The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·04157·Announced 2004-06-10

SMC Oscillating Floor Fans Recalled for Fire Hazard

CPSC is recalling SMC brand oscillating floor fans because the power cord can be damaged by the fan's motion, posing a fire hazard.

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 reported substantial property damage, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating (score 4) due to significant property-damage reports.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is recalling SMC brand oscillating floor fans. The recall involves approximately 2.2 million 18-inch pedestal floor fans with model numbers SR-18 or SP-18. These fans are white with the brand name "SMC" on the front grill. The model number is located on the back of the fan beside the on/off button.

The hazard exists because the electric power cord can be damaged by the oscillation motion of the fan. This damage can result in a short circuit and possible ignition of the plastic case, posing a fire hazard. CPSC is aware of 31 incidents in which the cord was damaged, resulting in smoke and fires. At least nine of these incidents resulted in substantial property damage.

The fans were sold at The Home Depot from January 1997 through October 2001 for about $20. They were also sold at other retailers, some of which have gone out of business. Consumers should stop using the recalled fans immediately. They can return the fans to The Home Depot for store credit or contact SMC Marketing Corp. for instructions on receiving a refund.

The recalled product

Product
SMC brand oscillating floor fans
Manufacturer
SMC Marketing Corp., of Grand Prairie, Texas
Category
Consumer Product — Home Appliances
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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