Family Dollar Stores Recalls Optimus Tower Quartz Heaters Due to Overheating and Fire Hazards
CPSC recall 13186 · announced May 9, 2013 · Family Dollar Services · 19,640 units affected
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."
The hazard
The heaters can overheat posing a fire hazard.
What to do (per CPSC)
Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the heaters and return the product to any Family Dollar Stores location for a full refund. Remedy type: Refund
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): 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.
Consumer contact: Family Dollar Stores at (800) 547-0359 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.familydollar.com, then click on Product Recalls in the Help section at the bottom of the page.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.