The Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling 107,500 portable electric heaters, some of which were sold at Sam’s Clubs because of potential fire hazard.
The heaters involved are the Lasko Model 5540 and Air King Model 8540. Both were manufactured in 2002 and have date codes that begin with a “2”. You’ll find the date code on the label located at the bottom of the unit.
An electrical connection in the base of the unit can overheat, causing it to melt. The company has received 36 reports of this happening, 18 reports of minor burn damage to floors and carpets. There are no reports of injury.
The Lasko model heaters were sold at Sam’s Club and other retailers from September 2002 through early 2004 for $39 to $49. The Air King Model heaters were sold primarily through W.W. Grainger, Inc. between 2002 and 2004 for about $80.
If you have one of these heaters, stop using it immediately and call the company for a free replacement at 1-800-363-8044.