U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
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Washington, DC 20207
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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CONTACT: Kate Primo
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February 15, 1996
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(301) 504-0580 Ext. 1187
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Release # 96-070
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CPSC,
White-Rodgers Announce Gas Water Heater Temperature Control Recall
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), White-Rodgers, a division of
Emerson Electric Co., St. Louis, Mo., is replacing certain White-Rodgers Model
37 and 37C natural gas water heater temperature controls manufactured between
March 1994 and October 1994. Soot can build up on the water heater burner, presenting
a fire hazard. Approximately 1.6 million valves were manufactured during this
period.
White-Rodgers has received 32 reports of such
sooting. Twenty-three of these reports alleged charring or fire, but there have
been no injuries
The temperature controls resemble a small metal
box located above the access panel door of the natural gas water heater. A white
label located on the right side of the box contains the model number, which
begins with the number "37." Retail distributors and independent servicers
have installed the controls since April 1994.
Consumers should check their water heaters
for signs of malfunction. Signs that the heater should be inspected include:
discoloration or black soot on the lower outside surface on the front, sides
or back of water heater; a pilot flame that keeps extinguishing; or an unusual
burning odor around the water heater.
Consumers who own water heaters with these
signs should use a mirror to identify the date code located in the upper left
corner on the back of the metal box. Consumers who own controls with dates code
9412 to 9440 (12th week of 1994 to 40th week of 1994) should call White-Rodgers
at (800) 426-3503 to arrange for a qualified service technician to inspect and,
if necessary, replace the control free of charge.
Warning!: DO NOT attempt to replace the gas
water heater temperature control or service the water heater if you are not
specifically trained to do this. Natural gas may leak from the control, and
if ignited, could catch fire. CPSC and White Rodgers remind consumers to always
keep the area immediately surrounding gas water heaters free of combustible
materials.
The
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from the unreasonable
risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's
jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury and
for information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call CPSC's hotline at (800)
638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To order a press release
through fax-on-demand, call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine
and enter the release number. Consumers can report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov.