CPSCJuly 27, 2004

CPSC, Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. Announce Recall to

CPSC, Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. Announce Recall to Repair Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners

Why was CPSC, Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. Announce Recall to recalled?

The rotary dial switch on these units can be positioned between the high and low speed fan setting. This can cause the units to overheat and possibly catch fire.

What should I do if I have this product?

Owners of these units should contact Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. for instructions on receiving a free repair. Until the repair is made, consumers should not use the PTACs in the heating mode. Contact: To schedule a free, on-site repair, call (800) 664-5698 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. For any other PTAC recall related matters, call Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. at (866) 585-2366. Additionally, consumers can submit a "PTAC Heater Recall Information Form" on the internet at www.Friedrich.com

What to do with a recalled product: refunds, receipts, safe disposal and how to report a problem.

Is my product affected?

Compare the item in your hand with every identifier below from the official CPSC record. Only products that match the listed product and identifiers are part of this recall.

Product
Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning (PTAC) units
Company
Friedrich Air Conditioning Co., of San Antonio, Texas
Quantity
About 26,400 PTAC units, and about 1,600 replacement heater assemblies used in repairs
Sold at
Commercial customers, such as property owners or construction and air conditioning contractors by Friedrich or its manufacturer's representatives directly. They also were sold through local, regional and national HVAC distributors primarily to commercial customers. These PTAC units were sold throughout the U.S., between November 2002 and December 2003, for about $500 to $600.
Recall date
July 27, 2004
Incidents / injuries
Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. has received 60 reports of units overheating, including nine reports of fires resulting in property damage. One incident at a nursing home resulted in a resident suffering smoke inhalation.
Agency
CPSC

Product description

The recall includes all PTAC units in the P series with dates of manufacture between November 1, 2002, and December 31, 2003. The model and serial numbers are written on the nameplate, found behind the plastic front cover, directly below the control panel. Units with serial number LBLP00001 through LCMP9999 are included in the recall. Also included in the recall are "P Series" units that were serviced between June 1, 2003, and December 31, 2003, in which service included the field replacement of the heater assembly. The Friedrich "P Series" PTAC is a light beige color with the "FRIEDRICH" logo on the panel door.

Open official CPSC notice Latest recalls