Recall: SMC and Home Depot Recall of Oscillating Fans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 10, 2004 Release # 04-157

Home Depot Hotline: (800) 553-3199 SMC Hotline: (800) 527-3675 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Eric Criss, (301) 504-7908 Home Depot Media Contact: David Sandor (770) 433-8211

CPSC, SMC and Home Depot Announce Recall of Oscillating Fans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), SMC Marketing Corp., of Grand Prairie, Texas, and Home Depot U.S.A., Inc., of Atlanta, Ga., are voluntarily recalling about 2.2 million "SMC" brand oscillating floor fans. The electric power cord can be damaged by the oscillation motion of the fan. The damage to the cord can result in a short circuit and possible ignition of the plastic case, posing a fire hazard.

CPSC is aware of 31 incidents in which the cord on these fans was damaged, which resulted in smoke and fires. At least nine of these incidents resulted in substantial property damage.

The recall includes 18-inch, pedestal floor fans with model number SR-18 or SP-18. The model number is on the back of the fan beside the on/off button. All of the recalled fans are white with the brand name, "SMC," written on the face plate of the front grill. The Home Depot sold these fans from January 1997 through October 2001 for about $20. The recalled fans also were sold at other retailers, some of which have gone out of business.

Consumers should stop using the recalled fans immediately and either return them to the Home Depot for a store credit, or contact SMC Marketing Corp. for instructions on receiving a refund. The Home Depot will accept all recalled fans.

For information on receiving a refund, consumers should contact SMC Marketing Corp. toll-free at (800) 527-3675 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. For more information about store returns, consumers can call Home Depot toll-free at (800) 553-3199 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Recall information also is available at the Home Depot's Web site: www.homedepot.com

The Home Depot is a major retailer and importer of these fans. These fans were supplied by Shell Electric Manufacturing (China) Co. Ltd. SMC Marketing Corp. represents Shell Electric Manufacturing (China) Co. Ltd. in the United States.