The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·79033·Announced 1979-07-12

Vernco and Sears Portable Electric Fans Recalled for Fire Hazard

Vernco and Sears are recalling portable electric fans because the rotors may lock, causing the motor to overheat and plastic components to ignite.

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 injury has not yet been reported, fitting the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

The Vernco Division of the Emerson Electric Company, in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is recalling approximately 72,000 portable electric fans. The recall involves 13-inch and 19-inch models manufactured in 1973 and 1974. These fans were sold by Sears, Roebuck and Company and directly by Vernco through other retailers nationwide.

The hazard exists because the rotors on some of these fans may lock. This malfunction can cause the motor to overheat, potentially leading to the ignition of plastic components. CPSC and the company are concerned that consumers using un-repaired fans during summer weather are exposed to a potential fire hazard. To date, only a small percentage of the affected fans have been returned for modification.

Affected fans are light green (Sears models) or light blue (Vernco models) and stand on a circular plastic base. Sears models are inscribed with "SR" in the center of the fan guard, while Vernco models bear the "Vernco" inscription. The fans are stamped on the bottom with a 5-digit date code ending in "3" or "4," along with Vernco model number V-1001 or V-1003, or Sears number 758.80530 or 758.80550.

Consumers who own one of these fans should return it as soon as possible to the place of purchase to arrange for a free repair. Additional information about Vernco models can be obtained by contacting Norman Edwards of Vernco at 812/372-9901. Information about Sears fans is available at any Sears retail store. Consumers may also contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772 to verify model numbers.

The recalled product

Product
Sears portable electric fans
Manufacturer
Sears
Category
Consumer Product — Electric Fans
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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