CPSC Recall in 2004: CPSC, Robertshaw Controls Company Announce Recall of Certain Models of 7000 Series Gas Control Valves

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Robertshaw Controls Company of Long Beach, Calif. is voluntarily recalling about 425,000 gas control valves. They may pose a fire hazard. If the pilot light goes out, the gas valve could stick in an open position, permitting gas to continue to flow. This can result in a gas explosion and fire, which could result in severe personal injury or property damage. Name of product: Robertshaw 7000 Series Gas Control Valve Units: About 425,000 gas control valves Manufacturer: Robertshaw Controls Company of Long Beach, Calif. Hazard: Fire hazard. If the pilot light goes out, the gas valve could stick in an open position, permitting gas to continue to flow. This can result in a gas explosion and fire, which could result in severe personal injury or property damage. Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of flash fires, involving three reports of injuries. The injuries involved first and second-degree burns. Description: The 7000 Series Gas Valves that are being recalled are installed in gas appliances including residential space heaters, wall heaters, boilers, fireplaces, pool heaters, infrared heaters and furnaces, and commercial heating applications such as commercial cooking appliances, fryers, commercial water heaters, and poultry brooders. The recalled valves were manufactured between February 2003 and September 2004 and have production dates beginning with code 0306 and ending with 0436. However, not all 7000 Series valves manufactured during the indicated timeframe are being recalled. Of particular note are model numbers containing the letters "MV." Recalled gas valves include "MV" models that also include the letters "LP" and model numbers 7000AMV; 7000BMV; 7000BMV-S7CL; 7000MVLC; and 7000MVRCLC. All "MV" valves with the indicated date codes that have been converted to Liquid Propane (LP) gas use are also included in the recall. NOT included in the recall are model numbers 7010 and above; model numbers containing the letters "D" or "BV;" and model numbers containing the letters "MV" except for the ones listed above. A full list of recalled model numbers is available at www.robertshaw.com or can be obtained by calling (800) 232-9389. Sold through: Gas appliance retailers and distributors; food service equipment manufacturers and dealers; specialty retailers, such as fireplace, pool and spa dealers; and poultry equipment manufacturers. The gas control valves and components were also sold separately through gas appliance service providers. Manufactured in: Assembled in Mexico. Remedy: Free repair or replacement if necessary. If you smell gas near the appliance or in the building, immediately leave the area and call your gas company or a certified gas technician to investigate the cause. If you do not smell gas, check the pilot lights on your gas appliances. If any pilot lights are out, do not attempt to relight. Have the appliance examined by a qualified technician. Have the date code of your 7000 series gas valve ready when you contact Robertshaw. Consumer Contact: Call Robertshaw toll-free at (800) 232-9389 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, or visit www.robertshaw.com to review a list of affected appliances and register for the recall.

Fire hazard. If the pilot light goes out, the gas valve could stick in an open position, permitting gas to continue to flow. This can result in a gas explosion and fire, which could result in severe personal injury or property damage.

Inspect, Replace, Repair

The firm has received three reports of flash fires, involving three reports of injuries. The injuries involved first and second-degree burns.

Gas appliance retailers and distributors; food service equipment manufacturers and dealers; specialty retailers, such as fireplace, pool and spa dealers; and poultry equipment manufacturers. The gas control valves and components were also sold separately through gas appliance service providers.