The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·01077·Announced 2001-02-01

Carrier Recalls Duct-Free High Wall Split Air Conditioners in Puerto Rico

Carrier is recalling about 460 duct-free high wall split air conditioners sold in Puerto Rico because condensation can cause short circuits and fires.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with two reported incidents resulting in extensive property damage, which meets the rubric criteria for a Severe (Score 4) classification due to significant property-damage reports.

Plain-English summary

Carrier (Puerto Rico) Inc. is recalling approximately 460 duct-free "high wall split air conditioners" sold in Puerto Rico. The recall involves units where half of the air conditioner is installed inside and half outside. The inside part features model number 42RCA on the plastic grill covering, while the outside part features model number 38RCA on the lower rear side. The word "Carrier" is written on the front of these units.

The recall is being issued because condensation inside these air conditioning units can splash onto the control board, causing it to short circuit and start a fire. Carrier has received two reports of fires resulting from short circuits with these units, which caused extensive property damage. No injuries have been reported.

These air conditioners were sold by independent dealers and technicians in Puerto Rico from January 1998 through September 1999 for between $800 and $2,000. Consumers should stop using these air conditioners immediately and call Carrier at (787) 275-7175 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to get a free replacement unit installed.

The recalled product

Product
Carrier duct-free "high wall split air conditioners"
Manufacturer
Carrier (Puerto Rico) Inc., of Cantano, Puerto Rico
Category
Consumer Product — Home Appliances
Hazard
Affected units
460

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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