In-Sink-Erator Recall of Instant Hot Water Dispensers

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2002
Release # 02-189

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 295-8727
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051

CPSC, In-Sink-Erator Announce Recall to Repair Instant Hot Water Dispensers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), In-Sink-Erator, of Racine, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 252,000 half-gallon instant hot water dispensers. Water can leak from the metal holding tank, wet insulating material and cause electrical arcing and heat build-up. This poses a fire hazard.

In-Sink-Erator has received three reports of holes in the electrical insulation or outer cover of the hot water dispenser. One report involved a kitchen fire that caused nearly $7,000 in property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled hot water dispensers are half-gallon capacity models, made in the USA and sold under various brand names, including In-Sink- Erator®, ISE®, Steamin' Hot®, Emerson®, Dayton™, ACE™, Kenmore® and Kohler™. The serial number (S/N) is printed on a specification plate attached to the metal holding tank. This recall involves instant hot water dispensers with serial numbers (some begin with two letters) 999- 10 or those that fall between 1000 and 3084000.

Plumbers, building contractors, home centers and hardware stores sold these instant hot water dispensers from January 1972 through December 1996 for between $100 and $250.

Consumers should unplug their hot water dispensers immediately, check the serial number and contact In-Sink-Erator if their unit is part of the recall. Consumers with affected units will receive a replacement insulation shield. For more information and a complete list of brands, consumers can contact In-Sink-Erator at (800) 295-8727 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's web site at www.insinkerator.com.

One-third gallon capacity instant hot water dispensers manufactured by In-Sink-Erator are not involved in this recall.