LP gas-fired "Super-Ser" cabinet heaters

CPSC Recall #84-014 - March 5, 1984

Recall Summary

Recall Number84-014
Recall DateMarch 5, 1984
Remedy TypeReplace, Repair
Units AffectedApproximately 4,000

Product

LP gas-fired "Super-Ser" cabinet heaters

Description

Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Supersaving Heating Products, Inc., East Hampton, New York (representing Orbaiceta S.A., of Pamplona, Spain), announces a voluntary correction program affecting approximately 4,000 LP gas-fired "Super-Ser" cabinet heaters. The heaters were sold by independent retailers in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Pennsylvania for approximately $250. The cabinet heaters, which were sold between October 1979 and December 1981, are being used with 20 pound LP gas cylinders that are stored inside the cabinet. The LP gas cylinders were sold separate from the heaters.This program is being initiated due to a potential fire and explosion hazard that may occur because the pressure regulator on the heater is designed to vent gas into the environment under certain circumstances and the heater connector valve may leak gas if it is not properly secured. In addition, the LP gas cylinder being used with the heater is intended for use outdoors and may vent gas into the environment due to the expansion of gas if it is over-filled and then brought indoors.The Commission is aware of four fires involving the "Super-Ser" LP gas-fired cabinet heater. One incident resulted in first degree burns to the arm and face of the user. The remaining three incidents involved property damage only.The correction program consists of replacing the pressure regulator and connector valve at no charge to the consumer and making available to the consumer, at a reduced price, a new type of LP gas cylinder. Once the defective heater components have been replaced, the heater can no longer be used with the old fuel cylinder. The new cylinder has an internal float device that will reduce the potential for over-filling.Consumers should discontinue use of the heater until it has been corrected and a new cylinder has been obtained.Consumers should contact the retailer from whom the heater was purchased. The retailer will replace the defective components and will have a supply of the new type of cylinder. If the retailer can not be reached, does not have the replacement components, or does not have a supply of the new type of cylinder, consumers in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan should call Mr. Durfee collect at 419-531-6622. Consumers in Pennsylvania should call Mr. Craft collect at 814-938-9170.Anyone wishing additional information may call the CPSC toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270.

Hazard

This program is being initiated due to a potential fire and explosion hazard that may occur because the pressure regulator on the heater is designed to vent gas into the environment under certain circumstances and the heater connector valve may leak gas if it is not properly secured. In addition, the LP gas cylinder being used with the heater is intended for use outdoors and may vent gas into the environment due to the expansion of gas if it is over-filled and then brought indoors.

Incidents & Injuries

The Commission is aware of four fires involving the "Super-Ser" LP gas-fired cabinet heater. One incident resulted in first degree burns to the arm and face of the user. The remaining three incidents involved property damage only.

Remedy Instructions

The correction program consists of replacing the pressure regulator and connector valve at no charge to the consumer and making available to the consumer, at a reduced price, a new type of LP gas cylinder.Consumers should discontinue use of the heater until it has been corrected and a new cylinder has been obtained.Consumers should contact the retailer from whom the heater was purchased. The retailer will replace the defective components and will have a supply of the new type of cylinder. If the retailer can not be reached, does not have the replacement components, or does not have a supply of the new type of cylinder, consumers in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan should call Mr. Durfee collect at 419-531-6622. Consumers in Pennsylvania should call Mr. Craft collect at 814-938-9170.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace, 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 (Replace, 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.