Lasko Recalls Portable Electric Heaters Due To Fire Hazard
Recall 11121 · Feb 8, 2011 · Lasko
107,500
units affected
107,500
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 11121
- Date
- Feb 8, 2011
- Company
- Lasko
- Units affected
- 107,500
- Product
- Portable electric heater
- Product type
- Portable Electric Heaters
- Remedy
- Replacement
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
The portable electric tower heaters are 20.5 inches tall x 8.25 inches wide x 9.25 inches deep. They are dark grey with silver front covers and black vent slats. The brand names Lasko or Air King are on the top, center of the front cover. The Lasko Model 5540 and Air King Model 8540 subject to this recall were manufactured in 2002 and have date codes that begin with a "2." The date code is on the label located on the bottom of the unit. The date code is a four-digit number on the bottom left area of the label, above the voltage number. Heaters with date codes beginning with "3" "4" or "5" are not subject to this recall.
What can happen
An electrical connection in the base of the unit can overheat, causing it to melt and expose the electrical connection, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
The fix
Consumers should stop using the heaters immediately and contact Lasko to receive a free replacement heater.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- Lasko received a total of 36 reports of the electrical connection overheating with no reports of injury. There were 18 reports of minor burn damage to floors or carpets
- Sold at
- The Lasko Model 5540 was sold at Sam's Club and other retailers from September 2002 through early 2004 for $39 to $49. The Air King Model 8540 was sold primarily through the maintenance, repair and operating products supply company, W.W. Grainger Inc. from late 2002 to 2004 for approximately $80.00
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled portable electric heater?
Consumers should stop using the heaters immediately and contact Lasko to receive a free replacement heater.
What is the hazard?
An electrical connection in the base of the unit can overheat, causing it to melt and expose the electrical connection, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
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.