The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·08576·Announced 2008-05-28

Hearth & Home Recalls IntelliSwitch Fireplace Wall Controls Due to Property Damage Risk

Hearth & Home Technologies is recalling IntelliSwitch Fireplace Wall Controls because a system failure can cause the fireplace to turn on by itself, posing a risk of property damage.

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 in a heating appliance that has resulted in reported property damage, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating (score 4) due to significant property-damage reports.

Plain-English summary

Hearth & Home Technologies Inc. is recalling approximately 22,000 IntelliSwitch Fireplace Wall Controls (model WSK-300) sold with Heat & Glo gas direct vent fireplaces. The recall also includes specific wall controls sold separately under the Heat & Glo, Heatilator, and Quadra-Fire brands. The affected units were sold at fireplace stores and distributors nationwide from January 2007 through February 2008 for between $2,800 and $3,500.

The recall is being issued because a failure in the wall control system can cause the fireplace to turn on by itself and continue operating. This creates a risk of property damage due to high temperatures. If combustible objects are left directly in front of an unattended fireplace, there is also a risk of fire. Hearth & Home has received 13 reports of fireplaces turning on by themselves, including two reports of minor property damage. No fires or injuries have been reported.

Consumers should disable the fireplace if they will be away from their residence for an extended period of time. Retailers are contacting consumers directly to provide instructions on disabling the fireplace and to inform them about a retrofit program. Hearth & Home Technologies will send a free replacement wall control panel for installation by the consumer or a trained technician. Consumers not contacted by their retailer should contact Hearth & Home Technologies at (800) 215-5152 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit www.heatnglo.com.

The recalled product

Product
IntelliSwitch Fireplace Wall Controls
Manufacturer
Hearth & Home Technologies Inc., of Lakeville, Minn. (Fireplace)
Category
Consumer Product — Fireplaces & Accessories
Hazard
Affected units
22,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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