US CPSC Notice of Cadet or Encore Electric In-Wall Heater Safety Recall
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Cadet electric wall heater recall: model list, photographs
Encore electric wall heater recall: model list, photographs
US CPSC Cadet / Encore wall heater recall information, list of model numbers, years of manufacture of electric wall heaters found to be unsafe
Copy of Cadet Encore wall heater CPSC administrative action "complaint"
Copy of Cadet Encore wall heater consent decree and actions
Field report of Cadet wall heater failure, kudos to responsive Cadet Manufacturing, Cadet wall heater thermostat switch add-on and wiring
Questions & answers about electric in-wall heaters & heater safety & about the Cadet or Encore electric wall heater CPSC notice & product recall

This article explains the safety recall of Cadet™ and Encore™ in-wall electric heaters, giving identifying photographs, model numbers, years of manufacture, and fire hazard or electrical hazard description. We include general safety warnings about electric in-wall heaters that may affect other heater brands and models as well. Readers should also see ELECTRIC HEAT.

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US CPSC Notice of Cadet In-Wall Heater Safety Recall

Cadet and Encore brand in-wall electric heaters have been recalled and are considered unsafe - the model numbers and identification information are located in the CPSC notice shown below.

However, as J. Simmons, a licensed electrician in Washington, points out, basic maintenance can cause any electric heater to become unsafe.

In the photo shown here Mr. Simmons documents a completely blocked wall mounted heater air intake.

Watch out: Anyone using an electric heater, particularly these wall-mounted types whose inlet screen is not readily visible, should check their heater intake for blockage with lint or debris as shown here.

When an electric heater's air intake becomes blocked, the heater will overheat and can present a serious fire hazard. (This is a variation on the electric or gas fueled clothes dryer fire hazard - lint blocks the air flow and the appliance overheats.)

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2002
Release # 03-030 Cadet Recall Hotline: (800)567-2613
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051

CPSC Reminds Consumers to Check for Recalled Cadet In-Wall Heaters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to examine their in-wall electric heaters to determine if they are among the 1.9 million Cadet and Encore brand heaters recalled in February 2000.

Although the Cadet Manufacturing Co. heaters were sold and distributed primarily in California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington from about 1978 through 2000, some of the heaters were sold in other states. A four-year old boy died on September 14, 2002, in Alexandria, Va., when one of the recalled Cadet heaters allegedly was involved in a house fire.

CPSC strongly urges consumers to stop using these heaters and have them replaced if they have one of the recalled models. Consumers who had their heaters repaired under Cadet's original program in 1997 still need to get their heaters replaced. Consumers are advised to contact the Cadet informational Hotline or visit their website www.cadetco.com for where to buy replacement heaters.

Cadet Heater Recall Identification Photos

Quoting from the 1999 "Complaint",

... pertains electric in-wall heaters for use in homes and residences under the brands "Cadet" and "Encore", all models and variants within each model of the series FW (manufactured between 1978 and 1989) and series FX models (1984-1995), and series LX heater models (1984-1995), series TK heater models (1986-1998), ZA model wall heaters (1984-1995), "first generation Z heater models (1993-1997), and/or all series and models "of the same or functionally identicla heaters manufactured and distributed by Cadet under the Endore brand.

"Product Defect: The heaters within [Cadet or Encore] series FW, FX, LX, TK, ZA and/or the same or functionally equivalent Encore brand heaters, are defective because their design causes the heaters to overheat, fail, and catch fire; and/or allow lint, dirt, or debris to [enter] within the heaters and catch fire. The heater design can also cause the heaters to spew flames and/or burning or molten particles, or eject sparks into the living space of a home or residence, or energize the heaters creating a risk of electric shock." [Note: this is an incomplete quote and does not describe all of the heaters or defects concerned. Please see the original document linked-to above.- Ed.]

