The Recall Desk
CriticalCPSC·84025·Announced 1984-04-18

Patton and Sears Portable Electric Space Heaters Recalled for Fire Hazard

Patton Electric is recalling approximately 102,000 portable electric space heaters sold as Patton and Sears brands due to a possible fire hazard involving the control switch.

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 states that one of the six investigated fire incidents involved the death of an 18-month-old baby. Per the rubric, if reported deaths exist anywhere in the source text, the score is 5 regardless of other factors.

Plain-English summary

Patton Electric Company is voluntarily recalling approximately 102,000 portable electric space heaters sold under the "Patton" and "Sears" brands. The affected units are small, portable plastic models manufactured in Hong Kong, specifically the Patton Model HF-10 and the Sears Model 201-7208. These heaters were sold nationwide between August 1983 and March 1984 in large chain stores, including Sears, Roebuck & Co., and small retail outlets for under $30.00.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) due to a possible fire hazard. The CPSC is investigating six incidents of fire in houses where these heaters were used, including one incident involving the death of an 18-month-old baby. The company believes the hazard is related to the sliding-type switch assembly, which utilizes a diode, rather than the heater itself. This specific switch was installed only in the recalled models.

Consumers should stop using the heaters and unplug them from electrical outlets. Owners can verify if their heater is affected by checking the bottom label for the model numbers and "Made in Hong Kong." To obtain instructions for a free replacement or modification, consumers should call Patton Electric at 1-800-528-6600 Ext. 1722 (Arizona: 1-800-352-0458 Ext. 1722; Alaska: 1-800-528-0470 Ext. 1722). Patton will modify the heaters with a new rotary dial switch at no cost to the consumer, including transportation charges.

The recalled product

Product
Patton portable electric space heaters
Manufacturer
Patton Electric
Category
Consumer Product — Electric Heaters
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fire

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