The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·95146·Announced 1995-07-18

Bemis Waterwick Whole House Humidifiers Recalled for Fire Risk

Bemis is recalling approximately 400,000 Waterwick whole house humidifiers because electrical switches can overheat and catch fire if cleaning solutions are misapplied.

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 recall involves a risk of fire (electrical switches overheating) which is a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Bemis Manufacturing Co. is recalling approximately 400,000 Waterwick whole house humidifiers sold nationwide and in Canada since 1990. The recall applies to units sold before July 18, 1995. The hazard involves two electrical switches on the humidifier that can overheat and possibly catch fire if cleaning, descaling, and disinfecting solutions are misapplied directly onto the unit's electrical controls.

The recalled humidifiers are 10-12 gallon per day capacity models sold at hardware and home supply stores. They can be identified by specific model numbers listed on the large white Underwriters Laboratories (UL) sticker on the back of the unit, including 4261, 4262, 4273, 4362, 4363, 6974, 4363CN, 4371, 4963, 4971, 4973, 6964, 6964CN, and 4261CN. The control panel in the upper right hand corner of the grill has two control knobs and is labelled in part, "BEMIS WATERWICK."

Consumers should stop using the humidifiers and call Essick Air Products at 800-547-3888 between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm CT, Monday through Friday. Essick will arrange for a free pickup and repair of the humidifiers. As part of the safety upgrade program, a free two-stage Air-Care air filter will be included with each upgraded unit, and the warranty will be extended for 12 months. Bemis is aware of five reports of humidifiers overheating, but neither the company nor CPSC is aware of any injuries.

The recalled product

Product
CPSC, Bemis Manufacturing Co. Announce Recall To Upgrade Humidifiers
Manufacturer
Bemis Waterwick
Category
Consumer Product — Home Appliances
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

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