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Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning (PTAC) units

CPSC Recall #04-569 — July 26, 2004

Recall Summary

Recall Number04-569
Recall DateJuly 26, 2004
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 26,400 PTAC units, and about 1,600 replacement heater assemblies used in repairs
ManufacturerFriedrich Air Conditioning Co., of San Antonio, Texas
Manufactured InUnited States

Where It Was Sold

Commercial customers
such as property owners or construction and air conditioning contractors by Friedrich or its manufacturer's representatives directly. They also were sold through local
regional and national HVAC distributors primarily to commercial customers. These PTAC units were sold throughout the U.S. between November 2002 and December 2003 for about $500 to $600.

Product

Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning (PTAC) units

Description

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Friedrich Air Conditioning Co., of San Antonio, Texas. is voluntarily recalling about 26,400 PTAC units and about 1,600 replacement Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning (PTAC) units. The rotary dial switch on these units can be positioned between the high and low speed fan setting. This can cause the units to overheat and possibly catch fire.Product: Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning (PTAC) units. The PTAC units are mainly used in hotels, schools, and nursing homes.Units: About 26,400 PTAC units, and about 1,600 replacement heater assemblies used in repairsManufacturer: Friedrich Air Conditioning Co., of San Antonio, TexasHazard: The rotary dial switch on these units can be positioned between the high and low speed fan setting. This can cause the units to overheat and possibly catch fire.Incidents/Injuries: Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. has received 60 reports of units overheating, including nine reports of fires resulting in property damage. One incident at a nursing home resulted in a resident suffering smoke inhalation.Description: The recall includes all PTAC units in the P series with dates of manufacture between November 1, 2002, and December 31, 2003. The model and serial numbers are written on the nameplate, found behind the plastic front cover, directly below the control panel. Units with serial number LBLP00001 through LCMP9999 are included in the recall. Also included in the recall are "P Series" units that were serviced between June 1, 2003, and December 31, 2003, in which service included the field replacement of the heater assembly. The Friedrich "P Series" PTAC is a light beige color with the "FRIEDRICH" logo on the panel door.Sold to: Commercial customers, such as property owners or construction and air conditioning contractors by Friedrich or its manufacturer's representatives directly. They also were sold through local, regional and national HVAC distributors primarily to commercial customers. These PTAC units were sold throughout the U.S. between November 2002 and December 2003 for about $500 to $600.Manufactured in: U.S.A.Remedy: Owners of these units should contact Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. for instructions on receiving a free repair. Until the repair is made, consumers should not use the PTACs in the heating mode.Consumer Contact: To schedule a free, on-site repair, call (800) 664-5698 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. For any other PTAC recall related matters, call Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. at (866) 585-2366. Additionally, consumers can submit a "PTAC Heater Recall Information Form" on the internet at www.Friedrich.com.Consumers also can email the firm at [email protected]. Owners of these units sold by Friedrich will be notified about this recall. Friedrich also is working with its distributors to locate other owners.

Hazard

The rotary dial switch on these units can be positioned between the high and low speed fan setting. This can cause the units to overheat and possibly catch fire.

Incidents & Injuries

Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. has received 60 reports of units overheating, including nine reports of fires resulting in property damage. One incident at a nursing home resulted in a resident suffering smoke inhalation.

Remedy Instructions

Owners of these units should contact Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. for instructions on receiving a free repair. Until the repair is made, consumers should not use the PTACs in the heating mode.

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.

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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 (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.

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