FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 1999
Release # 99-145b
Company Phone Number: (877) FAN KITS CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris, (301) 504-7066
Ceiling Fans Recalled by Emerson Electric
PRODUCT: Ceiling Fans - As summer continues to swelter across much of
the U.S., CPSC and Air Comfort Products Division of Emerson Electric
Co., of St. Louis, Mo., are reminding consumers of the recall of about
20,000 ceiling fan installation kits, originally announced on January
12, 1999 (Release # 99-047). These ceiling fan kits are model number
CF10N1 made to be used with Emerson fans. The kit is used when a fan is
installed on a sloped ceiling or in a "close to the ceiling" mode. The
kit only poses a hazard when installed in the "close to the ceiling"
mode - which allows the fan to be mounted higher on low ceilings. The
outside housing or canopy of the kit comes in two pieces, and was sold
in five colors - brown, polished brass, antique brass, white and antique
white. Lighting showrooms, electrical distributors and hardware stores
nationwide sold these kits from December 1984 through December 1989 for
about $20.
PROBLEM: Over time, the bracket holding the fan can fail, causing the
fan to fall or hang by its electric wires. The fans can fall at any
time, possibly causing injuries to bystanders. In addition, exposed
wires could pose an electric shock hazard.
INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Emerson Electric is aware of 15 reports of the
brackets failing, causing the fans to fall. A 13-year-old boy suffered a
laceration on the nose from a falling ceiling fan.
WHAT TO DO: Consumers should immediately stop using the ceiling fans
installed with these kits and have them repaired. To verify a fan is
part of this recall, to receive a repair kit or for more information,
consumers should call Air Comfort at (877) FAN KITS between 8 a.m. and 5
p.m. EDT Monday through Friday, or go to their web site at www.emerson.com.
