Recall: Tappan Built-In Ovens Warning

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 1973
Release # 73-003

Consumer Product Safety Commission Says Some Tappan Built-In Ovens May Pose Hazard To Consumers

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 8) - The Consumer Product Safety Commission Friday said it has learned from the Tappan Company of a defect in certain Tappan Company built-in gas ovens manufactured for installation primarily in mobile homes and other newly constructed homes.

The Commission said the defect --a possible loose fitting connection-- could result in a hazard to consumers from gas leakage. The ovens in question were manufactured between January 23, 1973, and May 31, 1973, by the F.H. Lawson Company, Springfield, Tennessee, for the Tappan Company.

While the majority of the ovens carry the "Tappan" name, some were produced for Montgomery Ward and carry the brand-name "Signature."

According to Tappan, the problem occurred in some 15,185 ovens, of which 11,974 have been shipped from the place of manufacture.

The ovens carry model numbers AZ12-1239; AZ12-1249; AZ12-1441; AKTM-3850; and AKTM-3893. Some 8,172 of the ovens-- model number AZ12-1239-- are used exclusively in mobile homes.

The Montgomery Ward ovens--"Signature"--carry the "AKTM" model number prefix.

CPSC Chairman Richard 0. Simpson said the Commission is asking wholesalers, distributors, and retailers who may have the affected ovens in stock or installed in mobile homes or newly constructed homes immediately to contact the Tappan Company.
In addition, Simpson said consumers who may have purchased a Tappan or "Signature" built-in oven with one of the model numbers in question should contact their local gas company or the nearest Tappan dealer regarding possible gas leakage between the shut-off valve and the pressure regulator.

The Commission was told by Tappan that consumers can locate the model number on the oven by opening the top oven door and looking at the metal strip at the top of the oven which carries the model number on it.

CPSC investigators have been sent to the Tappan headquarters, Mansfield, Ohio, and to the F.H. Lawson Company to determine whether the remedial action proposed by Tappan is appropriate and to determine the degree of potential hazard to consumers.