OAN Staff James Meyers
8:34 AM – Friday, August 9, 2024
Samsung has issued a recall for over one million slide-in electric ranges due to fire hazards after the company received reports that its front knobs could be unintentionally activated by people or pets, and resulted in 250 blazes.
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall on Thursday, which covers 30 models sold in the U.S. from May 2013 through August 2024, ranging in prices from $1,250 and $3,050.
According to separate notices by Samsung and the CPSC, the front-mounted knobs on the ranges can be activated “by accidental contact by humans or pets,” posing a fire hazard if flammable objects are left on top of the range.
Prior to the recall, Samsung received over 300 reports that the front-mounted knobs had been unintentionally activated by people or pets since 2013, the CPSC said.
They were involved in at least 250 fires, 18 of which “caused extensive property damage,” according to the CPSC.
There have been roughly 40 reported injuries, eight of which required medical attention. Seven of the fires reportedly involved a pet death, according to the recall.
To help resolve the issue Samsung is offering free knob locks or knob covers.
Additionally, the CPSC urged consumers to never place, leave or store anything on top of the range as “such items can ignite if the range is accidentally activated or left on.”
“Fires can occur when items are left on the top surface of any range that is accidentally activated or left on,” the release said.
Samsung said in a statement on Thursday that consumers can still use their slide-in electric ranges while awaiting the knob locks or covers.
To receive a set of free locks or covers, customers can visit the company website, call Samsung toll-free at 1-833-775-0120 or reach the company by email.
Meanwhile, Samsung said that in April 2024 it introduced new slide-in ranges with built-in three-step precision knobs that require a “pinching” action before the “push and turn movement” to turn on, in an effort to ensure the knobs are activated intentionally.
Furthermore, Samsung ranges with Wi-Fi connectivity can send users a notification if they have the Samsung SmartThings app to warn when a burner is activated. Certain Samsung range models also have illuminated knobs that a display a “distinctive blue LED light around the knob’s base when a burner is activated.”
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