Family Dollar Stores Recalls Optimus Tower Quartz Heaters Due to Overheating and Fire Hazards
Recall 13186 · May 9, 2013 · Family Dollar Stores
19,640
units affected
19,640
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 13186
- Date
- May 9, 2013
- Company
- Family Dollar Stores
- Units affected
- 19,640
- Product
- Portable Heaters
- Product type
- Portable Electric Heaters
- Remedy
- Refund
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
Optimus Tower Quartz Heaters are portable electric tower heaters that are about 10 inches wide, 25 inches tall and 9 inches deep. The heaters have a white metal casing with a white plastic top, a wire cage protecting the heating elements and vent slits at the bottom. The front section of the top has the brand name Optimus, a power light, a caution light and two dials. One dial turns the heater on or off and selects the power of either 750 watts or 1500 watts. The other control knob selects the heat range between high and low. The rear section of the top has fire, high temperature and shock warnings and diagrams of the heater being used in 750 watt mode and 1500 watt mode. Model number "H-5232" is on a silver sticker on the bottom of the heater below the words "Optimus" and "Quartz Heater."
What can happen
The heaters can overheat posing a fire hazard.
The fix
Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the heaters and return the product to any Family Dollar Stores location for a full refund.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- Family Dollar Stores has received 10 reports of overheating, including some reports of temperature knobs melting. The firm has not received reports of injury, fire or property damage.
- Sold at
- Family Dollar Stores from September 2012 through December 2012 for about $35.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled portable heaters?
Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the heaters and return the product to any Family Dollar Stores location for a full refund.
What is the hazard?
The heaters can overheat posing a fire hazard.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.