The following models of Cadet and Encore brands were involved in the February 2000 recall:

Cadet Heater Model FW	Cadet Heater Model FX
Cadet Heater Model LX	Cadet Heater Model TK
Cadet Heater Model RA	Cadet Heater Model RK
Cadet Heater Model RLX	Cadet Heater Model RX
Cadet Heater Model RW	Cadet Heater Model Z
Cadet Heater Model ZA	Cadet Heater Model ZC

Location of Cadet Heater Recall Model Information

The brand and model are located on a label on the front of the heat box, behind the grill. Before removing the grill to check the identification label, consumers must turn off the power supply to the heater at the electrical panel board (circuit breaker or fuse box). If power is not turned off, consumers risk electrocution.

Cadet Heater Failure Description

CPSC alleged that these Cadet and Encore brand in-wall electric heaters are defective and can overheat and catch fire. Flames, sparks, or molten particles can spew through the front grill cover of the heater into the living area of a residence, putting consumers at risk from fires, including burn injuries, smoke inhalation, and property damage. The heaters and their grills also can become energized, creating a risk of electric shock.

CPSC is aware of more than 320 reports of heaters that smoked, sparked, caught fire, emitted flames, or ejected burning particles or molten materials. These incidents have allegedly resulted in four deaths, two serious burn injuries and property damage claims exceeding $4.3 million, which includes six partial or total house fires.

In January 1999, CPSC filed a lawsuit against Cadet to compel it to recall the heaters. Cadet filed for bankruptcy the same month. Working with the company and its creditors, on February 17, 2000, CPSC and Cadet announced a settlement of the lawsuit and a recall of the heaters. Cadet agreed to make new heaters available to Cadet owners at significantly reduced prices. However, due to Cadet's bankruptcy, the opportunity to obtain discounted heaters expired on February 17, 2002.

Since the heaters pose a fire hazard until they are replaced, consumers should have at least one fully operational smoke detector on every floor of their home, especially near bedrooms. To ensure that the detector's batteries are working, test the detector every month. Consumers also should have a well-defined and rehearsed escape plan and an alternate escape plan in the event of a fire.

These recommendations and more are covered in "Your Home Fire Safety Checklist" (a pdf version available free online here or also from the US CPSC. You can also have a free copy mailed to you by writing to CPSC, Washington, D.C. 20207.

For more information about the recall, contact Cadet's informational Hotline at (800) 567-2613 anytime or visit the firm's website at www.cadetco.com

Send the link for this page http://InspectAPedia.com/electric/CadetHeaters.htm to a friend!

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.asp. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Cadet Wall Heater Field Report of Failure, Product Improvements, Repair Details

Question: How Have the Cadet Wall Heater Safety Concerns Been Corrected

Due to a tendency to restart in the off position, I just learned recently that the Cadet in-wall heater I'd had in my home for many years had been found to be dangerous and been recalled in 2000. My question now is: How have the replacements changed, or how have they tested out, and are they safe ? Since my house is now a two-unit apartment building, I have the extra obligation to keep my tenants safe, since I will not be there to be watchful. I would not consider a Cadet replacement were there not a need for the new one to fit the original wall-opening.

Since I removed the heater and no longer live in the apartment, I can't give you in-place photos; However, I can say it was mounted about 2 feet up from the floor on a plain wall well away from any combustibles or any dust-contributing factors.

The times when I opened it up, even though it was always clean and dust free, except for a very light film on the fan-blades which wiped off easily, I vacuumed it out, cautious of the delicate nichrome wires.

The model was Cadet FX-101 and you can see it above or on their website at cadetco.com, or (maybe with the new number) at cadetelectricheat.com. You can also find a long list of the recalled heaters and their replacements. - M.B.

Discussion:

While it's possible that the restart in off position problem you describe could have been caused by prior overheating, it could also be simply a failed switch - if so that may be a component not addressed by recalls. Any details you can add may be helpful. You should also report your experience to the US CPSC.

Changes in Cadet Wall Heater Design

Follow up from M.B.: I contacted the company to try to get an answer as to what had been changed, and for a while heard nothing, but the company's customer service rep (Trisha Zufelt, Customer Service ) did eventually answer me, mentioning that current units have newer style heating elements and over temperature limits (manual reset instead of automatic reset, forcing customers to investigate why the unit is overheating).

