The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·78077·Announced 1978-09-25

Sears and Vernco Portable Electric Fans Recalled for Fire Hazard

Sears and Vernco are recalling 72,000 portable electric fans manufactured in 1973 and 1974 because they may overheat and catch fire. Consumers should stop using the affected units and return them for free repair.

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 hazard) where no injuries or illnesses have been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

The Vernco Division of the Emerson Electric Co. is recalling approximately 72,000 portable electric fans in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall covers 13- and 19-inch models manufactured in 1973 and 1974 that were sold nationwide. The affected fans feature a plastic fan guard and a circular plastic base. Approximately 75 percent of the units were sold through Sears, Roebuck and Co., while the remainder were sold through other retailers under the Vernco brand.

The recall is due to a potential fire hazard. Under certain conditions, the fans may overheat and possibly catch fire. The affected Sears units are light green and inscribed with the initials "SR" in the center of the plastic fan guard. The affected Vernco units are light blue and bear the "Vernco" inscription on the plastic fan guard. Only fans with a 5-digit date code ending in 3 or 4 are involved. Sears model numbers 758.80530 and 758.80550, and Vernco model numbers V-1001 and V-1003, are affected. Both the date code and model number are stamped on the bottom of the base.

Consumers are cautioned against using these fans and are urged to return them to the place of purchase to arrange for free repair. For further information about Vernco models, consumers can contact Mr. Norman Edwards of Vernco at 812/372-9901. For Sears fans, consumers should call the nearest Sears retail store.

The recalled product

Product
Sears portable electric fans
Manufacturer
Sears
Category
Consumer Product — Household Appliances
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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