Robertshaw-Grayson LP Gas Water Heating Systems Recalled for Explosion Risk
Robertshaw Controls is offering $150 to replace older Unitrol A-l series liquid propane water heating controls due to wear-related explosion and fire risks.
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 the controls have been involved in explosions and fires in which there have been deaths, meeting the rubric criterion for a score of 5 (Critical) due to known fatalities.
Plain-English summary
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Robertshaw Controls Company announced a program to remove certain older liquid propane (LP) gas water-heating systems from service. The affected products are Unitrol A-l series safety controls manufactured between 1946 and 1955 and last distributed in 1960. These controls may be branded as "Unitrol," "Robertshaw-Grayson," or "RUDD." The hazard involves critical parts of the safety control wearing out due to age, which can lead to a potentially dangerous condition resulting in explosions and fires.
Robertshaw reports that 475,000 LP-type controls were produced, with fewer than 1,000 believed to remain in service. The company has records of 24 incidents involving 33 injuries and 7 deaths occurring during the 38-year period from 1946 to the present. Control valves used in water heaters fueled by natural gas are not involved in this program. The controls are approximately 3 inches wide, 3 inches deep, and 5.5 inches long, featuring two dials that can be seen from outside the water heater.
Consumers who identify these controls should have a new water-heating system installed immediately by their LP gas distributor, dealer, or other authorized representative. Because replacement controls are no longer available, Robertshaw is reimbursing consumers $150 to help defray the cost of purchasing a new water-heating system. Consumers must replace the entire water heater to receive compensation. For more information, consumers can contact the CPSC toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC or the teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired at (301) 595-7054.
The recalled product
- Product
- Robertshaw-Grayson liquid propane (LP) gas water-heating systems
- Manufacturer
- Unitrol
- Hazard
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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