How to Be Sure your Cadet Wall Heater is Turned OFF - Add-On Thermostat/Switch

But she also advised me that if I want an actual shut-off, I need to install a double-pole thermostat in the replacement heater I buy.

This was interesting to me, because I've always assumed that a thermostat, acting as it shuts off when it's turned way back beyond any possible temperature impulse, had a shut-off position. Trisha gave me the information I need, and has been helpful, answering numerous letters.

I also got a layout of how to wire-in the thermostat, and am pleased that the company is so forthcoming. You can find it yourself on their website, titled "Wiring Diagrams Single Pole T1 and Wiring Diagrams Double Pole T2". The lower left one would work for me, with the replacement heater #CS101. Find the wall heater thermostat wiring instructions here - Retrieved 12/06/2010, original source; http://www.cadetco.com/support/accessories/ownersguides/67064.pdf

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Questions & answers about electric in-wall heaters & heater safety & about the Cadet or Encore electric wall heater CPSC notice & product recall.

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Cadet & Encore Heater Recall
  Cadet / Encore Heaters: CPSC Notice
  Cadet/Encore Wall Heater Identification Photos
  Cadet/Encore Wall Heater Location of Model ID
  Cadet Encore Heater Failure Description
  Cadet RM ZM Recall 2004
  Cadet Settlement 2000, 2004
  Cadet Original Recall Notice
  Cadet Heater Recall Cross Reference Chart

Cadet Manufacturing Company, Cadet Manufacturing Company, 2500 West Fourth Plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98660 or mailing address: Cadet Manufacturing Company PO Box 1675 Vancouver, WA 98668-1675. Website: http://www.cadetco.com/ . The company's website provides information about their heating products, parts, and service and product warranty information.

Cadet Wall Heater Thermostat Switch Wiring Instructions - Retrieved 12/06/2010, original source; http://www.cadetco.com/support/accessories/ownersguides/67064.pdf

Photographs contributed to this website by Jim P. Simmons, Licensed Electrician, 360-705-4225 Mr. Electric, Licensed Master Electrician, Olympia, Washington

Cadet Manufacturing Co. Recall of In-Wall Electric Heaters (Models RM and ZM), 14 October 2004 - web search 11/19/2010, original source: http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml02/02531.html

CPSC, Cadet Recall In-Wall Heaters; Settle Lawsuit, - web search 11/19/2010,original source: http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml00/00070.html. Excerpts quoted just below:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Cadet Manufacturing Co., of Vancouver, Wash., announced today the recall of more than 1.9 million Cadet and Encore brand in-wall electric heaters, distributed mainly in California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. This recall announcement follows the resolution of the lawsuit filed by CPSC staff against the company on January 14, 1999.

CPSC alleges that the following Cadet and Encore brand in-wall electric heaters are defective and can overheat and catch fire: models FW, FX, LX, TK, ZA, Z, RA, RK, RLX, RX, RW and ZC. Flames, sparks or molten particles can spew through the front grill cover of the heater into the living area of a residence, putting consumers at risk from fires, including burn injuries, smoke inhalation and property damage. The heaters also can become energized creating a risk of electric shock.

CPSC is aware of more than 320 reports of heaters that smoked, sparked, caught fire, emitted flames, or ejected burning particles or molten materials. These incidents have allegedly resulted in three deaths, two serious burn injuries and property damage claims exceeding $1.2 million, which include five partial or total house fires.

The heaters that are part of today's recall announcement are the following models of Cadet and Encore brands: FW, FX, LX, TK, ZA, Z, RA, RK, RLX, RX, RW and ZC. The brand and model are located on a label on the front of the heat box, behind the grill. Before removing the grill to check the identification label, consumers must disconnect the power supply to the heater at the circuit breaker. If power is not disconnected, consumers risk electrocution and shock.

Cadet is offering consumers replacement heaters at a significantly reduced cost. Each heater will cost between $25 and $57, depending on the model. Consumers who already have replaced the recalled units from October 23, 1997, until today can file a claim for partial reimbursement for $25 per heater. Consumers must register to participate in this recall by February 17, 2002. To register, contact Cadet anytime at (800) 567-2613 or at http://www.cadetco.com/upgrade_program.php#recall.

