Portable Generators Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

This is the season for portable generators in Pennsylvania.

But anybody who owns or uses one should check to make sure it isn’t a Champion Power model, which can leak fuel and explode into flames.

On November 2, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a nationwide voluntary recall of close to 9,000 portable generators made by Champion Power Equipment.

Fuel can leak from the generator’s carburetor, creating a fire hazard. There have been 11 reported cases of leakage, including eight fires and two incidents of property damage.

Portable generator usage soared in the wake of Hurricane Sandy – as did awareness of their potential dangers. To date there have been four reported deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators, although it is uncertain that the generators in those cases were the recalled Champion models.

The Champion Power Equipment recall involves two models of portable generators sold at Costco Wholesale stores nationwide between December 2011 and July 2012 for about $699. Both have a black frame with black and yellow control panels, a bar handle and two wheels.

• Model number 41332 has an open frame. The words “Champion Power Equipment” are on the control panel and “8250 starting watts” and “6500 running watts” are on the side of the fuel tank.
• Model number 41532 has side panels that cover the long sides of the fuel tank. The words “Champion Power Equipment” are on the side panel above the control panel, and “9000 starting watts” and “7000 running watts” are on the control panel

Consumers are instructed to stop using the recalled generators immediately and contact Champion Power Equipment for a free repair kit to be installed by an authorized dealer. The consumer may also return the unit to Costco for a full refund.

Champion Power Equipment can be contacted toll-free at (855) 236-9424, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PT), Monday through Friday; e-mail [email protected]; or online at www.championpowerequipment.com, then click on the red “Important Product Recall Notice” link for more information.

Talk With A Pennsylvania Injury Lawyer

Have you or someone you know suffered an injury or loss as the result of a portable generator or some other dangerous product? If so, the Scranton accident lawyers at Munley, Munley & Cartwright are offering free legal consultations. Call 877-763-2343 to speak with an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney or use this contact form.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission