DeTech Fire Alarm Company Reminds of Dishwasher Recalls The DeTech Fire Alarm company is taking bold action in attempting to alert the public to millions of still unrepaired dishwashers that have been recalled because of fire hazards, but remain in consumers' homes. Over the past2} years, there have been at least 14 separate recalls of 7 different manufactures of dishwashers, with a combined total of over 15 million units recalled. These are all fire-related issues, ranging from faulty switches to overheating motors to water leaking on electronics, causing short circuits. Many consumers are not aware that there is a deadly fault with their dishwasher and millions of these recalledftre-hazards remain in homes today. These families sleep soundly at night, while a killer is unknowingly lurking in their kitchen. A killer that could easily be repaired...if they only knew. To find out if your dishwasher is included is simple, and the fix is usually free. All you have to do is go to http://www.cpsc.gov. You will find a search window towards the top left of the homepage and you simply type in the make and model of your dishwasher (usually found on a plate inside the door) and it will take you to the details if yours is on the list. The Vice President of DeTech Fire Alarms, Bill Driscoll said, "Our Safety Consultants are in tens of thousands of homes every year, conducting free educational programs and it made sense for us to assist homeowners in finding out if they have a recalled dishwasher by providing all of our Consultants a copy of all dishwasher recalls. Any way that we can help save a life is well worth the effort. All of our local, Independent Dealers are very enthusiastic about this." For a dishwasher you have in your home now, be sure you have sent in the warranty information. Many homeowners never take the time to hll out and send in the warranty information on any products. This is especially important for electrical devices, so you can be alerted immediately to a recall. There is a place at www,cpsc.gov that you can easily sign up for notices of safety recalls on most home products. Also, if you are considering buying a used dishwasher, be sure it has not been recalled. Dishwasher manufacturers go through very stringent testing and standards, but many defects or possible hazards do not show up until many years later. One of the largest recent recalls of 2.5 million GE Dishwashers under the names Eterna, GE, GE Profile, GE Monogram, Hotpoint, and Sears-Kenmore was from liquid rinse aid leaking into wiring and causing overheating and a f,rre hazard. Even though the recall was in May of 2007,the dishwashers in question were sold between 1997 and200l. It is often difficult to track down the original owners 10 years later. If you find out that your home contains a recalled dishwasher, it is recommended that you immediately stop using it and shut off the electrical breaker that powers your dishwasher. In several cases, the dishwasher can start a fire even when not in use. Then, follow the instructions on the recall notice for repair or replacement. And if a local DeTech Fire Alarm Consultant stops by your home, you should welcome them; they just may be there to save your life!
Transcript
DeTech Fire Alarm Company Reminds of Dishwasher Recalls
The DeTech Fire Alarm company is taking bold action in attempting to alert the public tomillions of still unrepaired dishwashers that have been recalled because of fire hazards, butremain in consumers' homes.
Over the past2} years, there have been at least 14 separate recalls of 7 different manufactures ofdishwashers, with a combined total of over 15 million units recalled. These are all fire-relatedissues, ranging from faulty switches to overheating motors to water leaking on electronics,
causing short circuits.
Many consumers are not aware that there is a deadly fault with their dishwasher and millions ofthese recalledftre-hazards remain in homes today. These families sleep soundly at night, while a
killer is unknowingly lurking in their kitchen. A killer that could easily be repaired...if they onlyknew.
To find out if your dishwasher is included is simple, and the fix is usually free. All you have todo is go to http://www.cpsc.gov. You will find a search window towards the top left of the
homepage and you simply type in the make and model of your dishwasher (usually found on aplate inside the door) and it will take you to the details if yours is on the list.
The Vice President of DeTech Fire Alarms, Bill Driscoll said, "Our Safety Consultants are intens of thousands of homes every year, conducting free educational programs and it made sense
for us to assist homeowners in finding out if they have a recalled dishwasher by providing all ofour Consultants a copy of all dishwasher recalls. Any way that we can help save a life is wellworth the effort. All of our local, Independent Dealers are very enthusiastic about this."