CPSC routinely requires companies to pay the full costs associated with recalls. In this case, Cadet has recently emerged from bankruptcy and is unable to provide free replacements or full reimbursements.

In October 1997, Cadet recalled its model FW, FX, LX and ZA heaters to replace defective over-temperature black plastic limit switches. By December 1997, Cadet informed CPSC that it could no longer pay the full costs of the recall, and that the number of heaters involved were far greater than it had originally known. While attempting to resolve the problems with the limit switch recall, the CPSC staff discovered additional problems with the heaters involved in the 1997 recall, as well as problems with some other Cadet and Encore models. In addition to the switch defect, the heating elements and internal wiring connections are defective and can fail. Even if consumers have had the heaters' switches repaired, the heaters have additional problems and need to be replaced.

CPSC strongly urges consumers to participate in this recall. Since the recalled heaters pose a fire hazard until they are replaced, consumers should have at least one fully operational smoke detector on every floor of their home, especially near bedrooms. To ensure that the detector's batteries are working, test the detector every month. Consumers also should have a well-defined and rehearsed escape plan and an alternate escape plan in the event of a fire. You can get information about this from "Your Home Fire Safety Checklist"or http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/556.html - text version. To obtain a free hard copy of this publication, write to CPSC, Washington, D.C. 20207.

Cadet Original Recall Notice, Note: This notice has been superceded by two more recent releases, which can be found at the CPSC website and also shown in the two recall notice links just above - web search 1/12/1999, original source: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml98/98017.html

Complaint: Cadet Manufacturing Company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 14 January 1999, - web search 11/19/2010, original source: http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia99/compliance/cadet.pdf - pertains electric in-wall heaters for use in homes and residences under the brands "Cadet" and "Encore", all models and variants within each model of the series FW (manufactured between 1978 and 1989) and series FX models (1984-1995), and series LX heater models (1984-1995), series TK heater models (1986-1998), ZA model wall heaters (1984-1995), "first generation Z heater models (1993-1997), and/or all series and models "of the same or functionally identical heaters manufactured and distributed by Cadet under the Endore brand.
"Product Defect: The heaters within [Cadet or Encore] series FW, FX, LX, TK, ZA and/or the same or functionally equivalent Encore brand heaters, are defective because their design causes the heaters to overheat, fail, and catch fire; and/or allow lint, dirt, or debris to [enter] within the heaters and catch fire. The heater design can also cause the heaters to spew flames and/or burning or molten particles, or eject sparks into the living space of a home or residence, or energize the heaters creating a risk of electric shock." [Note: this is an incomplete quote and does not describe all of the heaters or defects concerned. Please see the original document linked-to above.- Ed.]

Consent Agreement between the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Cadet Manufacturing Company, CPSC Docket No. 99-1, 6/17/1999 consent12.doc - web search 11/19/2010, original source: http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia00/fedreg/cadet.pdf

FIRE SAFETY Checklist, CPSC

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"How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850.

"Electrical System Inspection Basics," Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985.

"Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. 4-77 1977 [Lots of sketches of older-type service panels.]

"How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850.

"Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40.

"Evaluating Wiring in Older Minnesota Homes," Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108.

"Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original Journal article as it contains unsafe inaccuracies]

"Basic Housing Inspection," US DHEW, S352.75 U48, p.144, out of print, but is available in most state libraries.

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US CPSC Notice of Cadet In-Wall Heater Safety Recall

CPSC Reminds Consumers to Check for Recalled Cadet In-Wall Heaters

Cadet Heater Recall Identification Photos

Location of Cadet Heater Recall Model Information

Cadet Heater Failure Description

Cadet Wall Heater Field Report of Failure, Product Improvements, Repair Details

Question: How Have the Cadet Wall Heater Safety Concerns Been Corrected

Discussion:

Changes in Cadet Wall Heater Design

How to Be Sure your Cadet Wall Heater is Turned OFF - Add-On Thermostat/Switch

Questions & Answers regarding this article

Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia

Technical Reviewers & References

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair