CALABASAS, Calif. — Harbor Freight Tools on Wednesday recalled about 350,000 propane heaters because windy conditions can render the safety shutoff inoperable, posing a burn hazard.
Specifically, strong winds can redirect the butane propane flame to the back of the unit, melting the “tip switch” that acts as the safety cutoff. In turn, if the heater tips over with the switch disabled, consumers may be burned, according to the recall.
The One Stop Gardens 15,000 and 30,000 Tank Top Propane Heaters, the models affected by the recall, are designed to mount on top of a standard 20-pound propane tank and feature an “easy start” with variable heat control valve, high-efficiency heat reflector and safety shutoff, the recall notice stated.
The affected models were sold at Harbor Freight stores nationwide and online at www.harborfreight.com from December 2015 through April 2021 for about $45 for the 15,000 BTU model and about $75 for the 30,000 BTU model.
The company has fielded nine reports to date of flame redirection to the rear of the heater and/or the tip switch safety feature melting. Three of the incidents resulted in minor burn injuries when the consumers attempted to turn off the units, according to the recall.
Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled heaters immediately and return them to their local Harbor Freight store for a full refund in the form of a store gift card.
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