For a dishwasher you have in your home now, be sure you have sent in the warranty information.Many homeowners never take the time to hll out and send in the warranty information on any
products. This is especially important for electrical devices, so you can be alerted immediatelyto a recall. There is a place at www,cpsc.gov that you can easily sign up for notices of safety
recalls on most home products. Also, if you are considering buying a used dishwasher, be sure ithas not been recalled.
Dishwasher manufacturers go through very stringent testing and standards, but many defects orpossible hazards do not show up until many years later. One of the largest recent recalls of 2.5
million GE Dishwashers under the names Eterna, GE, GE Profile, GE Monogram, Hotpoint, and
Sears-Kenmore was from liquid rinse aid leaking into wiring and causing overheating and a f,rre
hazard. Even though the recall was in May of 2007,the dishwashers in question were sold
between 1997 and200l. It is often difficult to track down the original owners 10 years later.
If you find out that your home contains a recalled dishwasher, it is recommended that youimmediately stop using it and shut off the electrical breaker that powers your dishwasher. Inseveral cases, the dishwasher can start a fire even when not in use. Then, follow the instructions
on the recall notice for repair or replacement.
And if a local DeTech Fire Alarm Consultant stops by your home, you should welcome them;
they just may be there to save your life!
Brand Year Sold Year Recalled Pase
Admiral
Asko
Bosch
Crosley
Eterna
GE
GE
GE
GE Monogram
GE Monogram
GE Profile
GE Profile
Hotpoint
Hotpoint
Jenn-Air
Jenn-Air
Kenmore
Magic Chef
Maytag
Maytag
Maytag
Performa
Sears-Kenmore
Sears-Kenmore
Siemens
Whirlpool
'Whirlpool
2006-2010
1995-2000
1999-2006
2006-2010
t997-2001
1997-200r
2004-2005
1983-1989
2003-2006
1997-2001
2003-2006
1997-200r
1997-200r
1983-1 989
2006-20t0
1997-2001
2004-2005
2006-20r0
2006-20t0
1997-200t
t994-t995
2006-20r0
1997-200r
r990-t992
t999-2006
2004-2005
r99t-t992
June 2010
June 2007
January 2009
June 2010
May 2007
}if'ay 2007
February 2005
October 1999
October 2010
May 2007
October 2010
I|l4ay 2007
I|u4ay 2007
October 1999
June 2010
February 2007
February 2005
June 2010
June 2010
February 2007
October 1995
June 2010
I[l[.ay 2007
February 1993
January 2009
February 2005
}l4ay 1996
2
4
J
2
5
5
8
9, 10,15
I
5
1
5
5
9,10,15
2
6
7
2
2
6
12
2
5
13, 14
aJ
7
11
GE Recalls Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard=:1.8"-1..:Iiri b¡ rryÉúiäääq j
Washington, DC20207
NEWS |TOM GPSG
U.S. Gonsumer Product Safety Commission
Office of lnformation and Public Affairs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 26,2010Release #11-022
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a
voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: GE ProfilerM and GE Monogram@ Dishwashers
Units: About '174,000
Manufacturer: GE Appliances & Lighting, of Louisville, Ky.
Hazard: Water condensation can drip onto the electronic control board, causing a short circuit and resulting in an overheated connector.This poses a fire hazard to consumers.
lncidents/lnjuries: GE has received five reports of fires, four of which caused minor damage to the kitchen countertops where thedishwashers were installed and one caused minor damage to adjacent cabinets and smoke damage to the home. No injuries have beenreported.
Description: This recall involves the GE Profile dishwashers manufactured between July 2003 and December 2005 and GE Monogramdishwashers manufactured between January 2004 and December 2006. They were sold in white, black, bisque, stainless steel and withcustom panels. The recalled model and serial numbers listed below are located on the inside on the front left side of the dishwashertubs.
