CPSC Issues Warning Of Electric Shock Hazard In Gas And Electric Dryers

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb.15)--The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today warned consumers that approximately 3,000 gas and electric clothes dryers manufactured after November 8, 1973, and sold in the past four months may have potentially defective timers capable of causing fatal electric shock.

Owners of the suspect units are urged to immediately unplug the dryer, being careful not to touch any metal surfaces.

The model and serial number may be located by opening the door of the clothes dryer and looking at the upper lefthand corner of the door well.

The timers were manufactured by Lux Time Company of Connecticut, a division of Robertshaw Controls Company, and were sold to the Franklin Manufacturing Company, Webster City, Iowa, which, in turn, sold them to the six dryer manufacturers.

The Franklin Manufacturing Company, a subsidiary of White Consolidated of Cleveland, Ohio, reported the defect to the Commission February 12, and has directed its customers to halt delivery on the dryers.

The firm has advised consumers who may have purchased any of the dryers in question to contact the dealer from whom it was purchased for inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the control at no cost to the customer. For further information, call the Consumer Product Safety Commission toll-free hot line (800) 638-2772.

 

The firm has advised consumers who may have purchased any of the dryers in question to contact the dealer from whom it was purchased for inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the control at no cost to the customer.