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Model MH21F and MH22F True Value brand portable electric heaters

CPSC Recall #87-079 - December 15, 1987

Recall Summary

Recall Number87-079
Recall DateDecember 15, 1987
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedApproximately 350

Where It Was Sold

Suspect model MH21F and MH22F True Value brand heaters have been sold nationally only at True Value Hardware Stores since September 23
1987
for about $30 to $45.

Product

Model MH21F and MH22F True Value brand portable electric heaters

Description

WASHINGTON, DC - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the General Power Equipment Company, Harvard, Illinois, today announced the recall of approximately 350 model MH21F and MH22F True Value brand portable electric heaters, manufactured after September 22, 1987. Although no incidents have been reported, many of these heaters will present a severe electric shock hazard after a limited period of use. The company learned that a fan motor failure in these heaters could cause the element coils to overheat, sag, and contact the metal housing. The warning signs of heater failure include a clattering, clanking, or other unusual sound from the fan, failure of the heater to blow air, element coils changing color from black to red, and sagging coils. Suspect model MH21F and MH22F True Value brand heaters have been sold nationally only at True Value Hardware Stores since September 23, 1987, for about $30 to $45. The heaters are brown rectangular upright metal space heaters, and are rated at 1500 watts. The recalled heaters are date coded as 13F and 15F for the MH21F model, and as 11F and 17F for the MH22F model. The model number and date code are labeled on the back of each heater in the lower left corner. Owners who identify their heater as recalled should immediately discontinue use and return it to the nearest True Value Hardware store for a full refund. Owners who are unable to return their heater should contact the nearest True Value Hardware store for further instructions.

Hazard

The company learned that a fan motor failure in these heaters could cause the element coils to overheat, sag, and contact the metal housing. Although no incidents have been reported, many of these heaters will present a severe electric shock hazard after a limited period of use.

Incidents & Injuries

Although no incidents have been reported, many of these heaters will present a severe electric shock hazard after a limited period of use.

Remedy Instructions

Owners who identify their heater as recalled should immediately discontinue use and return it to the nearest True Value Hardware store for a full refund. Owners who are unable to return their heater should contact the nearest True Value Hardware store for further instructions.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund 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 (Refund) 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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