Model Pro1600 Hair Dryers Recalled; Fire Risk Cited

PRODUCT: Approximately 900 model PRO1600 hair dryers manufactured by Hartman Products and sold by Wal-Mart stores between January 1992 and April 1993. These are beige-colored hair dryers with the words "MODEL PRO1600" embossed on the handle.

PROBLEM: When plugged-in and turned "OFF," the hair dryer's heater could turn on by itself without turning on the fan. Some of these hair dryers have heater motor mounts that are molded from flammable material and could catch on fire. The company is aware of three alleged fire incidents. No injuries have been reported to date. These hair dryers are easily identified by looking at the back of the hair dryer. All hair dryers with flammable motor mounts have BLACK FANS. Hair dryers manufactured after August 7, 1993 have GRAY FANS and are not involved in this recall.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers who have beige-colored model PRO1600 hair dryers with BLACK FANS should stop using them and return them to: Hartman Products, 4949 W. 147th Street, Hawthorne, CA 90250. Consumers can opt for a full refund or a new redesigned hair dryer. Postage will be reimbursed. For further information call: (800) 423-3007, Monday through Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hartman Products, Hawthorne, CA, is voluntarily recalling approximately 900 model PRO1600 hair dryers sold by Wal-Mart stores between January 1992 and April 1993. Hair dryers sold after April 1993 are not involved.

When left plugged-in and turned "OFF," the hair dryer's heater could turn on by itself without turning on the fan. Some of these hair dryers have heater motor mounts that are molded from flammable material and could catch fire. The company is aware of three alleged incidents in which hair dryers plugged-in with switches in the "OFF" position caught fire. No injuries have been reported to date.

The hair dryers, which sold for about $10, have the words "MODEL PRO1600" embossed on the handle. These hair dryers are easily identified by looking at the back of the hair dryer. Only beige hair dryers with BLACK FANS have flammable motor mounts. Hair dryers with GRAY FANS are not affected by this recall. All hair dryers sold after April 1993 have gray fans.

Consumers who have hair dryers with black fans should immediately stop using the hair dryers and return them to:

Hartman Products
4949 W. 147th Street
Hawthorne, CA 90250

A full refund of $10 or a new hair dryer will be exchanged for the returned model. Postage will be reimbursed. Consumers who need more information can call Hartman Products at (800) 423-3007, Monday through Friday, between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).