Recall: Trane Recalls Air Conditioners after Incidents of Units Smoking

Trane Recalls Air Conditioners after Incidents of Units Smoking

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC.

Name of Product: PTEE and PTHE Series Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTACs)

Units: About 10,580

Distributor: The Trane Co., of Piscataway, N.J.

Manufacturer: Qingdao Haier Air Conditioner, of Qingdao, China.

Hazard: The heating element on these commercially installed units can become displaced and, if it contacts metal, could short circuit. If the electric heater on one of those units short-circuits, wiring problems on 265 volt models could allow the unit to remain energized while the unit’s fan is turned off, causing it to overheat and smoke.

Incidents/Injuries: Individuals installing units observed smoking and smelled a burning odor in three units during installation testing procedures. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall includes 208, 230 and 265 volt models of the Trane PTEE and PTHE Series Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTACs). They were manufactured from about March 2006 through July 2006. The date code is F06C through F06G, and is written on the unit’s Manufacturer’s Data Plate located behind the molded plastic cover above the power connection.

The units have the following model numbers, also written on the Manufacturer’s Data Plate:

Sold at: Trane distributors sold the recalled units to commercial customers for use in locations such as hotels and office buildings from May 2006 to July 2006.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: The power connectors are being rewired or replaced, and the heaters will be visually inspected and replaced as necessary in the 265 volt models. Although there have been no incidents with the 208 volt and 230 volt models, Trane is still inspecting these units as a precaution. Trane has contacted the affected customers directly.

Contact: For more information, contact Trane at (800)235-2152 or at (931) 648-5047, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or write an email to buddy.sholar@trane.com