Simpson Dura-Vent is recalling about 500 Fireplace Dampers due to carbon monoxide poisoning hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced.
The DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper and DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper were made in the United States and were manufactured by Simpson Dura-Vent Company Inc., of Vacaville, California. When the consumer attempts to open/close the damper, it can become stuck in its current position. In addition, some of the dampers were assembled backwards and are set to the closed position when the consumer attempts to open the damper. Both pose risk of <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/carbon_monoxide_poisoning">carbon monoxide poisoning to the consumer. To date, no incidents or injuries have been reported.
This recall involves DuraTech Anchor Plates with Dampers and DuraChimney II Anchor Plates with Dampers. The products are intended for use as a starter section for chimneys in fireplace applications. The dampers allow the chimney to be closed when the fireplace is not in use. Each damper is a short sheet metal vent pipe fitted with a circular damper plate within the vent pipe, and attached to a square anchor plate. The damper plate rotates around an axis rod to control the flow of air through the vent pipe. The damper plates have a weight attached to one side, and a chain attached to the other side. When installed in a fireplace application, the square anchor plate is generally not visible.
The DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper:
10-inch diameter DuraTech Damper: Product number 99142
12-inch diameter DuraTech Damper: Product number 99242
14-inch diameter DuraTech Damper: Product number 99342
16-inch diameter DuraTech Damper: Product number 99442
18-inch diameter DuraTech Damper: Product number 99542
The DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper:
10-inch diameter DuraChimney Damper: Product number 10DCA-APD
12-inch diameter DuraChimney Damper: Product number 12DCA-APD
14-inch diameter DuraChimney Damper: Product number 14DCA-APD
16-inch diameter DuraChimney Damper: Product number 16DCA-APD
The recalled dampers were sold by Dura-Vent distributors to fireplace/chimney contractors and by installers to homebuilders nationwide from January 2007 through May 2008 for between $100 to $150, depending on the model and size.
The CPSC is advising consumers to ensure their damper is in the open position when the fireplace is in use; consumers or distributors with defective fireplace dampers should contact Dura-Vent to schedule a free repair. The remaining unrepaired, recalled dampers were distributed in Washington and California.
Consumers and distributors whose dampers were previously inspected and repaired do not need to schedule an additional inspection.
For additional information, consumers can contact Simpson Dura-Vent, toll-free at (866) 860-7908 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.duravent.com.
