Ceiling Exhaust Fan and Light Units Recalled by NuTone

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

Note: Telephone number change

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Originally issued December 17, 1997
Revised February 4, 2005

Release # 98-046

Company Phone Number: (888) 336-6151
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076

CPSC, NuTone Inc. Announce Recall of Ceiling Exhaust Fan and Light Units

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), NuTone Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio, is recalling more than 500,000 Ceiling Exhaust Fan and Light units. The light socket in these units could be wired incorrectly, which presents an electrical shock hazard when replacing the light bulb.

Consumers can continue to use the fan and light units, but should not attempt to change the light bulb or examine the units, unless the power has been turned off at the circuit breaker.

CPSC and NuTone are not aware of any injuries involving these fan and light units. This recall is being conducted to prevent shock-related injuries.

This recall involves the NuTone models 663LN, 663LNMP, 663LNB, 669L, 669LB, VF305C and VF307C Ceiling Exhaust Fan and Light units, which are wired to remote wall switches. When installed, the white grill of the fan/light units protrudes from the ceiling in a shallow "V" shape. The grill measures 12 1/4 inches long by 10 3/4 inches wide. It has a white light lens at its center with air intake vents on each side. The NuTone name and model number are not visible on the grill, but are listed on the installation instructions and on the cardboard packaging.

Consumers with units matching this description should call NuTone at (888) 336-6151 anytime. NuTone will provide additional guidance to help consumers determine if their unit is involved in this recall.

A free repair kit with installation instructions will be sent to consumers with recalled fan and light units. Various national chain and independent hardware stores sold the units nationwide from June 1996 through July 1997 for about $60 to $75. The units also were installed in newly constructed homes during this time period.

Other models of NuTone fans with larger grills or fluorescent lights are not involved in this recall.