CPSC recall 04-569, announced July 27, 2004, covers Friedrich Air Conditioning Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning (PTAC) units (about 26,400 units). The rotary dial switch on these units can be positioned between the high and low speed fan setting. The notice cites 60 incident reports. Owners of these units should contact Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. for instructions on receiving a free repair. Recall contact: call (800) 664-5698 or (866) 585-2366, or go to www.Friedrich.com.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
The model and serial numbers are written on the nameplate, found behind the plastic front cover, directly below the control panel.
Which products are included?
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.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was 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.
Incidents and 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.
Official remedy
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.
Product and sales details
- Manufacturer
- Friedrich Air Conditioning Co., of San Antonio, Texas
- Product type
- Air conditioners
- Recall number
- 04-569
- Units
- About 26,400 PTAC units, and about 1,600 replacement heater assemblies used in repairs
- Manufactured in
- United States
- Sold at / sales period
- 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.
Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning (PTAC) units
CPSC product type: Air Conditioners
Recall contact information
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
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
