A. O. Smith Recalls Ultra-Low NOx Water Heaters Due to Fire Hazard
A. O. Smith is recalling approximately 616,000 gas water heaters because a torn burner screen can cause excess heat and fire if installed on combustible floors.
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 six reported fires, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' (Score 4).
Plain-English summary
A. O. Smith Corp. is recalling approximately 616,000 30, 40, and 50-gallon natural or propane gas-fired Ultra-Low NOx emission water heaters. The recall includes units manufactured between April 8, 2011, and August 1, 2016, and sold primarily in California under the American, A. O. Smith, Kenmore, Reliance, State, U.S. Craftsmaster, and Whirlpool brand names. Affected units have serial numbers where the first four digits are between 1115 and 1631.
The recall is due to a fire hazard. The water heater's gas burner screen may develop tears, allowing the burner to create excess radiant heat. This poses a fire risk if the water heater is installed directly on a wood or other combustible floor. A. O. Smith has received six reports of fires from water heaters installed on combustible surfaces, but no injuries have been reported.
Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters. They should visit www.waterheaterrecall.com to check their model and serial number or contact A. O. Smith to determine if a free repair is necessary. Consumers with Whirlpool, U.S. Craftmaster, or American Water Heater brands can call 866-854-2793, while those with Reliance, State, A. O. Smith, or Kenmore brands can call 866-880-4661.
The recalled product
- Product
- Ultra-Low NOx water heaters
- Manufacturer
- A. O. Smith Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis.
- Category
- Consumer Product — Water Heaters
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 616,000
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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