The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·05090·Announced 2005-01-24

Aprilaire Electronic Air Cleaners Recalled for Fire and Burn Risk

Research Products Corp. is recalling about 67,000 Aprilaire Model 5000 Electronic Air Cleaners because the plastic housing and filter are not flame-resistant, posing a fire and burn risk.

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 structural defect (non-flame-resistant housing) that has resulted in six reported fires, meeting the rubric criteria for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' or structural defects.

Plain-English summary

Research Products Corp. of Madison, Wisconsin, is recalling about 67,000 Aprilaire Model 5000 Electronic Air Cleaners. The recall involves almond-colored units located near heating and cooling equipment, identified by a label on the access door reading "Aprilaire Model 5000." These units were sold through independent HVAC dealers nationwide from June 2000 through December 2004 for an installed price of about $800.

The air cleaner's plastic inner housing and filter are not flame-resistant. If electrical arcing occurs in the cleaner, a fire can develop, posing a risk of burn injuries and property damage. Research Products has received six reports of fires involving these air cleaners, but no injuries were reported.

Consumers should immediately turn off the unit or unplug it. They should contact Research Products Corp. to receive a free repair kit containing the flame-retardant inner housing and filter. For more information, consumers can call Research Products Corp. toll-free at (888) 742-2401 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit www.aprilaire.com.

The recalled product

Product
Aprilaire Electronic Air Cleaners
Manufacturer
Research Products Corp., of Madison, Wis.
Category
Consumer Product — Air Cleaners/Purifiers
Hazard
Affected units
67,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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