Many Unhappy Returns: Recalls on Consumer Products
- July 12th, 2010 (by Woodrow)
- In: Electrical, Other Improvements, The Bad, bedrooms
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Last month’s review of recalls from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission drew some cries of shock and awe from friends and loyal readers. I vowed to keep up the practice of reporting some of the latest recalls as they affect homes, homeowners, and builders. Try to remember, as you peruse these, that not everything produced overseas or at home on the cheap is bound to explode into flames or wipe out half a city block. And remember, these are voluntary recalls, meaning that manufacturers and retailers are responding to pressure from the consumers.
Hot Footin’ It
This past week, Marley Engineered Products voluntarily withdrew baseboard heaters sold at Granger stores and online that were labeled for 240 or 208 volt use, but the inside components were set to peak at 120 volts. The Dayton 240/208 volt model 3UG82D electric baseboard heaters could “catch fire” according to the CPSC.
Shocking You, Bit by Bit
Following encouragement by the CPSC, Southern Technologies recently recalled units of the Powertec 8” Drill Press with AC-powered laser. The model number is DP800. Motor housing wires, the CPSC warns, can be pinched, delivering electric shocks to users.
Drop-Side Crib Gaffes
This crib from Simmons Juvenile Products is one of many cribs recently recalled so that manufacturers can correct malfunctioning sides that can cause strangulation or suffocation in toddlers. Seven total firms have announced voluntary recalls, including Simmons, Child Craft, Evenflo, Delta Enterprise Corp., Jardine Enterprises, LaJobi, and Million Dollar Baby. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that it “is also working on a new mandatory standard to make cribs safer, which is targeted for completion in 2010.”
Toasty, Ain’t it?
Comverge has recalled the Communication Module inside its TXU Energy Thermostats because the unit can cause a fire hazard. Consumers have reported smoke damage and overheated thermostats.
To view other recalls, complaints, and other consumer issues, visit the U.S. General Services Administration. Play it safe!
3 Responses to “Many Unhappy Returns: Recalls on Consumer Products”
These explain why I had that nasty incident the other day, I was in my child’s nursery, when i adjusted the thermostat, and the heater caught fire, and then…well you know the rest,
Were they recalled because consumers were actually injured, the products malfunctioned without causing injury, or the manufacturers discovered these potential problems before anyone was hurt?
The recalls are voluntary, but it only takes a few consumer complaints where injury, fire, or other mayhem takes place for the CPSC to start bugging the manufacturer. Not sure if it prevents lawsuits when they do a voluntary recall, but I bet between negative publicity and threat of litigation, the manufacturers get into action. The cribs ARE dangerous and many babies have been hurt.