CPSC Warns of Shock Hazard in G.L. Electric Flasheat Water Heaters
The CPSC warned consumers that certain G.L. Electric Flasheat portable water heaters may cause serious electric shock. The agency authorized proceedings to remove the products from the marketplace.
What this means for you
Highest-severity recall. Risk of serious injury or death is documented or strongly suspected. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.
Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly references the electrocution of a teenage girl involving an identically designed product, which meets the rubric criterion for known fatalities.
Plain-English summary
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning regarding certain portable, immersible electric water heaters manufactured by G.L. Electric Flasheat Co. of Harper Woods, Michigan. The affected products include the "Fast Heat" model 401, as well as models 501 and 101. These heaters are designed to be plugged into standard electrical outlets and consist of an exposed resistive heating element contained in either a perforated metal case or porcelain shells. This design allows water to flow directly into contact with the heating element, creating a dangerous shock hazard if the heater is turned on.
The CPSC warned that consumers may be electrocuted if they touch the water container or the water itself while the heater is operating. The agency noted that an identically designed electric water heater made by another company was reportedly involved in the electrocution of a teenage girl the previous year. The heaters were sold nationally, primarily in hardware stores and tack shops, for use in bathrooms and kitchens.
On March 24, 1978, the Commission authorized its staff to bring an administrative proceeding against G.L. Electric Flasheat Co. to remove these products from the marketplace. Consumers aware of shocks or electrocutions from these immersible electric water heaters are advised to report the incident by calling CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772.
The recalled product
- Product
- Fast Heat portable immersible electric water heaters
- Manufacturer
- G.L. Electric Flasheat
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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