What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for specific electric fireplaces manufactured by L G Sourcing, Inc. These units were sold under the brand name allen + roth, which is exclusively available at Lowe’s stores across the United States. The recall was officially announced on December 9, 2020, and it targets a single model of infrared quartz electric fireplace that presents a significant safety risk due to its internal electrical components.
The specific product involved is the allen + roth 62-inch wide, 5,120-BTU infrared quartz electric fireplace. This unit is designed to simulate a traditional wood-burning fire while providing supplemental heat. The fireplace features a cabinet finished in a cherry wood color, giving it a classic aesthetic that blends with various home decors. Inside the cabinet, an insert creates a realistic flame effect and houses the heating element. Each unit comes equipped with a thermostat for temperature control and a remote control for convenient operation from across the room.
To identify whether you own the recalled product, please check the white label located on the back of the fireplace. The label must display the text: "FEBO Flame Electric Fireplace Model Number ZHS-30-A". Additionally, you can verify if your unit is part of this recall by checking your Lowe’s receipt or order confirmation for the specific Lowe’s Item Number: 466656. Only units matching both the model number and the item number are included in this recall. If you purchased a similar-looking fireplace from a different retailer, or if the model number differs, it is not part of this specific safety notice.
While the exact total number of units sold worldwide is not specified in the current CPSC record, the agency has received 28 reports of overheating, fire, or smoke associated with these particular fireplaces. These incidents have led to smoke damage in surrounding areas and, in at least one case, resulted in smoke inhalation for occupants. Because the hazard stems from wiring connectors that can overheat during normal operation, even a single unit poses a risk if left unaddressed. It is critical that owners of this specific allen + roth model take immediate action to ensure their home remains safe.
This recall was initiated by L G Sourcing, Inc., in cooperation with the CPSC and Lowe’s. The company is offering a complete remedy for affected consumers, which includes a free repair kit and a free in-home repair service. If you believe you own this product, do not wait for further notices. Contact L G Sourcing directly or visit the Lowe’s website to confirm your eligibility and schedule your repair. Your safety is the priority, and this recall process is designed to be as straightforward and hassle-free as possible.
The hazard, explained
At the core of this recall is a seemingly minor component that plays a critical role in the safety of your home: the internal wiring connectors within the electric fireplace. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), these specific connectors can overheat during normal operation. While electric fireplaces are generally designed with multiple layers of thermal protection and insulation, this particular defect bypasses those safeguards, allowing electrical connections to become dangerously hot without triggering an automatic shutoff or warning light.
To understand why this matters, it helps to look at how electricity moves through a device like the allen + roth 62-inch infrared quartz model. When you turn on the fireplace, current flows through wires to power the heating elements and the LED lights that simulate flames. Connectors are the junction points where these wires meet. If these connectors are not secured tightly enough or are made of materials that cannot handle the heat load over time, they create resistance. In electrical terms, resistance generates heat. Normally, a small amount of heat is expected, but in this case, the heat builds up uncontrollably.
This overheating does not happen instantly, which makes it particularly insidious. The defect likely develops over weeks or months of use. As the connectors degrade or loosen, the temperature at those specific points rises well beyond safe limits. Eventually, this intense heat can melt the surrounding plastic housing, damage the insulation on nearby wires, and ignite nearby combustible materials—such as the cherry wood-colored cabinet itself or dust accumulated inside the unit.
The consequences of this physical failure are severe and immediate. The CPSC reports that this overheating has already led to actual fires and the production of thick, toxic smoke. In the case of electric fireplaces, which often operate in living rooms or bedrooms for extended periods, the risk is twofold: direct burn hazards from the unit’s surface becoming excessively hot, and the danger of smoke inhalation. Smoke from burning plastics and electronics contains harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory distress, especially if the fire starts while family members are sleeping or resting nearby. The fact that there have been reports of smoke damage to surrounding areas indicates that the fire can spread beyond the fireplace unit quickly, turning a broken appliance into a household emergency.
This is not a matter of the fireplace simply stopping working; it is a failure of the system’s ability to contain its own energy. The heat generated by the faulty connectors is no longer being used to warm your room but is instead becoming an ignition source. Understanding this mechanism underscores why the remedy—a free in-home repair—is so urgent. You cannot simply reset the unit or ignore the issue, as the physical degradation of the wiring will continue until a fire occurs.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing direct risk from this recall consists of consumers who purchased the allen + roth 62-inch wide electric fireplace exclusively through Lowe’s stores. Specifically, these are the units sold under Lowe’s Item Number 466656, which feature a cherry wood-colored cabinet and simulate a wood-burning fire using infrared quartz technology. If you bought this specific model between the relevant sales period and December 9, 2020, you are part of the affected population. Because these units were sold as standalone products for home installation, the risk is not limited to a single demographic but extends to any household that relied on this appliance for supplemental heating or ambiance.