Sold at: Retail stores nationwide, appliance dealers and authorized builder distributors from July 2003 through December 2006 for between$750 and $1,400.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm namedbelow, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop usingrecalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. lt is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalledconsumer product.
Name of Product: Dishwashers
Units: About 1.7 million in the United States
Manufacturer: Maytag Corp. of Newton, lowa or Maytag Corp. of Benton Harbor, Mich.
Hazard: An electrical failure in the dishwasher's heating element can pose a serious fire hazard.
lncidents/lnjuries: Maytag has received 12 reports of dishwasher heating element failures that resulted in firesand dishwasher damage, including one report of extensive kitchen damage from a fire. No injuries have beenreported.
Description: The recall includes Maytag@, Amana@, Jenn-Air@, Admiral@, Magic Chef@, Performa by Maytag@and Crosley@ brand dishwashers with plastic tubs and certain serial numbers. The affected dishwashers weremanufactured with black, bisque, white, silver and stainless steel front panels. The brand name is printed on thefront of the dishwasher. The model and serial numbers are printed on a label located inside the plastic tub on atag near the left side of the door opening. Serial numbers will start or end with one of the following sequences.
Bosch and Siemens Model Dishwashers Recalled by BSH Home Appliances Corporation ... Page 1 of 3
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L_¡_- 0H YouRwEB slrE J NEWS from CPSC 'E-ru!s-@tr-
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Gommission
Office of lnformation and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 15,2009Release #09-100
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 856-9226Firm's Media Hotline: (310) 309-661 1
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Bosch@ and Siemens@ Model Dishwashers Recalled byBSH Home Appliances Gorporation Due to Fire HazardWASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm namedbelow, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop usingrecalled products immediately unless othen¡vise instructed. lt is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalledconsumer product.
Name of Product: Bosch@ and Siemens@ Model Dishwashers
Units: About 476,500
Manufacturer: BSH Home Appliances Corp., of Huntington Beach, Calif.
Hazard: An electrical component in certain model dishwashers can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
lncidents/lnjuries: BSH Home Appliances has received 51 reports of incidents, including 30 reports of firesresulting in property damage. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves certain Bosch@ and Siemens@ dishwashers manufactured from May 1999through July 2005. The brand name is printed on the dishwashe/s front control panel. Model and serials numbersare located inside the dishwasher door panel on the upper right side.
Brand Model Numbers Must Begin With Serial Numbers within the range of
Sold at: Appliance and specialty retailers nationwide from May 1999 through December 2006 for between $550and $1,100.
Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the listed model dishwashers and contact the repair hotlinefor a free repair.
http://www.cpsc. gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml09/09 I 00.html t2/2612011
Asko Cylinda Recalls DW95 Series Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard Page I of3
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- -r¡ louR wlP .sllE- l NEWS from CPSC O sHÊRE f !S B-l
U.S. Gonsumer Product Safety Commission
Offìce of lnformation and Public Affairs Washington , DC 20207
This is the original of a document that has been modified To see the modified version, click here
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 309-9921June 14,2007 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772Release #07-213 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Asko Cylinda Recalls DW95 Series Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced avoluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwiseinstructed. lt is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Products: Asko DW95 Model Series Dishwashers
Units: About 130,000
Manufacturer: Asko Cylinda AB, of Vara, Sweden
lmporter/Distributor: AM Appliance Group lnc., of Richardson, Texas
Hazard: An electrical component in the dishwasher can overheat, posing a tirehazard to consumers.
lncidents/lnjuries: The firm has received 21 reports of dishwasher fires. Product and property damage has been reported. No injurieshave been reported.
Description: The recalled dishwashers include the ASKO model series DW95 with model numbers 1355, 1385, 1475,'1485,1555, 1585,1595, 1655, 1805, 1885, and 1895 manufactured from January 1995 through April 2000. The model number, serial numbers andmanufacture date are printed on the name plate on the right interior side of the dishwasher door. Asko dishwashers manufactured afterApril 2000 are not included in the recall.
Sold by: Major kitchen appliance distributors/dealers nationw¡de from January 1995 through April 2000 for between $750 and $1,300.
