Carrier recalls 285,000 PTAC units

USA: Carrier has recalled 285,000 packaged terminal air conditioners and heat pumps in the USA after reports of an overheating plug.

This recalled PTAC and PTHPs are sold under the Bryant, Carrier and Fast brand names. Recalled units include those with original power cords and around 185,000 that received a supplemental power cord as part of a 2007 recall.

There have been 47 incidents of overheating reported with the units, two of the reported incidents involving hotel fires. One of the reported fires involved a consumer suffering burns and smoke inhalation. The other incidents involved scorched or melted cord heads or wall outlets with no injuries reported.

The recalled units have capacities of 7,000, 9,000, 12,000 and 15,000 BTU and plug into 208/230V, 20A outlets. The are Carrier models 52CE, 52CQ, 52PE and 52PQ, Bryant models 840 and 841 and Fast models 840 and 841.

The units were manufactured in Mexico and sold via HVAC dealers or factory-direct from January 2002 through December 2009 for between $425 and $675.

Model and serial numbers are located on the ratings/data plate on the right front of the unit, underneath the removable front panel. A complete list of the serial numbers involved in this recall is available by calling Carrier or at www.carrier.com.   

Consumers are told to stop using and unplug the recalled units, and contact Carrier to receive a free replacement cord.