01/13/2011 // West Palm Beach, Florida, US // Sandra Quinlan // Justice News Flash
Louisville, KY—GEA Products L.P., in connection with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, voluntarily recalled GE and Professional Series Brand Dehumidifiers due to fire hazards associated with them. The CPSC announced the product safety recall, which affects approximately 198,000 units, on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011.
The recall was issued after it was discovered that a component in the dehumidifier’s compressor has the potential to short circuit. The defect can pose fire hazards to consumers using them.
While GE and the product’s manufacturer, China-based GD Midea Air Conditioning Equipment Ltd. have yet to receive any reports of injuries in connection with the recall, both companies received word of 14 incidents in which smoke and fumes were emitted from the dehumidifiers. The firms also received eight reports of fires, six of which resulted in property damage that extended beyond the unit.
According to the CPSC news release, “This recall involves 30-pint and 40-pint portable dehumidifiers manufactured between November 2006 and August 2007, and during April 2008. The dehumidifiers are white with a front-loading water bucket. “GE” or “Professional Series” and digital controls are located on top of the dehumidifier. Model and serial numbers are located on the back of the dehumidifiers.”
The following model and serial numbers are subject to recall:
• Brand: GE
Model Number Begins With: AHK30LK, AHW30LK, AHM30LK,
AHK40LK, AHH40LK, and AHM40LK
Serial Number Begins With: VL1, ZL1, AM1, DM1, FM1,
GM1, HM1, LM1, MM1, RM1
• Brand: CEM “Professional Series”
Model Number Begins With: PS78303
Serial Number Begins With: from C10102336010841 4100001
to C10102336010841 5103037
The risky GE and Professional Series Brand Dehumidifiers were sold at Walmart, Sam’s Club, Home Depot, Menards and other retail stores nationwide between Feb. 2007 and June 2009. Prices ranged from $140 to $180.
Consumers have been urged to cease use of the potentially dangerous dehumidifiers and contact Midea to find out whether their product is affected by the recall. Individuals who purchased recalled dehumidifiers should then return their product to an authorized service center for a complimentary repair. Consumers are advised NOT to return the dehumidifiers to the place of purchase.
Midea can be reached toll-free at (877) 593-8721 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or online at www.recallverification.com.
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