Manufactured in: Sweden
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the dishwashers immediately and contact Asko to arrange for a free inspection and repair or toparticipate in a rebate program.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Asko toll-free at (866) 309-9921 between 10 a m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday throughFriday, or visit the f¡rm's Web site at www.askousa.com
http ://www.cpsc. gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtmI}7 I 07 213 org.html 1212612011
General Electric Recalls Dishwashers Due to Fire HazardI¡-PUT cPsc REc;ìr.Ls ìi ¡ ON YOURWEB 5ITE I NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Gonsumer Product Safety Gommission
Offlce of lnformation and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908General Electric Media Contact: Kim Freeman, (502) 452-7819
General Electric Recalls Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, todayannounced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unlessothenvise instructed. lt is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of product: GE Dishwashers
Units: About 2.5 million
Manufacturer: GE Consumer & lndustrial, of Louisville, Ky.
Hazard: Liquid rinse-aid can leak from its dispenser onto the dishwasher's internal wiring which can cause an electrical short andoverheating, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
lncidents/lnjuries: GE has received 191 reports of overheated wiring including 56 reports of property damage. There were '12
reports of fires that escaped the dishwasher. Fire damage was limited to the dishwasher or the adjacent area. No injuries have beenreported.
Descriptionl The recall includes GE built-in dishwashers sold under the following brand names: Eterna, GE, GE ProfilerM, GEMonogram@, Hotpoint@, and Sears-Kenmore. The dishwashers were sold in white, black, almond, bisque and stainless steel. Thebrand name is printed on the dishwasher's front control panel. The following model and serial numbers can be found inside thedishwasher tub on the front left side of the dishwasher.
Brand Model Numbers Must Begin With Serial Numbers Must Beginwith
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced avoluntary recall of the following consumer product. Gonsumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwiseinstructed. lt is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of product: Maytag@ and Jenn-Air@ brand dishwashers
Units: About 2.3 million
Manufacturer: Maytag Corp., of Newton, lowa
Haza¡d: Liquid rinse-aid can leak from its dispenser and come into contact with the dishwasher's internal wiring which can short-circuitand ignite, posing a fire hazard.
lncidents/lnjuries: Maytag has received 135 reports of dishwasherfires, resulting in product and/or property damage. Four injurieshave been reported, including three reports of smoke inhalation and one serious hand laceration when operating a fire extinguishertoput out a fire in the dishwasher.
Description; The recall involves Maytag@ and Jenn-Air@ under counter or portable plastic tub dishwashers. The dishwashers haveblack, white, almond, bisque and stainless steel front panels. The following model and serial numbers are printed on a label located onthe dishwasher's plastic frame on top of or to the left of the door opening. Consumers should contact Maytag to determine if theirdishwasher is included in this recall.
Sold at Department and appliance stores and by homebuilders nationwide from July 1997 through June 2001 for between $370 and$800.
Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these dishwashers, disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuitbreaker controlling it and inform all users of the dishwasher about the risk of fire. Contact Maytag for either a free in-home repair, or a$75 cash back reimbursement following the purchase of a new Maytag@, Jenn-Air@, Whirlpool@ or KitchenAid@ dishwasher.Consumers should not return the dishwasher to the retailer where it was purchased, as retailers are not prepared to take units back.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Maytag Corporation at (800) 675-0535 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at
http ://www. cpsc. gov/CP S CPUBiPRERELiprhtml}T I 07 094.html 12126t20rt
'Whirlpool Corporation Recall of Dishwashers
NEWS from CPSC
Page 1 of4
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of lnformation and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOriginally issued February 25,2005, Revised April 8,2005Release # 05-123
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall involuntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unlessothenvise instructed. lt is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of product: Whirlpool@ and Kenmore@ brand dishwashers
Units: About 162,000
Manufacturer: Whirlpool Corporation, of Benton Harbor, Mich.
