FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2002
Release # 02-133
Heater Recall Hotline: (888) 858-3506 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051
CPSC, Lakewood Announce Recall of Electric Heaters
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission, (CPSC), Lakewood Engineering & Manufacturing Co., of
Chicago, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 107,000 electric heaters.
The electrical connections inside of the heater can become loose,
causing the heater's metal frame to become energized. This poses a
serious electric shock hazard to consumers.
CPSC and Lakewood have not received any reports of incidents.
This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.
The recalled electric heaters have model numbers 797 or 797 DFT,
which is stamped on the back of the unit. The Model 797, which is
painted white, and the Model 797 DFT, which is painted gray, have a
control panel with temperature and wattage selections. The rounded,
metal units also have the word, "/////Lakewood" printed on the control
panel.
Retailers nationwide, including Wal-Mart and Kmart, sold the
heaters between October 2000 and February 2002 for about $30.
Consumers should immediately stop using these heaters, unplug
them, and contact Lakewood at (888) 858-3506 between 8:30 a.m. and 5
p.m. CT Monday through Friday to receive a free repair or replacement.
Lakewood will provide consumers with instructions as to how to return
the heaters to the company free of charge. For more information,
consumer can log on to the company's website at www.lakewoodeng.com.
