CPSC and Square D Announce "TW" In-Wall Heater Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Square D Company of Palatine, Ill., is announcing a voluntary recall of approximately 80,000 electric in-wall heaters. A rubber grommet, which holds the heater's fan in place, may deteriorate over time, causing the fan to stop blowing. If this occurs, the heater coils can overheat to cause burning or scorching of the wall or nearby house furnishings.

Square D Company has received about 50 complaints or claims of in-wall heaters overheating, including fourteen claims of property damage. The involvement of the in-wall heaters in the reported incidents has not been confirmed.

This recall involves electric in-wall "TW" heaters sold between 1970 and 1986 with brand names Square D and Nelco Corporation. Model numbers include TW 2422, TW 2022, and TW 1222; Series A or B.

To identify the heaters, consumers must remove the grill of their in-wall heater and look for the identification label located on the left side of the heater just below the blower wheel.

To prevent the potential for fire or injury, consumers should immediately turn off the power to the affected heaters and stop using them until they are replaced.

Square D no longer sells these heaters. The Company is offering to reimburse consumers 25% of the cost for replacement heater(s).

To obtain 25% of the cost for replacement heater(s), the consumer should purchase replacement heater(s) from a retailer and submit a copy of the purchase receipt and the model identification labels from the recalled heaters. The reimbursement can be obtained only for the purchase of the same number of heater(s) of equal or less physical size and wattage. The consumer should contact Square D Company, now known as Schneider Electric at (877) 202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, to obtain further information.

This is the second voluntary recall announced in a week by CPSC and Square D. The earlier program was on 920,000 Square D and Nelco Corporation brand baseboard heaters sold between 1970 and 1986. For more information on the prior recall, consumers should call (877) 202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Square D no longer sells these heaters. The Company is offering to reimburse consumers 25% of the cost for replacement heater(s).

To obtain 25% of the cost for replacement heater(s), the consumer should purchase replacement heater(s) from a retailer and submit a copy of the purchase receipt and the model identification labels from the recalled heaters.

Square D Company has received about 50 complaints or claims of in-wall heaters overheating, including fourteen claims of property damage. The involvement of the in-wall heaters in the reported incidents has not been confirmed.