Oil-Filled Electric Heaters Recalled for Hazard

[hausdok]

Washington, D.C./April 26th - Release #07-168

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Holmes® Oil-Filled Electric Heaters

Units: About 300,000

Distributor The Holmes Group, of Milford, Mass.

Hazard: A poor electrical connection within the heater can lead to overheating. This poses fire and thermal burn hazards.

Incidents/Injuries: The Holmes Group has received reports of 59 incidents involving the recalled heaters. There were 12 reports of minor injuries including four reported burns. There were 36 reports of

property damage including four fires that caused between $41,000 and $200,000 in damage.

Description: The recall involves Holmes oil-filled electric heaters with model number HOH2505 and HOH2520. The model number and "Holmes®" are printed on the side of the unit near the bottom.

Sold at: Discount department stores, hardware stores and other retailers from September 2005 through February 2007 for between $40 and $50.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled heaters and contact the Holmes Group to receive a free replacement heater.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact The Holmes Group at (800) 306-2471 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.holmesoilfilledheaterrecall.com

To see this release on CPSC's web site, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07168.html

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.