Recall: Hurricane Products Propane Regulator Recall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 21, 2001 Release # 01-112

Propane Regulator Hotline: (877) 673-3278 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052

CPSC, Hurricane Products Announce Recall of Propane Regulators

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hurricane Products, of Valencia, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 20,000 propane regulators. These propane regulators, manufactured by Chen Fong Enterprise Co. Ltd., of Taiwan, are used to regulate the flow of propane from pressurized containers. These regulators can leak propane, which can result in a fire or explosion. The leak can cause the appliance flame to be larger than expected, possibly causing burns to nearby consumers and cause nearby combustibles to catch fire.

Hurricane Products, the importer and distributor, has received 125 reports of these regulators leaking propane. There have been no reports of fires or injuries occurring as a result of these regulators leaking.

The propane regulator is used primarily with recreational vehicles and in some homes that use propane as a fuel source for one or more appliances. The regulator has two input valves and one output valve. "Model 6000" is imprinted on the top of the regulator. The patent number, "5103861," is imprinted on the bottom of the regulator, as well as "MADE IN TAIWAN." The date of manufacture also is imprinted on the bottom of the regulator in a four-digit date code, indicating the month and year manufactured. Regulators of "0196," indicating January 1996, through "1099," indicating October 1999, are part of this recall.

Recreational vehicle dealers and LP Gas dealers nationwide sold these propane regulators from June 1996 through October 1999 for about $22.

Consumers with recalled regulators should immediately stop using them by closing the main valve on the propane container. Consumers should contact the outlet where the regulator was purchased or call Emerald Isle, which is conducting the recall for Hurricane Products, at (877) 673-3278 toll-free between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to get information on receiving a free replacement propane regulator.

These regulators are not the type of regulator typically used with propane barbecue grills.