Robertshaw Unitrol LP Gas Water Heater Controls Recall for Explosion Hazard
Robertshaw Controls is recalling Unitrol model 110 and 200 fuel controls for LP gas water heaters due to a defect that may cause gas leaks, explosions, and fires.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 5/5 (Critical).
Highest-severity recall. The hazard can cause serious injury or death. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.
Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly reports 48 deaths and 89 severe burn injuries resulting from explosions, which meets the rubric criteria for a Critical severity score (known fatalities).
Plain-English summary
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Robertshaw Controls are issuing a warning and correction program for specific "Unitrol" fuel control mechanisms used in liquid propane (LP) gas water heaters. The recall covers Unitrol model 110 and model 200 controls manufactured by Robertshaw's Grayson Controls division between December 1954 and February 1957. These controls contain a potentially defective valve that can cause a gas leak, leading to explosions and fires.
Since 1954, there have been at least 48 deaths and 89 severe burn injuries associated with explosions of water heaters equipped with these gas controls. Approximately 1,000 of these potentially defective controls are believed to still be in use nationwide, often in rural areas such as farm homes, vacation homes, or hunting and fishing camps where LP gas is commonly used.
Consumers should check their water heater controls for the "Unitrol 110" or "Unitrol 200" markings and specific date codes (W, X, LV, AY, BY, or CY) stamped near the gas pilot outlet. If the control matches these criteria, consumers should contact Robertshaw Controls at 800-421-1130 (or 800-262-1173 in California) for a free inspection and potential replacement of the controls.
The recalled product
- Product
- Unitrol fuel control mechanisms
- Manufacturer
- Robertshaw Controls
- Hazard
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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