While any user of the defective unit is exposed to the hazard of overheating wiring connectors, certain individuals face heightened vulnerability due to the nature of the failure. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has documented 28 reports involving overheating, fire, or smoke from these units. In several instances, this malfunction resulted in significant smoke damage to surrounding areas. For households with young children, the elderly, or individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the presence of smoke poses an immediate and severe health threat. Smoke inhalation has already been reported in one instance linked to these fireplaces, highlighting that the danger is not just about property damage but also about acute physical harm.
Children are particularly at risk because they may be less aware of the signs of electrical malfunction or the smell of smoke until it is too late. They might also be drawn to the visual appeal of the simulated fire, increasing their proximity to a potentially overheating unit. Similarly, elderly individuals may have slower reaction times or reduced mobility, making it harder for them to evacuate quickly if a fire starts or if they detect early signs of distress in the appliance. Furthermore, those who rely on electric fireplaces as a primary heat source during winter months are at greater risk because they are likely to run the unit for extended periods, increasing the likelihood that the faulty wiring connectors will overheat.
It is also important to consider that these units were installed in homes across the United States, meaning the risk is geographically widespread. The defect lies within the internal wiring connectors, which can overheat independently of how carefully the user operates the thermostat or remote control. This means that even conscientious users who followed all operating instructions are not immune to the hazard. The risk is inherent in the product’s construction rather than user error, making it crucial for all owners to act promptly regardless of their perceived safety practices.
Finally, the emotional and psychological toll on families cannot be overlooked. Discovering that a beloved home heating appliance could have caused a fire or smoke inhalation event can lead to significant stress and anxiety. For those who have already experienced smoke damage or near-miss incidents, the risk is not hypothetical but a lived reality. Therefore, identifying whether you own this specific model is not just a matter of consumer compliance but a critical step in protecting your family’s health and safety.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Prioritizing your safety begins with a calm, methodical check of your home. Because this recall involves a specific product sold exclusively at Lowe’s, you do not need to worry about similar-looking fireplaces from other manufacturers. However, the allen + roth brand is widely distributed within that retailer, so narrowing down the details is essential. The recalled units are distinctively large and feature a very specific set of physical characteristics that make them easy to identify if you know where to look.
The primary visual cue is the size and finish of the unit. You are looking for an electric fireplace that is exactly 62 inches wide. This is a substantial piece of furniture, significantly larger than standard mantel units. The cabinet housing the fireplace should be finished in a cherry wood color. If your unit is black, white, gray, or a different wood tone, it is not part of this specific recall batch. Inside the cabinet, the design includes an insert that simulates a wood-burning fire and provides heat via infrared quartz technology. The unit comes equipped with both a thermostat and a remote control; while these are common accessories, their presence alongside the other physical traits confirms you should proceed to the next verification step.
The most reliable way to confirm whether your fireplace is part of this recall is by checking the manufacturer’s label. This label is not typically found on the front or top of the unit. Instead, you must look at the back of the product. There, you will find a white label that contains critical identification information. You need to verify two specific pieces of text on this label:
- Model Number: The label must read "FEBO Flame Electric Fireplace Model Number ZHS-30-A". If the model number differs, even slightly, your unit is not affected.
- Lowe’s Item Number: If you have your original receipt or order confirmation, check for Lowe’s Item Number 466656. This item number corresponds to the specific configuration of the cherry wood cabinet and 62-inch width described in this recall.