Hazard: An electrical defect within the dishwashers' wash motor wiring poses a risk of the motor overheating andpossibly catching fire.
lncidents/lnjuries: Whirlpool Corporation has received three reports of overheated wash motors. There are noreports of personal injury or property damage.
Description: The recalled products are Whirlpool@ brand and Kenmore@ brand (made by Whirlpool Corporation)under-the-counter, plastic tall tub dishwashers. The dishwashers come with black, white, biscuit, or stainless frontpanels. They have the following model and serial numbers located inside the tub on a tag near the left side of thedoor opening:
*Not all dishwashers within the serial number range are included in the recall. Consumers should call Whirlpool todetermine if their dishwasher is included in this recall.
Brand Product Model Number Beginsw¡th Serial Number Range
Office of lnformation and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOriginally issued February 18, 2005, Revised January20,2006Release # 05-116
Firm's Recall Hotline:
CPSC Consumer Hotline:
CPSC Media Contact:
CPSG, GE Announce Recall of Built-ln DishwashersNote: Firm Web Site Reference Deletion
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall involuntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unlessothen¡vise instructed. lt is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of product: General Electric Built-in Dishwashers
Units: About 74,300
Manufacturer: GE Consumer & lndustrial of Louisville, Ky.
Hazard= These dishwashers have a connector that can short-circuit and overheat during normal use, posing a firehazard to consumers.
lncidents/lnjuries: GE received 29 reports of connectors overheating, including one report of a fire that spreadoutside the dishwasher and caused minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.
Description: The following models are included in this recall and were sold after January 20,2004: GEdishwasher models GSD5500G, GSD5560G, GSD5800G, cSD59O0c, GSDS96OG, EDW3OO0G, andEDW3060G, with serial numbers with the first letter A through T and the second letter G, or the serial letters VF.The serial number is important as not all dishwashers with these model numbers are included in this recall. Themodel and serial number are located inside the door wall of the dishwasher.
Sold at: Appliance retail outlets and builder distributors nationwide from January 2004 through February 2005 forbetween $300 and $400.
Manufactured in: USA
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the dishwasher and contact GE to arrange for theirdishwashers to be repaired free of charge.
Gonsumer Contact: Consumers should call GE at (800) 804-9802 from I a.m. to I p.m. ET Monday throughSaturday to find out if their dishwasher is included in this recall, and to arrange for a free service call.
(800) 804-9802
(800) 638-2772
(301) 504-7908
http : //www. cpsc. gov/CP S CPUB/PREREL/prhtml0 5 /0 5 I I 6. html t2126120r1
GE Dishwasher Recall and Repair
i I PUr cesc necRus II i oN YouR wEB srrE I NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Gonsumer Product Safety Commission
Office of lnformation and Public Affairs
Page 1 of3
!g_gï!!!_ 'l rË E=.
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 14,2000Release # 01-054
GE Recall Hotline: (800) 599-2929CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052
CPSC and GE Announce Free Repair Supplement ofRebate Program for Recalled Dishwashers: Recalled UnitsSt¡ll Being Used, Creating Risk of Fire
WASHINGTON, D.C. - ln cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), GeneralElectric Appliances Co., of Louisville, Ky., is voluntarily offering a free repair option in the form of a rewiring for itsrecalled GE and Hotpoint dishwashers. With the free rewire option, a GE-authorized technician will rewire theslide switch at no cost to consumers. This supplements the original rebate program announced October 19, l ggg.The dishwashers have a slide switch that can melt and ignite, presenting a fire hazard. CPSC is aware ofapproximately 90 incidents associated with these dishwashers. GE manufactured 3.1 million of these dishwashersbetween 1983 and 1989.
ln the recall announced last year, GE provided consumers with a rebate toward the purchase of a newdishwasher. CPSC and GE are announcing the supplemental rewiring option to increase the effectiveness of theorþinal program, which has to date been implemented in over 628,000 units. CPSC and GE are cooperating in aneffort to reach people who may not have previously come forward.
