The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·03156·Announced 2003-07-02

GSW Water Heaters Recalled for Potential Burn Hazard from Temperature Controls

GSW water heaters with S.I.T. gas temperature controls are recalled due to a potential burn hazard from ignition flashback or increased water temperature.

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 a risk-of-harm product (burn hazard) where minor injuries were reported in Canada but none in the US, fitting the 'High' criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported in the primary jurisdiction or is minor.

Plain-English summary

GSW Industries Inc. is recalling approximately 13,000 GSW water heaters equipped with S.I.T. model 650 AC4 gas/temperature controls. These units were sold through regional appliance distributors in the United States between February 2002 and April 2003 for between $150 and $550. The recall also affects 140,000 units sold in Canada.

The recall is due to a potential burn hazard caused by ignition flashback or an increase in tank water temperature. No injuries have been reported in the United States. In Canada, 45 incidents were reported, including 15 reports of minor burns.

Affected water heaters have serial numbers ranging from 0202694162 to 0304507825. Propane water heaters have red control knobs, while natural gas water heaters have blue control knobs. Consumers should contact GSW toll-free at (800) 263-3502 or S.I.T. Controls USA Inc. at (704) 369-2810 for instructions on inspecting and potentially replacing the valve.

The recalled product

Product
S.I.T. Gas Temperature Controls on GSW Water Heaters
Manufacturer
GSW Industries Inc., of Fergus, Ontario, Canada
Category
Consumer Product — Water Heaters
Hazard
Affected units
13,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · burn injury

See all →