The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·04122·Announced 2004-04-20

Trane and American Standard Accessory Electric Heaters Recalled for Fire Risk

American Standard Companies is recalling about 37,000 Trane and American Standard accessory electric heaters because overheating wiring can cause 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 four reported fires and property damage, meeting the rubric criteria for 'Severe' (significant property-damage reports).

Plain-English summary

American Standard Companies, of Piscataway, N.J., is recalling about 37,000 Trane and "American Standard" brand accessory electric heaters. The recall involves model number BAYHTR1415BRKAC, which was manufactured between April 14, 2003, and February 6, 2004. These 240-volt heaters are used to provide supplemental heat in heat pump or electric heating systems and are located inside the air handler cabinet, typically found in basements, attics, equipment closets, or crawlspaces.

The hazard is that overheating of the wiring in the accessory heater can lead to wall thermostat fires. There have been four reports of thermostat fires, two of which resulted in several thousand dollars in property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Consumers who have not yet been contacted by independent dealers should immediately contact their installer to determine if they have a recalled unit. Consumers may arrange for a free inspection and repair through their installer. To avoid electric shock, consumers should not open the air handler door; only a professional installer should open the door to determine if the unit is recalled. Consumers can call the firm toll-free at (888) 556-0125 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
Trane and "American Standard" brand accessory electric heaters
Manufacturer
American Standard Companies, of Piscataway, N.J.
Category
Consumer Product — Heating Equipment
Hazard
Affected units
37,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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