Originally issued April 11, 1996 Revised June 26, 2006
(301) 504-7908
Release # 96-098
CPSC and Square D Announce Baseboard Heater Recall
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Square D Company of
Palatine, Ill., announces a voluntary recall of
approximately 920,000 electric baseboard heaters. The
insulation of a wire running along the inside of the
heater may deteriorate over time, causing sparking, which
may lead to a potential fire hazard. In addition, if the
heaters are not properly grounded, a potential shock hazard
exists when the uninsulated wire contacts the metal heater
enclosure.
Square D Company has received at least 100 complaints
or claims of baseboard heaters overheating. Ninety incidents
of property damage, three deaths, and five injuries were
among incidents alleged. The involvement of the baseboard
heaters in the reported incidents has not been confirmed.
This voluntary recall program affects baseboard heaters
sold between 1970 and 1986 with brand names Square D and
Nelco Corporation. Model numbers begin with 18, 25, or 30,
followed by four numbers ending in series A or B (for
example 25242-4 SER A).
These tan colored baseboard heaters are
permanently installed units measuring two feet (500 watt) to
ten feet (2500 watt) in length. The brown and white Square D
and Nelco Corporation identification label, which includes
both model number and UL listing number, is located on the
bottom left side of the heater just below the heating
element.
To prevent a potential fire or electric shock, all of
the heaters subject to this recall should be replaced.
Consumers who own the baseboard heaters should check for
discoloration on the heater cover. If the cover is
discolored, consumers should immediately turn off the power
to the heaters and stop using them until they are replaced.
Square D no longer sells these heaters. A major
manufacturer of electric baseboard heaters has agreed to
provide replacement heaters for a discount of 50 percent off
the retail list price to consumers who own recalled Square D
heaters.
To obtain a discount on the purchase of a new, similar
heater, consumers must remove the Square D or Nelco
Corporation identification label from the recalled heaters
and present the label at the time of purchase. Consumers
may receive the discount on the purchase of the same number
of heaters of equal or lesser size and wattage. For further
information and to identify the nearest participating
replacement distributor, call (877) 202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday thrpough Friday.