If you cannot find the label clearly, or if you are unsure about the model number, do not guess. The recall applies exclusively to these precise specifications. The fireplaces were sold exclusively at Lowe’s stores, so if you purchased it from a different retailer, an online marketplace like Amazon, or directly from a manufacturer’s website other than Lowe’s, it is likely not part of this specific lot. Take a moment to carefully inspect the back of your unit for that white label. Confirming the "FEBO Flame Electric Fireplace Model Number ZHS-30-A" and the 62-inch cherry wood design will give you the certainty you need to move forward with the appropriate safety steps.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled allen + roth electric fireplaces, your immediate priority is to ensure the safety of your household and your home. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is clear: you must stop using the product right away. This is not a suggestion; it is a critical safety measure. The wiring connectors inside these units can overheat, creating a genuine fire hazard that has already led to smoke damage and even smoke inhalation in some cases. Do not wait for the unit to malfunction visibly or for a smell of burning to appear. Once you have confirmed that you possess the recalled model, take the following steps to resolve the issue safely and efficiently. First, physically disconnect the fireplace from your home’s electrical system. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet immediately. This action cuts off the power supply to the faulty wiring connectors, effectively neutralizing the fire risk while you arrange for repairs. It is important that you do not attempt to open the cabinet or inspect the internal components yourself. The repair involves specialized knowledge and parts that are not intended for consumer handling. Tampering with the electrical internals could void any future remedies or create new hazards. Simply leave the unit unplugged and out of use until the remedy is complete. Next, you need to initiate the repair process by contacting the responsible party, L G Sourcing, Inc. They have committed to providing a free repair kit and scheduling a free in-home repair for affected customers. To get started, call their toll-free number at 888-251-1019. When you call, be prepared to provide specific details about your unit to verify it is part of this recall. You will need the Lowe’s Item Number, which is 466656, and the model number printed on the white label on the back of the fireplace, which reads "FEBO Flame Electric Fireplace Model Number ZHS-30-A." Having this information ready will speed up the process significantly. The customer service team is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. If you prefer to handle this online, you can also visit lowes.com and navigate to the "Recalls & Product Safety" section located at the bottom of the page. This portal will likely provide additional resources or direct links to the specific recall campaign. During your contact with L G Sourcing, schedule your in-home repair appointment as soon as possible. A technician will come to your home to perform the necessary fixes, ensuring that the overheating issue is resolved without you having to move the heavy fireplace yourself. While you wait for the service appointment, keep the area around the unplugged fireplace clear of flammable materials such as curtains, furniture, or rugs. Although the unit is disconnected, it is still a large piece of equipment, and maintaining a safe perimeter is a good general safety practice. Do not attempt to use the fireplace for heat or ambiance again until you have received confirmation from L G Sourcing that the repair has been completed and the unit is safe to operate. By following these steps meticulously, you protect your family from potential fire hazards and ensure that your investment in the allen + roth fireplace is restored to a safe, functional state at no cost to you.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that you own one of the recalled allen + roth electric fireplaces, your primary course of action is to stop using the unit immediately and reach out to the manufacturer for a remedy. In this specific recall issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the company responsible for the product, L G Sourcing, Inc., has outlined a clear and free path to resolution. They are not asking you to return the entire heavy appliance, which can be difficult and costly for consumers to ship back. Instead, they have arranged for a direct repair service that comes to your home. This approach is designed to minimize the inconvenience of having a large heating appliance out of commission while ensuring that the dangerous wiring connectors inside are properly fixed before you use it again.
To initiate this process, you should contact L G Sourcing, Inc. directly. You can do this by calling their toll-free number at 888-251-1019. The company offers customer support Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. When you call, be prepared to provide details about your product to verify that it falls under this specific recall notice. It is helpful to have the model number and item number ready before you dial, as this will speed up the verification process significantly. Alternatively, if you prefer to handle things online, you can visit lowes.com and navigate to the "Recalls & Product Safety" section located at the bottom of the webpage. This portal provides additional information and likely facilitates the same contact or repair scheduling options available via phone.
The remedy provided in this recall includes two main components that are completely free of charge to you: a repair kit and an in-home repair service. The company will supply you with a kit containing the necessary parts to address the overheating wiring connectors. More importantly, they will schedule a professional technician to come to your residence to perform the repair. This is a significant benefit because it ensures that the fix is applied correctly by someone trained to handle these specific electrical components. You do not need to pay for any part of this service, whether it is the materials sent to you or the labor performed in your home. The goal here is to restore the safety of your fireplace without imposing any financial burden on you for a defect that was not your fault.
It is important to understand why this specific remedy is chosen over a simple refund or replacement with a new unit. Because the issue involves internal wiring connectors that can overheat and cause fire, simply sending you a new unit of the same model would not solve the underlying problem unless that new unit also received the same fix. By providing a repair kit and scheduling an in-home repair, L G Sourcing is ensuring that the specific hazard is eliminated from your current appliance. This method is efficient for both you and the company, as it avoids the logistics of transporting large, fragile wood-colored cabinets back to a warehouse. Once the technician has completed the work, your fireplace should be safe to use again, provided you continue to follow all standard safety guidelines for electric heaters.
