General Electric Company Recalls 1983 Nine Inch Fan Model F1-OF-9A

Washington, D.C.-- In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the General Electric Company (GE) advises owners of the GE 1983 nine inch portable 2 speed oscillating fan, model Fl-OF-9A, that a potential overheating problem may be present. As with any electrical product that overheats, GE warns owners that a potential fire hazard may exist for some units. GE's analysis shows that the problem may occur when the speed control switch fails to function as intended, causing the fan to overheat.

While no injuries have been reported, GE has received eighteen (18) reports of overheating or damage to furniture surfaces due to melting of the plastic case surrounding the fan motor. GE estimates that approximately 2100 of these fans out of the 11,000 sold to consumers may have the overheating problem.

GE has voluntarily instituted a program to replace all units of the Fl-OF-9A fan with a twelve inch model, at no cost to the consumer. Owners of GE portable oscillating fans are asked to read the model number on the bottom of the fan base. Consumers who identify their fans as model Fl-OF-9A should stop using it, unplug the unit and not attempt to disassemble or service it themselves. Owners should then call the GE Answer Center ™, a 24-hour toll-free service at 800-626-2000 (ask for Dept. 25), for complete information on free replacement. No other fans or products are involved.

GE has also indicated that it will reach owners of the F1-OF-9A fan through owner registration cards.

Information concerning this matter is also available to consumers on CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is 800-638-8270.