The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·12200·Announced 2012-06-20

Big Lots Recalls Ceramic Space Heaters Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

Big Lots is recalling about 70,500 portable ceramic space heaters because they can overheat and melt, posing fire and electric shock risks.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

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 (fire and electric shock) where injury has not yet been reported, meeting the criteria for a High severity score.

Plain-English summary

Big Lots is recalling two models of 1500-watt Climate Keeper portable ceramic space heaters. The recalled units include Model #FH107A with a grey plastic housing and Model #PTC-902T, an oscillating heater with a silver-grey plastic housing and a molded handle. Both models feature a fan, two dials on top, and a wire mesh panel in front.

The heaters can overheat and melt, which creates a hazard for fire and electric shock. Big Lots has received four reports of the product overheating and melting, but there are no reports of injury, fire, or property damage.

About 70,500 units were sold at Big Lots stores nationwide from September 2010 through March 2012 for approximately $20 to $25. Consumers should stop using the recalled heaters immediately and return them to a Big Lots store for a full refund.

The recalled product

Product
Portable Space Heater and Portable Oscillating Space Heater
Manufacturer
Big Lots, of Columbus, Ohio
Category
Consumer Product — Home Appliances
Hazard
Affected units
70,500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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