Nine Inch Oscillating "Snow" Fan Recalled

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Collins Co. Ltd., Secaucus, New Jersey, to-day announced the voluntary recall of 26,000 model CYHD-103 "Snow" brand nine inch 2-speed oscillating fans. These fans were sold by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Wal-Mart has agreed to assist in the recall program. The Commission staff believes that some of the fans may have a defective 2-speed control switch which could result in overheating of the fan motor and ignition of the plastic motor case, and that the product therefore presents a fixe hazard.

Seven fires involving the use of this fan have been reported in 1983 and 1984. Although no personal injuries have resulted, the Commission staff is concerned about the danger to consumers from such fan fires occurring at night or while persons nearby are asleep.

Collins and Wal-Mart have discontinued distribution of the fan. The fan was imported in 1983 by Collins Co., Ltd. and was sold through Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to consumers in about 20 southern and midwestern states. The fan sold for about $20 dollars.

Collins through Wal-Mart is offering purchasers a full refund for the return of this recalled fan to any of Wal-Mart's 693 retail stores. If return to a Wal-Mart store is inconvenient due to the distance involved, consumers may obtain a full refund by calling Collins Co. Ltd. at 201-866-9560 for instructions to ship their fans to the company. As an alternative, consumers may write to Thomas C. Anderson, Collins Co. Ltd., 110 Meadowlands Parkway, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094.

Consumers can determine if they own the recalled fan by examining and identifying their fan as follows:

Since similar Snow brand Chin Yung Ho 9" fans have been sold by other retailers nationwide, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. requests that consumers return only those fans purchased from its stores. Wal-Mart advises owners who have purchased Snow brand 9" fans from other retailers to contact those retailers or the CPSC to determine if the product has been recalled or may be hazardous.

Wal-Mart will alert owners of the recall by posting signs at all 693 of its retail stores and by providing recall notice information to its customers. 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.