If you encounter any difficulties in contacting L G Sourcing or scheduling the repair, do not hesitate to use the online resources available on Lowe’s website as a backup. The recall notice emphasizes that these services are mandatory steps to ensure your safety. Ignoring the recall leaves you with a product that has been confirmed to cause overheating, smoke damage, and in some cases, smoke inhalation. By taking the time to schedule this free repair now, you are protecting your home and family from these serious risks. The process is straightforward: verify your model, call or visit the website, and let the professionals handle the rest.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to rationalize continuing to use a beloved piece of furniture, especially when the defect seems invisible or minor. You might think that because the fireplace has worked fine for weeks or months, it will continue to do so indefinitely. However, electrical failures do not always follow a predictable timeline, and ignoring this recall carries significant, tangible risks that go far beyond a simple malfunction. The core issue here is not just that the fireplace stops working; it is that the internal wiring connectors are prone to overheating. When electrical components overheat, they do not simply shut down safely. They generate intense, localized heat that can degrade surrounding materials, melt insulation, and eventually ignite combustible parts of the unit itself.
The reality of this hazard is already documented in the reports filed with the Consumer Product Safety Commission. L G Sourcing has received 28 specific incidents involving these units where overheating occurred, leading to actual fires or the production of thick, toxic smoke. This is not a theoretical possibility; it is an ongoing event affecting real homes. In several of these cases, the fire was severe enough to cause smoke damage to the surrounding area, meaning your walls, furniture, and air quality are at risk even if the flames do not spread rapidly. More alarmingly, there have been instances resulting in smoke inhalation. Smoke inhalation is a serious medical emergency that can cause lasting respiratory damage or be fatal, particularly for children, the elderly, or those with pre-existing health conditions. By ignoring the recall, you are gambling with the physical safety of everyone living in your home.
Beyond the immediate danger of fire and toxic fumes, there is a secondary risk of property destruction that can be financially devastating. An electrical fire started within the cabinet of an electric fireplace can spread to nearby curtains, carpets, or structural elements of your house before you even realize what is happening. The cherry wood-colored cabinet, while aesthetically pleasing, is made of combustible materials. Once the internal wiring connectors fail and generate enough heat to ignite the surrounding components, the fire can take hold quickly. Remedying this situation later involves not just the cost of a new fireplace, but potentially thousands of dollars in home repair, smoke remediation, and loss of personal belongings.
Furthermore, continuing to use the unit voids any sense of security you might feel about your home’s electrical safety. You are essentially keeping a known fault active in your living space. The remedy offered by L G Sourcing is free and designed to eliminate this specific risk entirely through an in-home repair. Ignoring that offer means choosing to live with an unresolved fire hazard every single day the unit remains plugged in. The inconvenience of scheduling a repair is negligible compared to the potential consequence of losing your home or suffering from smoke-related illness. Do not wait for a spark or a smell of burning plastic to validate what the recall already tells you: this device needs professional attention immediately.
Staying safe: broader tips
While specific recalls address immediate defects in manufactured goods, maintaining long-term safety with electric fireplaces and similar heating appliances requires a proactive approach to home maintenance and environmental awareness. These devices are complex electrical appliances that generate significant heat, making them particularly sensitive to their surroundings and power supply conditions. Understanding how they interact with your home’s infrastructure can prevent many common issues before they become hazards.
First, always respect the clearance requirements specified in your owner’s manual. Even if a unit feels cool to the touch on the outside, the internal components, such as the heating elements and wiring connectors, operate at high temperatures. Keeping flammable materials like curtains, furniture, rugs, or papers within the recommended distance is not just a rule—it is a critical fire prevention strategy. Heat rises and radiates; what seems like a safe gap can quickly become dangerous if air circulation is blocked. Ensure that the vents on the front and back of the fireplace are never obstructed by debris or dust buildup, which can trap heat and cause the internal components to overwork.
Electrical safety extends beyond the appliance itself. Use only properly grounded outlets that match the voltage requirements of your fireplace. Avoid using extension cords or power strips unless they are specifically rated for high-wattage heating appliances, as these can easily overheat and melt. If you notice any flickering lights in your home when the fireplace turns on, it may indicate an overloaded circuit. In such cases, consult a licensed electrician to ensure your home’s wiring can handle the load safely. Regularly inspecting power cords for fraying, cracking, or discoloration is also essential; if you see damage, stop using the unit immediately.
Finally, stay informed about product safety beyond just this specific recall. Sign up for alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the manufacturer of your home appliances. Read manual updates and safety notices regularly. Consider installing smoke detectors on every level of your home and testing them monthly. For homes with gas lines or attached garages, carbon monoxide detectors are equally vital. Being aware of these broader safety practices ensures that you enjoy the comfort of your electric fireplace without compromising the security of your household.