The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·83061·Announced 1983-11-30

General Electric Recalls Nine Inch Fans Due to Fire Hazard

General Electric is recalling specific 1983 nine-inch portable fans because a defective switch can cause overheating and fire. Consumers should stop using the affected model and contact GE for a free replacement.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The source explicitly states the fan 'can ignite in flames and is a severe fire hazard' and reports 35 incidents of overheating or fire, meeting the criteria for significant injury/property-damage reports or structural defect risks.

Plain-English summary

General Electric (GE) is recalling its 1983 nine-inch portable 2-speed oscillating fan, model F-l-OF-9A, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall is due to a fire hazard caused by a defective speed control switch that can lead to fan overheating. GE and CPSC have determined that the fan can ignite in flames, presenting a severe fire risk.

Since the initial announcement in July 1983, GE has received 35 total reports of overheated fans or fan fires. While no injuries have been reported, CPSC and GE are concerned because some incidents occurred while fans were operating at night when consumers were asleep. GE estimates that approximately 2,100 of the more than 10,000 fans still in consumer hands are subject to this problem.

Owners of GE portable oscillating fans should check the model number on the bottom of the fan base. If the model is F-l-OF-9A, consumers should stop using the fan, unplug it, and not attempt to disassemble or service it. Owners should call the GE Answer Center at 800-626-2000 (ask for Dept. 25) for information on a free replacement with a twelve-inch model. No other fans or products are involved in this recall.

The recalled product

Product
General Electric (GE) nine inch portable 2 speed oscillating fan
Manufacturer
General Electric
Category
Consumer Product — Household Appliances
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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