Recall: "TW" In-Wall Heater Recalled by Square D

Note: Phone number change.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Media Relations
Originally issued April 15, 1996, Revised June 26, 2006	(301) 504-7908
Release # 96-102

CPSC and Square D Announce "TW" In-Wall Heater Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Square D Company of Palatine, Ill., is announcing a voluntary recall of approximately 80,000 electric in-wall heaters. A rubber grommet, which holds the heater's fan in place, may deteriorate over time, causing the fan to stop blowing. If this occurs, the heater coils can overheat to cause burning or scorching of the wall or nearby house furnishings.

Square D Company has received about 50 complaints or claims of in-wall heaters overheating, including fourteen claims of property damage. The involvement of the in-wall heaters in the reported incidents has not been confirmed.

This recall involves electric in-wall "TW" heaters sold between 1970 and 1986 with brand names Square D and Nelco Corporation. Model numbers include TW 2422, TW 2022, and TW 1222; Series A or B.

To identify the heaters, consumers must remove the grill of their in-wall heater and look for the identification label located on the left side of the heater just below the blower wheel.

To prevent the potential for fire or injury, consumers should immediately turn off the power to the affected heaters and stop using them until they are replaced.

Square D no longer sells these heaters. A major heater manufacturer has agreed to provide replacement heaters for a discount of 50 percent off the retail list price to consumers who own recalled Square D heaters.

To obtain a discount on the purchase of a new, similar heater, consumers must remove the model identification labels from recalled heaters and turn in the labels at the time of purchase. Owners can obtain a discount on any purchase of the same number of heaters of equal or less physical size and wattage. For further information and to identify the nearest participating replacement distributor, consumers should call (877) 202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

This is the second voluntary recall announced in a week by CPSC and Square D. The earlier program was on 920,000 Square D and Nelco Corporation brand baseboard heaters sold between 1970 and 1986. For more information on the prior recall, consumers should call (877) 202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday..