The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·77125·Announced 1977-12-20

White-Westinghouse 14-Cubic-Foot Refrigerators Recalled for Possible Shock Hazard

White-Westinghouse is voluntarily modifying 17,508 refrigerators because an improperly placed heater wire could present a possible shock hazard if the unit is not properly grounded.

What this means for you

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 (shock hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and White-Westinghouse Company announced a voluntary modification program for 17,508 of its 14-cubic-foot refrigerators. The recall is due to a possible shock hazard that may occur if the refrigerator is not properly grounded. The hazard is caused by an improperly placed heater wire that could, under some circumstances, contact the refrigerator's cabinet or evaporator, potentially shocking a consumer who touches the appliance.

The affected units are identifiable by model numbers RT146T, RT145T, RT141T, RT144T, RT14XW, and RT14YW. These refrigerators were manufactured between March 8 and November 11, 1977, and distributed nationwide, including Puerto Rico. Only units with serial numbers beginning with RUD, RUE, RUF, RUG, RUH, RUJ, RUK, RUL, or RTG followed by five numbers are affected. The serial plate is located on the lower left-front corner of the refrigerator above the kick plate grating and is visible only when the door is open.

White-Westinghouse emphasizes that no shock incidents have been reported regarding these refrigerators. Consumers with affected units should contact their dealer for inspection and repair at no charge. If the dealer cannot be reached, consumers may contact White-Westinghouse at 800-245-0600 (Pennsylvania residents: 800-242-0580; Puerto Rico residents: 733-5143) or the CPSC at 800-638-2772. When opening the door to view the serial plate, consumers are cautioned not to touch other kitchen appliances or the sink.

The recalled product

Product
White-Westinghouse 14-cubic-foot refrigerators
Manufacturer
White-Westinghouse
Category
Consumer Product — Refrigerators
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · shock

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