| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT:Mark Ross |
| September 17, 1997 | (301) 504-7076 |
| Release # 97-190 |
CPSC, King of Fans Announce Recall of Portable Electric Heaters
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), King of Fans of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is recalling about 5,000 portable electric heaters. The heater's cover can separate from the bottom housing and expose live electrical parts, presenting shock and electrocution hazards to consumers.King of Fans has received one report of the heater separating and exposing live electrical parts. No injuries have been reported.
The portable electric heater, measuring 8 inches high and 6.5 inches wide, is made of black ceramic and comes with a 6 foot cord. "MAXI-HEAT" is written on the front of the heater next to power and safety indicator lights. The heater has top-mounted controls for temperature and speed and a pull-up handle. A silver label on the bottom of the heater reads in part, "ELECTRIC AIR HEATER, MODEL NO. H-415, MADE IN TAIWAN, UL LISTED." The heaters have serial numbers between 0026000 and 0031000, which also are located on the silver label.
The heater is packaged in a cardboard box labeled in part, "MAXI-HEAT SUPREME...CERAMIC HEATER...WITH AUTOMATIC THERMOSTAT CONTROL...MODEL H415." There are pictures of the heater on all sides of the box.
Sam's Club stores nationwide sold the portable electric heaters from September 1993 through February 1994 for about $35.
Consumers should stop using the heaters immediately and return them to King of Fans, 1951 N.W. 22nd St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 to have the heater repaired or replaced or to receive a refund. Consumers will be reimbursed for postage. Consumers should include a return address and specify whether they want the repair, replacement or refund. For more information, consumers should call King of Fans at (800) 749-3267 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.
