The Recall Desk
Our severity:CriticalCPSC·00070·Announced 2000-02-17

Cadet and Encore in-wall electric heaters recalled due to fire and shock risks

Cadet Manufacturing is recalling over 1.9 million in-wall electric heaters because they can emit flames, sparks, or molten particles, posing risks of fire, burns, and electric shock.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 5/5 (Critical).

Highest-severity recall. The hazard can cause serious injury or death. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that the incidents have allegedly resulted in three deaths, which mandates a severity score of 5 (Critical) according to the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Cadet Manufacturing Co. of Vancouver, Washington, is recalling more than 1.9 million Cadet and Encore in-wall electric heaters. The affected models are FW, FX, LX, TK, ZA, Z, RA, RK, RLX, RX, RW, and ZC. These heaters were distributed mainly in California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

The recall is being issued because flames, sparks, or molten particles can spew through the front grill cover of the heater into the living area of a residence. This puts consumers at risk from fires, including burn injuries, smoke inhalation, and property damage. Additionally, the heaters can become energized, creating a risk of electric shock. CPSC is aware of more than 320 reports of heaters that smoked, sparked, caught fire, emitted flames, or ejected burning particles or molten materials. These incidents have allegedly resulted in three deaths, two serious burn injuries, and property damage claims exceeding $1.2 million, which include five partial or total house fires.

Consumers should immediately disconnect the power supply to the heater at the circuit breaker before removing the grill to check the identification label. If power is not disconnected, consumers risk electrocution and shock. The brand and model are located on a label on the front of the heat box, behind the grill. Consumers may contact Cadet at (800) 567-2613 or visit the company's website to register for the recall by February 17, 2002. Cadet is offering replacement heaters at a significantly reduced cost, ranging from $25 to $57 depending on the model. Consumers who already replaced the recalled units between October 23, 1997, and the recall date can file a claim for partial reimbursement of $25 per heater.

The recalled product

Product
Cadet and Encore in-wall electric heaters
Manufacturer
Cadet Manufacturing Co., of Vancouver, Wash.
Category
Consumer Product — Electric Heaters
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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