The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·03005·Announced 2002-10-08

CPSC Recalls Top Choice Electric Fans Due to Electrical and Fire Hazards

CPSC and Thrifty Paper Co. are recalling about 26,000 Top Choice electric fans sold in the New York area due to risks of electrocution, fire, and finger entrapment.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves risk-of-harm products (electrocution, fire) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Thrifty Paper Co. are recalling approximately 26,000 electric fans branded "Top Choice." The recall involves floor-mounted and table-top units sold under seven different model names: SF16BU(BE), SF16BK, DF16BU(BE), DF18, FL18, and BSD-18066. The model name is located on the motor housing, and the DF18 and FL18 models feature a label reading "Hi Velocity Top Choice Air Circulator" on the fan blade cover. These fans were manufactured in China.

The recall is being conducted because the fans have undersized wiring, use non-polarized power plugs, overheat, and have improperly sized grills. These defects create hazards for electrocution, electric shock, fire, and finger entrapment. CPSC and Thrifty Paper Co. have not received any reports of incidents or injuries; the recall is a precautionary measure to prevent potential harm.

The fans were sold at discount and variety stores in the metropolitan New York area from April 2000 through June 2002 for between $10 and $15. Consumers should stop using these fans immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. Alternatively, consumers may mail the units to Thrifty Paper Co. at 110 West Graham Ave., Hempstead, N.Y., 11550, for a full refund. For more information, contact Thrifty Paper Co. toll-free at (888) 281-3281 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
Electric Fans
Category
Consumer Product — Small Appliances
Hazard
Affected units
26,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · electrocution

See all →