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Product Recall Number: 79-063

Why was Chim-A-Lator Company air damper systems recalled?

Excessively hot chimney temperatures could cause the air damper to close unexpectedly and force smoke or flames back into the room. According to the Chim-A-Lator Company, such a heat build-up is caused primarily by overfueling fireplaces, burning dangerous materials, or failing to have the chimney cleaned.

Chim-A-Lator Company air damper systems
Here's product recall specific data for Chim-A-Lator Company air damper systems.

  • Product Recall Number: 79-063

  • Product Safety Warning Number:

  • Date: 1979-11-05

  • Product Safety Warning Date:

  • Name Of Product: Chim-A-Lator Company air damper systems

  • Description: WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov.6) -- The Chim-A-Lator Company, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, has announced a voluntary program to modify approximately 15,000 air damper systems for fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. The announcement was made in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Excessively hot chimney temperatures could cause the air damper to close unexpectedly and force smoke or flames back into the room. According to the company, such a heat build-up is caused primarily by over-fueling fireplaces, burning dangerous materials, or failing to have the chimney cleaned. Since 1977, the firm has received a report of one minor burn injury, which occurred when the damper closed accidentally. The damper systems, which have been manufactured since 1969, are marketed as energy-saving devices to reduce heat loss from air drawn up fireplace and stove chimneys when not in use. The company is offering a device, which consumers can install themselves, which will ensure that the damper maintains an adequate opening even in extreme temperatures. Consumers can obtain this free device by writing to the Chim-A-Lator Company, 8824 Wentworth Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55420, telephone: 612-884-7274. The devices will be available after December 1, but consumers should write to the company immediately.

  • Hazard Description: Excessively hot chimney temperatures could cause the air damper to close unexpectedly and force smoke or flames back into the room. According to the Chim-A-Lator Company, such a heat build-up is caused primarily by overfueling fireplaces, burning dangerous materials, or failing to have the chimney cleaned.

  • Consumer Action: None Listed

  • Original Product Safety Warning Announcement: None Listed

  • Remedy Type: New Instructions, Repair

  • Units: Approximately 15,000

  • Incidents: Since 1977, the firm has received a report of one minor burn injury, which occurred when the damper closed accidentally.

  • Remedy: The company is offering a device, which consumers can install themselves, which will ensure that the damper maintains an adequate opening even in extreme temperatures. Consumers can obtain this free device by writing to the Chim-A-Lator Company, 8824 Wentworth Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55420; telephone: 612-884-7274.

  • Sold At: None Listed

  • Importers: None Listed

  • Manufacturers: None Listed

  • Distributors: None Listed

  • Manufactured In: None Listed

  • Custom Label: None Listed

  • Custom Field: None Listed