Both the CPSC and GE strongly urge consumers who have not replaced their recalled units under the originalrebate program to contact GE right away to schedule a free rewiring or participate in the original rebate program.Until the dishwasher has been rewired, consumers should keep the dishwasher door unlatched at all times toprevent the flow of electrical current that creates a risk of fire.
The slide switch allows consumers to choose between heated drying and "energy saver" functions. Over time, theslide switch can melt and ignite, presenting a fire hazard. ln the free rewiring program announced today, GE-authorized technicians will rewire the slide switch, eliminating it from the electrical circuit and thereby eliminatingthe fire risk.
There have been approximately 90 incidents of fire, smoking and melted switches, 14 of which included fires thatspread beyond the dishwasher. Approximately l0 incidents have occurred since the recallannouncement. Noinjuries have been reported.
The GE and Hotpoint dishwashers involved are models beginning with GSD500D, GSD500G, GSD54O, HDA467,HDA477 , or HDA487 with a serial number that has a second letter of A, M, R, S, T, V or Z (for example,8M12345). The model and serial numbers are located on a rectangular label that is on either the right or left frontedge of the inner tub. The GE or Hotpoint brand name is on the front of the dishwasher.
Consumers that have one of these recalled dishwashers should immediately discontinue use, unlatch the door,and contact GE at 1-800- 599-2929 anytime or at www.geappliancerecall.com.
F Conumers can also view a video clio about this recall (transcript). This is in "streaming video" format.
Office of lnformation and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GE Recall Line: (800) 599-2929October 18, 1999 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772Release # 00-006 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052
GE Contact: Kim Freeman, (502) 452-7819
GPSC, GE Announce Recall of Dishwashers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - ln cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), GeneralElectric (GE) Appliances, of Louisville, Ky., is voluntarily recalling about 3.1 million GE and Hotpoint branddishwashers, manufactured between April 1983 and January 1989. The dishwashers have a slide switch thatallows consumers to choose between heat drying and energy saver functions. Over time, the slide switch can meltand ignite, presenting a fire hazard.
GE and CPSC have reports of 50 fires, seven of which spread beyond the dishwashers. ln three cases, thestructure of the house or apartment was damaged. No injuries have been reported.
The GE and Hotpoint dishwashers that are being recalled are model GSD500D, GSD500G, GSD540, HDA467,HDA477 or HDA487 with a serial number that has a second letter of A, M, R, S, T, Y or Z (for example,8M12345). The model and serial numbers are located on a rectangular label that is on either the right or left frontedge of the inner tub. The GE or Hotpoint brand name is on the front of the dishwasher.
Consumers should stop using the recalled dishwashers immediately. Keep the dishwasher door unlatched toprevent the flow of electric current from the latch to the slide switch. GE is offering consumers a rebate toward thepurchase of a new dishwasher. Contact GE at (800) 599-2929 anytime or www.geappliancerecall.com forinformation on how to participate in the rebate program.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - ln cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), WhirlpoolCorporation of Benton Harbor, Mich. is announcing the voluntary recall of approximately 500,000 Whirlpool andKenmore brand dishwashers. Wiring in the door latch may overheat and catch fire.
Whirlpool has received 20 claims of property damage. To date, no injuries have been reported.
The dishwashers sold nationwide from June, 1991 through October, 1992 for $350 to $475. About half of thedishwashers were sold by Sears, Roebuck and Co. Affected Whirlpool brand dishwashers have model numbersbeginning with DU8, DP8, DUg and GDP, such as DU8700XY-1. Affected Kenmore dishwashers have modelnumbers beginning with 665, such as 665.1665591. ln addition to model numbers, both Whirlpooland Kenmorehave serial numbers ranging from F42400000 through F45299999 or from F80100000 through F81899999.These model numbers and serial numbers can be found on a plate on the right front edge of the tub, inside thedishwasher door.
Owners of the affected models should immediately stop using them. Dishwasher doors should be unlatched untilservice is completed.
Owners of Whirlpool brand dishwashers should have their model number and serial number available, then call(800) 874-9481. Whirlpool will arrange a service call or repair at no cost to consumers.
