The Recall Desk
Our severity:CriticalCPSC·98017·Announced 1997-10-23

Cadet Recalls In-Wall Heaters Due to Fire Hazard

Cadet Manufacturing is recalling approximately 190,000 electric in-wall heaters because limit switches can spark and cause fires. Consumers should stop using affected units immediately.

What this means for you

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

Highest-severity recall. The hazard can cause serious injury or death. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that CPSC received a report of two deaths from a fire involving a Cadet heater. Per the rubric, if reported deaths exist anywhere in the source text, the score is 5 regardless of other factors.

Plain-English summary

Cadet Manufacturing Company of Vancouver, Washington, is recalling about 190,000 electric in-wall heaters in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall involves heaters with limit switches that can emit sparks, presenting a fire hazard. The affected units may bear the Cadet or Encore brand name on the grill and must have a model number beginning with FX, FW, LX, or ZA followed by three numbers, along with limit switches made of black plastic casings.

Cadet Manufacturing has received 44 reports of fires involving these heaters, most of which self-extinguished, but two reports involved considerable property damage. CPSC has received a separate report of two deaths from a fire involving a Cadet heater where a sofa was nearby, though the cause of ignition remains under investigation. No injuries have been reported from the fires directly attributed to the limit switch defect.

These heaters were installed in homes in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming from 1985 through 1992. Fewer than one percent were distributed nationwide under the Encore name through retailers including Menards, Home Base, Builders Square, Ace Hardware, and Fred Meyer. Consumers should stop using these heaters immediately and call Cadet at (800) 567-2613 to arrange for a remedy. Heaters with white ceramic switch casings are not included in this recall.

The recalled product

Product
In-Wall Heaters Recalled by Cadet Manufacturing
Manufacturer
Cadet Manufacturing
Category
Consumer Product — Electric Heaters
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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