Recalls / 2011-09-14

Home Fires Prompt Dehumidifier Recall Reannouncement from LG Electronics

11324 · Recalled 2011-09-14 · CPSC page

Description

The recall involves the 30-pint portable dehumidifiers sold under the Goldstar and Comfort-Aire brands. The dehumidifiers are white with a red shut-off button, controls for fan speed and humidity control, and a front-loading water bucket. "Goldstar" or "Comfort-Aire" is printed on the front. Model and serial number ranges included in this recall are listed in the table below. The model and serial numbers are located on the interior of the dehumidifier, and can be seen when the water bucket is removed. Brand Model No. Serial Number Range Sold at Goldstar GHD30Y7 611TAxx00001 through 08400 611TAxx08401 through 40600 612TAxx00001 through 20400 612TAxx21001 through 30600 Home Depot Goldstar DH305Y7 612TAxx00001 through 00600 701TAxx00001 through 16800 702TAxx00001 through 03000 Walmart Comfort-Aire BHD-301-C 611TA000001 through 001697 612TA000001 through 004200 701TA000001 through 000578 710TA000001 through 000599 Various retailers, including Ace Hardware, Do It Best and Orgill Inc.

Hazards

The power connector for the dehumidifier's compressor can short circuit, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers and their property.

Reported injuries

The dehumidifiers were first recalled in December 2009 following eleven incidents, including four significant fires. Since that time, the company has received sixteen additional incident reports of arcing, smoke and fire associated with the dehumidifiers, including nine significant fires. No injuries have been reported. Fires are reported to have caused more than $1 million in property damage including: - $500,000 in damage to a home in Gibsonia, Pa. - $200,000 in damage to a home in New Brighton, Minn. - $183,000 in damage to a home in Hudson, Mass. - $192,000 in damage to a home in Valparaiso, Ind. - $139,000 in damage to a home in Salem, Ohio - $129,000 in damage to a home in Brielle, N.J. - $ 95,000 in damage to a home in Philadelphia, Pa.

Remedy

Anyone who has the recalled dehumidifiers is strongly encouraged to immediately stop using them, unplug them, and contact LG Electronics for the free repair.

Products

Name	Model	Units
Goldstar or Comfort-Aire dehumidifiers		About 98,000

Parties

Manufacturer: LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co.
Made in: China
Sold at: The Home Depot, Walmart, Ace Hardware, Do It Best, Orgill Inc., other retailers nationwide, $150.

Consumer contact

For additional information about the recall and for the location of an authorized service center for the repair, contact LG toll free at (877) 220-0479 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT on Saturday, or visit the firm's website at www.30pintdehumidifierrecall.com

More images

Source: CPSC recall 11324. Inclusion in this database is not legal or medical advice.