CPSC Recall in 2002: Cadet Manufacturing Co. Recall of In-Wall Electric Heaters

PRODUCT: RM and ZM Model Cadet In-Wall Heaters - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Cadet Manufacturing Co., of Vancouver, Wash., is reminding consumers about its voluntary recall program for certain RM and ZM model Cadet in-wall electric heaters which began in July 2001. The RM and ZM program is not affected by the closure of the recall program for the Cadet heaters announced in February 2000. The RM and ZM model heaters were distributed mainly in California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. This program involves RM and ZM heaters that were shipped prior to September 2000 and provided as replacements for the model ZA and RA Cadet heaters that were recalled in February 2000. The program also includes about 19,000 units of the RM and ZM model Cadet heaters that were sold through other sales channels from 1998 through 2001. Only heaters used as a replacement for the ZA and RA models and installed in a ZAC wall can and wired through the top-left wall can knock-out are part of this recall.PROBLEM: When an RM or ZM model heatbox (replacing a ZA or RA model heatbox) is inserted into a ZAC wall can and wired through a fitting in the top-left wall can knock-out (see diagram below), the RM or ZM model has the potential for continuous heater operation, regardless of thermostat settings or room temperature. This can cause the heater to overheat and catch nearby combustibles on fire.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported.WHAT TO DO: Consumers should check to see if their heater meets the conditions of this recall by following the directions at Cadet's website at http://www.cadetco.com/upgrade_program.php#recall. If the heater is part of the recall, stop using it immediately by turning it off at the electrical panel board (circuit breaker or fuse box). Consumers should contact Cadet to schedule a free repair at (800) 567-2613 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. In July 2001, Cadet began directly notifying affected consumers who participated in the October 1997 and February 2000 heater recalls about this RM and ZM program and began arranging service calls.

When an RM or ZM model heatbox (replacing a ZA or RA model heatbox) is inserted into a ZAC wall can and wired through a fitting in the top-left wall can knock-out (see diagram below), the RM or ZM model has the potential for continuous heater operation, regardless of thermostat settings or room temperature. This can cause the heater to overheat and catch nearby combustibles on fire.

Repair

None reported.