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Consumer product recall

White-Rodgers Programmable Digital Thermostats (Model 1F88 and Model 1F85RF)

Starting date:
January 12, 2011
Posting date:
January 12, 2011
Type of communication:
Consumer Product Recall
Subcategory:
Household Items, Miscellaneous
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Product Safety
Audience:
General Public (GP)
Identification number:
RA-500002462

Joint Recall with White-Rodgers, Health Canada, and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC)

Affected products

White-Rodgers Programmable Digital Thermostats (Model 1F88 and Model 1F85RF)

Product description

This recall involves White-Rodgers programmable digital thermostats with model number 1F85RF-27x or 1F88-xxx (where each x is a number), and date codes beginning with 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 and 1001 through 1039.

The model number can be found on the thermostat's front pull-down panel. The date code is located inside the removable front cover. "White-Rodgers" and/or the utility company's name and logo are printed on the front of the thermostat.

The Model 1F88-xxx thermostats are able to be controlled by utility companies in homes that took part in a utility's energy demand reduction program.

Hazard identified

The batteries in the recalled thermostats can leak and short the circuit, posing a risk of overheating, smoke, flame, or fire. Failure of the thermostat can result in the furnace shutting off, which can pose a risk of property damage.

Neither Health Canada nor White-Rodgers has received any reports of injuries. In the United States, White-Rodgers is aware of 3 instances of minor property damage.

Number sold

Approximately 8,300 of the recalled 1F88 thermostats have been distributed to consumers primarily through seven utility companies in Ontario. Less than 1,000 1F85RF thermostats have been distributed by heating, ventilation and air conditioning companies.

In the United States, approximately 180,000 of the recalled thermostats were available to consumers.

Time period sold

The recalled products were sold from August 2005 to July 2010 in Canada and the United States.

Place of origin

Manufactured in China.

Companies

Manufacturer

White-Rodgers

St. Louis

Missouri

UNITED STATES

Distributor

Enwin Utilities

Windsor

Ontario

CANADA

Distributor

Essex Powerlines

Oldcastle

Ontario

CANADA

Distributor

Innisfil Hydro

Innisfil

Ontario

CANADA

Distributor

Newmarket Hydro

Newmarket

Ontario

CANADA

Distributor

Peterborough Utilities Group

Peterborough

Ontario

CANADA

Distributor

PowerStream

Vaughan

Ontario

CANADA

Distributor

St. Thomas Energy

St. Thomas

Ontario

CANADA

Images (select thumbnail to enlarge - opens in a new window)



What you should do

Consumers should immediately remove the batteries from the recalled thermostats but are advised against disconnecting or removing the unit. Consumers are asked to contact White-Rodgers to receive a repair kit and a new owner's manual.

In a small number of cases, removal of battery may cause the furnace to shut off. If the furnace stops functioning after removal of the batteries, consumers should replace the batteries in the thermostat and contact White-Rodgers toll-free at 1-888-624-1901 to schedule service. In the event of a furnace shutting off, consumers may also contact their utility providers.

For more information, consumers may visit White Rodgers' Web site or their utility company's Web site:

Consumers may contact White-Rodgers toll-free at 1-888-624-1901 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site.

Consumers may view the release by the US CPSC on the Commission's Web site.