Consumers who bought either Vúhirlpool brand or Kenmore brand affected dishwashers from Sears, Roebuck andCo. will be notified directly by Sears representatives. Arrangements for a service call/repair will also be made atno cost to consumers. Sears customers who require additional information prior to notification should have theirmodel number and serial number available, then call (800) 927-1625.
The U.S, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incidentor injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a differenthazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product onwww.saferprod ucts, gov
CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use ofthe thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage fromconsumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protectingconsumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's workto ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and householdchemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over thepast 30 years.
Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.
Office of lnformation and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
Page 1 of2
lO sxms .t l0 E-.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 17, 1995Release # 96-005
CONTACT:(301) 504-7e08
CPSC And Maytag Announce Recall To lnspect AndRepair DishwashersWASHINGTON, D.C. - ln cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), MaytagCorporation, of Newton, lowa., is inspecting and repairing dishwashers with a component that can fail during use.This smallelectricalcomponent, located in the base of the unit, can malfunction, overheat, and in rarecircumstances, cause a fire.
Maytag has received 142 reports of component failures, including one confirmed fire that involved minor propertydamage. Maytag reports that most of the failures have occurred within the first eight months of the dishwasher'sinstallation. The company will focus its inspection efforts on these dishwashers that it believes to be most at riskfor component failure. There have been no reports of injuries resulting from the electrical component failures.
Maytag Corporation is inspecting and repairing at no charge to consumers certain Maytag brand dishwashers thatcarry serial numbers ending in one of the following pairs of letters: KF, KH, KK, KM, KQ, KS, KU, KW, KY,l(2, orMB. Maytag will mail notices to consumers whose dishwashers are to be inspected.
Maytag manufactured a total of 553,000 dishwashers with the component from March 1994 through January1995. Maytag dealers and other retailers sold these dishwashers nationwide from April 1994 to October 1995.
Consumers should check their dishwasher's serial number to determine if it may be part of the inspection andrepair program. The serial number is located in the upper left corner of the dishwasher tub, just below thecountertop. Consumers who have one of these dishwashers can call Maytag Customer Service toll-free at (800)462-9267 to arrange for their dishwasher to be inspected, or they can write the company at Maytag CustomerService, P.O. Box 8021, Cleveland, TN 37320-8021. Maytag recommends that, if consumers choose to continueto use their dishwashers prior to the inspection, they should do so only while at home, attending to the appliance.
Maytag media inquiries should be directed to Tom Schwartz, Director Corporate Communications, at (515) 791-6342.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incidentor injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a differenthazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product onwww.saferprod ucts. gov
CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use ofthe thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage fromconsumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protectingconsumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work ,,2ñto ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household
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Certain Sears Kenmore Dishwashers May Pose Fire Hazard
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFEBRUARY 15,1993Release # 93-042
CONTACT:(301) 504-7e08
Gertain Sears Kenmore Dishwashers May Pose FireHazard
PRODUCT: Sears Kenmore dishwashers sold after February 1990.
PROBLEM: The dishwasher's timer may catch fire. There have been 30 reports of timer failures due to shortingout and overheating. Four units have developed fires resulting in smoke damage to the surrounding countertopsand cabinets.
WHAT TO DO: Consumers with affected dishwashers should immediately stop using them and call 1-800-998-8470 to arrange for free repair.
WASHINGTON,DC - ln cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), SearsMerchandise Group is voluntarily contacting customers regarding 21 Kenmore dishwasher models sold in the lastthree years that could experience a timer failure that may result in a fire hazard. Sears is providing free service tocorrect the problem.
Currently, 30 units of about 400,000 units sold have experienced timer failures due to shorting out andoverheating. To date, four units have developed fires which resulted in smoke damage to the surroundingcountertop and cabinets. Sears has no reports of injuries due to the fires or timer failures.
