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Product recalls: Ventilators, bicycle forks, wire splices, bicycles, batteries
Friday, August 22, 2008
Ventilators

Venmar CES Inc. is recalling about 3,400 heat recovery ventilators. The motors in the units can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

The ventilators are designed to exchange air between the inside and outside of a building or home in order to provide fresh air.

The recall includes the following brand names and model numbers: Flair 150/300 Compact, 300/600 Compact Venmar 6LC, HRV600i, 12LC, HRV1200i PrepAir PrepAir600i, PrepAir1200i vanEE 6LC, 12LC Carrier 62AA-064---101XX, 62AA-127---101XX York VIXRDXXA01 Heil VRC 300 Compact, VRC 600 Compact Aston HRV600i, HRV1200i Broan HRV650, HRVl150 Venmate 600H, 1200H. The "X" in the model number can be either a letter or a number. The model number is written on a silver or black label on the outside panel.

Heating, plumbing and building supply distributors nationwide sold the units from January 1991 through July 2007 for between $1,700 and $2,000.

Consumers should immediately turn off the ventilator, disconnect it from the power supply, and contact Venmar CES to schedule a technician to install a free repair. For more information, contact Venmar CES toll-free at 1-866-698-6283 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. or visit www.venmarces.com.


Bicycle forks

Cervelo SA is recalling about 5,800 Wolf SL carbon fiber bicycle forks. The forks' steerer can break during normal use, causing the rider to lose control, fall and suffer serious injuries.

The recalled forks have a clear coating over black painted carbon fiber, with the words "Wolf Superlite" and related logo just below the crown on each fork leg, and the letters "SL" on each leg above the fork blade dropouts. There is a True Temper CRT logo on the inside of both fork legs. The recalled forks could have been included on the following bicycle models: R3, R3 SL, Soloist Carbon, Soloist Carbon SL and certain P3 Carbon frame sets and complete bicycles.

Consumers should immediately stop using bicycles equipped with the recalled forks and contact their authorized Cervélo dealer to have a free replacement fork installed. For more information, contact Cervelo toll-free at 1-866-296-3137 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.cervelo.com/WolfSLRecall.


Wire splices

Molex is recalling about 53,000 Electrical Wire Splices (also known as Butt Splice Connectors). The splice can fail to hold the wires adequately together, posing a shock and fire hazard.

The recalled butt splices are used to connect electrical wires to one another. They are typically used for wiring small electrical appliances, including audio equipment, or in automotive applications. The splices are yellow insulated vinyl and measure about one inch long and 1/4-inch wide. They were intended for use with 12-10 AWG wire -- 12-10 is stamped on the side of the splices. Model numbers 10-126, or 21-126, and Gardner Bender are printed on the product's packaging. They were sold in packages of 8 or 50.

Electrical distributors, hardware stores and home centers nationwide sold the splices from June 2005 through April 2008 for between $1 and $5.

Consumers should immediately stop using products that contain the recalled butt splices and contact the firm for free replacement splices. For more information, contact Gardner Bender at 1-800-624-4320 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.gardnerbender.com.


Bicycles

Electra Bicycle Co. is recalling about 1,500 Amsterdam Bicycles. About 9,500 similar bicycles were recalled last month. The interior alignment tabs of the bicycle's chainguard can be pushed against the chain causing it to derail.

This recall involves some Amsterdam model bicycles in the Classic 3, Original 3, Royal 8 and Sport 3 styles. The bicycles have an enclosed chainguard. "Electra" and "Amsterdam" are printed on the bicycle's frame and/or chainguard. Bicycles with frame numbers beginning with "EL" or bicycles with chainguards marked "06/08" are not included in this recall. The frame number is located on the underside of the bottom bracket.

Authorized Electra Bicycle dealers nationwide sold the bicycles from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $400 and $850.

Consumers should immediately stop riding these bicycles and contact Electra Bicycle to determine if their bikes are included in this recall. Consumers with a recalled bike can bring it to an Electra Bicycle dealer for a free inspection and replacement chainguard part.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Electra Bicycle at 1-800-261-1644 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.electrabike.com.


Batteries

Hobbico Inc. is recalling about 11,000 batteries used in radio-controlled helicopter kits. The rechargeable battery can overheat and catch fire while charging, igniting nearby combustible materials.

This recall involves the Electrifly lithium-polymer batteries (part #GPMP0401) sold individually or with the Heli-Max Axe CP-L radio-controlled helicopter kits. The kit includes a 23-inch-long plastic helicopter, a battery, a radio transmitter, a balance charger, a car adapter, an AC wall adapter, decals that read "HMX", "AXE" and "Heli-Max" and training gear. "Electrifly" and "GPMP0401" are printed on the battery.

Hobby stores sold the products from November 2007 through March 2008 for about $35. The helicopter kits were sold for $200.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled batteries and contact Hobbico for instructions on returning their battery for a free replacement battery. For more information, contact Hobbico toll-free at 1-866-462-2426 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit the company's recall Web sites at www.helimaxrc.com or www.electrifly.com to register for the recall.

Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov.
First published on August 22, 2008 at 12:00 am