The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·96069·Announced 1996-02-15

Berko Baseboard Heaters Recalled for Fire and Shock Hazards

Berko is repairing or replacing 1.5 million baseboard heaters sold from 1980 to 1987 because deteriorating wires may cause fires or electric shocks.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

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-harm product (fire and electric shock) where injury has not yet been reported, aligning with the 'High' severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Berko Electric, a division of Marley Engineered Products, is announcing a voluntary repair or replacement program for approximately 1.5 million baseboard heaters. The recall affects Berko heaters sold between January 1980 and March 1987 with model numbers beginning with "MBB," followed by four numbers, and ending in "M" (e.g., "MBB2-524-M"). These are tan-colored, permanently installed units ranging from two feet (500 watts) to ten feet (2500 watts) in length.

The recall is due to a defect where wires inside the heaters may deteriorate, allowing electrical currents to flow to the outside steel air deflector cover. This can cause arcing or sparking, which may burn holes in the cover and create a potential fire hazard. Additionally, if the heaters are not properly grounded, there is a risk of electrical shock. Berko has received approximately 200 complaints regarding deteriorated wires and burned heater covers, with only minor property damage reported to date.

Consumers should check the steel air deflector cover for discoloration. If the cover is discolored, the heater should be disconnected immediately until repaired. Berko will provide free replacement crossover wire rated at 125 degrees centigrade, along with instructions, for repair by a qualified electrician. Alternatively, owners can purchase a new model Berko baseboard heater at a 60 percent discount by turning in the silver Berko identification label from the affected unit. Contact Berko's customer service center at (800) 545-8306 or a local participating distributor for details.

The recalled product

Product
Berko baseboard heaters
Manufacturer
Marley Engineered Products
Category
Consumer Product — Electric Heaters
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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