Conair Corporation Recalls 3 Models of Wave Makers Curling Irons

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Conair Corporation of Stamford, Conn., has recalled three models of its 1987 "Wave Makers" curling iron, model CD 20M, CD 21M and CD 22M. The curling irons may, under certain conditions, short circuit and ignite the line cord, presenting a potential thermal burn and fire hazard.

The company has determined that no more than 5,000 of the approximately 76,000 curling irons which were sold to consumers between February and June, 1987 by a variety of retailers, are involved. In June, 1987, the company acted to obtain the return of unsold units of the three models from retailers.

Eighty-two incidents of the line cord shorting or igniting have been reported. Approximatly 20 of these incidents involved minor burn injuries. Three incidents were reported in April and May, 1988.

The product has a mauve colored handle, a silver barrel and a white plastic cool tip. Each curling iron is identified as model CD 20M, CD 21M, or CD 22M, and with one of the following date codes: 01 87E, 02 87E, 03 87E, 04 87E, 05 87E, 04-87, and 05 87. The model number appears at the base of the handle, and the date code appears on one blade of the line cord plug.

Consumers who identify their curling iron as recalled should stop using it, tag it with their name and address, and mail it to Conair Corporation/Wave Makers, 11 Executive Avenue, Edison, N.J. 08817. The company will repair or replace the curling iron and return it to the consumer within three weeks of receipt. Owners will be reimbursed for their return postage.

As an alternative, owners may return their recalled curling iron to the retailer where purchased for a full refund. Owners should disregard this notice if their unit has already been repaired, or if the product label is marked "inspected" and the letter "R1' appears after the model number and on one of the plug blades.

No other Conair curling iron nor appliances are subject to this recall. Consumers who have questions or need assistance may call Conair toll-free at 800-631-5391, weekdays, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., EDT.