Zenith 19-inch Table Model Color Television Set
CPSC Recall #73-021 - September 14, 1973
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 73-021 |
| Recall Date | September 14, 1973 |
| Remedy Type | Inspect |
| Units Affected | 12,000 |
Product
Zenith 19-inch Table Model Color Television Set
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 14) --The Consumer Product Safety Commission-- acting on a report to it from the Zenith Radio Corporation-- today warned consumers of a possible fire hazard in 12,000 Zenith 19-inch table model color television sets. The affected sets all were manufactured between late June and mid-August 1972. CPSC Chairman Richard 0. Simpson said that he has been informed by Zenith that they are moving immediately to notify all of their distributors, dealers and set owners. And he said that Zenith has voluntarily agreed to repair the sets at no expense to consumers. A company spokesman said that Zenith will attempt to contact all set owners within two weeks. Simpson said that Zenith learned of the problem Wednesday, following a fire in one of the sets in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There were no reported injuries as a result of that fire. The sets carry model numbers: D-4030W5, D-4030W6, T-2838W6, D-4032W5, and D-4034P6. All of the affected sets also carry one of two additional identifying numbers: 226C or 227C. The model and identifying numbers appear on a white label on the backs of the television sets. The Commission said that consumers should immediately unplug the sets and discontinue use until they are checked. Simpson said that the problem is not necessarily related to a series of fires which New Jersey authorities have attributed to faulty television sets. He said that the Commission has been investigating those incidents as well as others which have been reported to it from across the country. Zenith said that the possible fire hazard in the sets is a result of an improperly located high voltage capacitor. Of the 12,000 sets with the potential defect, most are believed to be in homes. Simpson praised Zenith for the company's immediate response to a potentially hazardous situation. He said that the Commission has received full cooperation from Zenith personnel and said the Commission was making a public announcement to assure that consumers were alerted to the possible danger. Zenith has issued a public announcement from its Chicago corporate office.
Hazard
Possible fire hazard
Incidents & Injuries
Zenith learned of the problem following a fire in one of the sets in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There were no reported injuries as a result of that fire.
Remedy Instructions
The Commission said that consumers should immediately unplug the sets and discontinue use until they are checked.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Inspect 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 (Inspect) 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.