Dec. 23, 2004: Robertshaw Announces Gas Control Valve Recall
"We instituted this voluntary recall because safety is our highest priority," stated Rick Johnson, Robertshaw spokesperson. "We take every complaint seriously and when we found out there might be a problem with some of our valves, we looked into it and performed extensive testing on the 7000 Series valves. We determined that during a recent 18-month period, we made a modification in our processing which led to the potential for some valves to stick in the open position, permitting some gas to continue to flow if the pilot light has gone out. This is unacceptable to us and our customers; therefore we instituted the 7000 Series recall. In addition, we have adjusted our manufacturing process to resolve the issue."
The voluntary recall applies to specific 7000 Series models produced between February 2003 and September 2004 that have production dates beginning with code 0306 and ending with 0436. The 7000 Series gas valves that are being recalled are installed in gas appliances including residential space heaters, wall heaters, boilers, fireplaces, pool heaters, infrared heaters and furnaces, and commercial heating applications such as commercial cooking appliances, fryers, commercial water heaters, and poultry brooders.
Not all 7000 Series valves manufactured during the indicated timeframe are being recalled. Of particular note are model numbers containing the letters "MV." Recalled gas valves include "MV" models that also include the letters "LP" and model numbers 7000AMV; 7000BMV; 7000BMV-S7CL; 7000MVLC; and 7000MVRCLC. All "MV" valves with the indicated date codes that have been converted to liquid propane (LP) gas use are also included in the recall. Not included in the recall are model numbers 7010 and above; model numbers containing the letters "D" or "BV;" and model numbers containing the letters "MV" except for the ones listed above.
A full listing of recalled model numbers is available at www.robertshaw.com or can be obtained by calling 800-232-9389. The recall applies to about 425,000 Robertshaw 7000 Series gas control valves.
The valves, assembled in Mexico, are sold through gas appliance retailers and distributors; food service equipment manufacturers and dealers; specialty retailers, such as fireplace, pool, and spa dealers; and poultry equipment manufacturers. The gas control valves and components were also sold separately through gas appliance service providers.
The company is recommending that owners of appliances with the recalled products in the United States and Canada should immediately arrange for free repair or, if necessary, replacement through Robertshaw Controls Co. Consumers should visit Robertshaw's Web site or call the company's toll free number (both noted above) to determine if their product is involved in the recall and to register to obtain a free repair or, if necessary, replacement.
The company says the vast majority of the valves were sold in the United States and Canada. However, a number of them were also sold in over two dozen countries around the world. Robertshaw is partnering with local equipment manufacturers and subsidiaries in each country to process the recall, and consumers will be informed via these local partners. More information again is available at the company's Web site in Spanish, French, and English.
Publication date: 12/20/2004
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