7000 for a free modification kit containing replacement blades, stronger grill clips and installation instructions. DISCONTINUE USE UNTIL FAN HAS BEEN MODIFIED.
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.
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.
Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.
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.