Optimus is recalling about 355,000 portable infrared quartz
radiant heaters.
The heater design can fail to prevent ignition of nearby
combustible materials that come in contact with the unit, posing a fire hazard
to the consumer, according to the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission.
This recall involves two models of Optimus infrared quartz radiant
heaters with model numbers H-5210, produced in 2011 and H-5211, produced in
2012.
The model number and the year of production are located on a
label on the back of the heater. The recalled heaters are white and are
approximately 12-inches wide by 13-inches tall by 6-inches deep. “Optimus” is
printed on the top left of the heater. The control knob is located on the top
right side of the heater.
No injuries have been reported.
Manufactured in China, the heaters were sold at Best Buy
Market Place, Family Dollar, Heartland, Northern Tool, Rite Aid, and
other stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, ebay.com, and Walmart.com
from October 2011 through December 2012. The cost was between $25 and $30.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled heaters
and contact Optimus to request a free replacement heater, the company and the
commission advise. Consumers have the option of a comparable ceramic heater or
new model quartz radiant heater, model H-5510, which will be available after
August 2013.
For more information, call Optimus Enterprise Inc. at 888-672-5832
from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or
go to www.optimusent.com and click on
“recall.” Consumers can also e-mail the firm at return.optimus@gmail.com.
For details on other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.
