Explosion Hazard Results In Recall Of Honeywell Heating Gas Control Valves-- Investigation Continuing

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 15) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of more than 200,000 gas control valves used in heating appliances fueled by LP (Liquid Propane) gas because they may create an explosion hazard. CPSC staff are continuing to investigate the use of 2.5 million of the same gas control valve in heating appliances fueled by natural gas to determine whether a similar explosion hazard is presented. These gas control valves were last manufactured in 1972.

CPSC has been informed of 28 explosion incidents involving LP fueled appliances which have occurred since February 1972, in which Honeywell valves, which are a component in an overall furnace system were present. These incidents resulted in 5 deaths and 21 injuries.

The valves being recalled were manufactured from 1966 through 1972 and distributed to a variety of manufacturers for use on their LP fueled heating appliances which were principally central furnaces, but also boilers, unit heaters, conversion burners and space heaters. The recall is being conducted voluntarily by the manufacturer of the valves, Honeywell, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The combination valves serve the dual purpose of regulating the gas supplied to the appliance and of shutting off the gas supply when the pilot light is extinguished.

In a number of these incidents, it is alleged that the valve may have failed allowing LP gas to leak. Because LP gas, unlike natural gas, is heavier than air, it may accumulate near the floor. If the gas is exposed to an ignition source such as electric sparks or matches, an explosion may occur causing property damage and personal injury.

The recall pertains to combination gas control valves which bear one of the following model numbers and were used in LP fueled heating appliances:

Consumers should exercise caution when attempting to locate the valve and its model number which is located on the side of the gas valve. To locate the valve, consumers may have to remove the access panel on the front of their heating appliance. If any odor of leaking gas is present, consumers should not attempt to locate the valve, but should instead, immediately contact their gas supplier for assistance. When looking for the valve and model number, consumers should be careful not to use matches or any other ignition source which could cause any accumulated gas to explode.

Honeywell voluntarily initiated the gas valve recall in March 1980, and have contacted LP gas suppliers nationwide, who in turn have contacted LP gas users.

Consumers who own one of these valves should contact immediately their LP gas supplier or the nearest Honeywell Residential Office to arrange to have a new control valve installed free-of-charge.

Anyone who has difficulty locating the control valve or its model number should contact their local LP gas supplier or Honeywell by writing to Honeywell, Inc., (14N 38-4286), 10400 Yellow Circle Drive, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343.

The Commission is seeking complaint and incident data concerning gas control valves and encourages consumers to report this information to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's toll-free hot line at 800-638-2772.