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Dehumidifier

CPSC Recall #03-019 — October 16, 2002

Recall Summary

Recall Number03-019
Recall DateOctober 16, 2002
Remedy TypeDispose, No Remedy Available
Units AffectedAbout 2,500

Where It Was Sold

Independent retailers sold the dehumidifiers nationwide from March 2002 through June 2002 for between $160 and $190.

Product

Dehumidifier

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), W.C. Wood Company, of Ottawa, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 2,500 dehumidifiers. Internal wiring can abrade on metal parts, presenting a risk of electric shock to consumers if the insulation wears through.W.C. Wood discovered the problem through routine testing. No injuries or incidents have been reported. This recall is being done to prevent the possibility of injury.The recall includes Wood's and Edison model 40-pint capacity dehumidifiers. The dehumidifiers were sold in white (Wood's) and beige (Edison) plastic with the word "Wood's" or "Edison" printed across the control panel. Both models have control knobs for fan speed and humidity level, and a "bucket full" light. The model and serial numbers are written on a label behind the removable water bucket on the front of the unit. The label reads in part, "Wood's" or "Edison" and "Made in Canada."  Model NameModel NumberSerial NumberWood'sWMD40W08603098 - 08822606EdisonEMD4008669467 - 08669490Independent retailers sold the dehumidifiers nationwide from March 2002 through June 2002 for between $160 and $190.Consumers should stop using the recalled dehumidifiers and destroy and discard them. W.C. Woods is out of business. A remedy is no longer available.

Hazard

Internal wiring can abrade on metal parts, presenting a risk of electric shock to consumers if the insulation wears through.

Incidents & Injuries

W.C. Wood discovered the problem through routine testing. No injuries or incidents have been reported. This recall is being done to prevent the possibility of injury.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the recalled dehumidifiers and destroy and discard them. W.C. Woods is out of business. A remedy is no longer available.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Dispose, No Remedy Available 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 (Dispose, No Remedy Available) 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.

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