The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·87079·Announced 1987-12-16

True Value Portable Electric Heaters Recalled for Electric Shock Hazard

General Power Equipment is recalling 350 True Value portable electric heaters because a fan motor failure could cause electric shock.

What this means for you

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 source describes a 'severe electric shock hazard' and identifies the hazard as 'Electrocution/Electric Shock,' but explicitly states that 'no incidents have been reported.' This aligns with the rubric criterion for 'risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.'

Plain-English summary

General Power Equipment Company is recalling approximately 350 True Value brand portable electric heaters, models MH21F and MH22F. These heaters were manufactured after September 22, 1987, and sold nationally at True Value Hardware Stores starting September 23, 1987. The units are brown, rectangular, upright metal space heaters rated at 1500 watts, with a price range of about $30 to $45.

The recall is due to a severe electric shock hazard. A fan motor failure in these heaters can cause the element coils to overheat, sag, and contact the metal housing. Warning signs of failure include unusual sounds from the fan, failure to blow air, element coils changing color from black to red, and sagging coils. No incidents have been reported to date.

Owners should immediately discontinue use of the recalled heaters. Affected units can be identified by model numbers MH21F or MH22F and date codes 13F, 15F, 11F, or 17F, located on the back of the heater in the lower left corner. Consumers should return the heater to the nearest True Value Hardware store for a full refund or contact the store for further instructions if unable to return it.

The recalled product

Product
True Value portable electric heaters
Manufacturer
General Power Equipment
Category
Consumer Product — Electric Heaters
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · electric shock

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