Sears said it is working closely with its source, Frigidaire Company, the manufacturer of the dishwasher and thesupplier of the necessary new parts, to respond as quickly as possible to customer requests. Sears will be usingadditional technicians for service calls.
On February 6, Sears began sending letters to more than 300,000 customers who purchased one of the affectedKenmore dishwasher models made between February 1990 and October 1992. Sears is asking customers whohave not yet received letters to check the model of their dishwasher against the list below. Owners of listedmodels should discontinue using the dishwasher immediately and turn the power off or unlatch the dishwasher'sdoor until serviced. Sears is asking customers to call toll- free, 1-800-998-8470 for free service. Owners shouldhave the model and serial numbers on hand when calling. Model and serial numbers are on the inside right doorseal of the dishwasher's tub.
The problem stems from the possibility of units developing an internal leak that may cause the dishwasher's timermechanism to short out and overheat. Under certain circumstances, an overheated timer can cause a fire. Tocorrect the problem, a Sears service technician will install new parts and inspect and replace other componentsas needed in the dishwasher door. Service will be done at no cost to the customer.
Consumers who bought Kenmore dishwashers after February 1990 should check the model and serial numbersof their dishwasher against the list below.
The following models are affected:
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Certain Sears Kenmore Dishwashers May Pose Fire Hazard Page 2 of3
CPSC is announcing this recall as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury anddeath associated with consumer products. The Commission's objective is to reduce the estimated 28.5 millioninjuries and 21,600 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different types of consumer products underCPSC's jurisdiction.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incidentor injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a differenthazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product onwww.saferprod ucts. gov
CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use ofthe thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage fromconsumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protectingconsumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's workto ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and householdchemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over thepast 30 years.
Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.oov, call CPSC'sHotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain thisnews release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go tohttps://www.cpsc. oov/cpscl ist. aspx.
GE Agrees to Pay $1,000,000 Fine for Delay in ReportingProduct Defect to GPSG
WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that theGeneral Electric Co. (GE), of Fairfield, Conn., has agreed to pay the Government a $1 million civil penalty (PDFcopv of the Settlement Agreementl. The fine settles allegations that GE knowingly failed to report to CPSC in atimely manner a defect with certain models of dishwashers. Under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA),manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers must immediately report information about potentiallyhazardous products to the Commission.
"This settlement puts companies on notice that they must notify CPSC without delay when they learn of producthazards or consumer injuries," said Commission Chairman Hal Stratton. "We intend to enforce theserequirements vigorously and there will be serious consequences for companies that fail to report such informationquickly. The Commission will investigate and seek penalties against those who violate federal safety laws."
CPSC alleged that beginning in 1992, GE, one of the largest manufacturers of household appliances in the world,became aware of incidents of fire, smoking and melting related to the energy-saver slide switches on six modelsof dishwashers. The slide switches can overheat, causing the plastic to melt, and in some cases, ignite. BetweenJanuary 1992 and November 1998, GE received 49 reports of fires that involved melted switches. By the time thecompany first reported to the Commission in November 1998, it knew of at least 1 1 1 incidents involving fire,smoke, or melting of the switches on these dishwashers
ln agreeing to settle this matter, GE denies that it knowingly violated the CPSA.
GE manufactured 3.1 million of the GSD500D, GSD500G, GSD540, HDA467, HDA477, and HDA478 modeldishwashers between 1983 and 1989. All of these models have identical slide switches that allow consumers tochoose between a heated and non-heated drying cycle. ln December 2000, CPSC and GE announced a freerepair option in the form of a rewiring for the dishwashers. A GE-authorized technician will rewire the slide switchat no cost to consumers. The rewire program supplements the original rebate program announced in October1999. ln that recall, GE provided consumerswith a rebate toward the purchase of a new dishwasher. CPSG andGE announced the supplemental rewiring option to increase the effectiveness of the original rebate proqram.
Consumers who have one of these recalled dishwashers should immediately discontinue use, unlatch the door,
and contact GE anytime at (800) 599-2929 or log on to their website at www.geappliancerecall.com
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