A.O. Smith Recalls Exhaust Fan Electric Motors Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, incooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Whole-house Exhaust Fan Electric Motors

Units: About 6,300 Manufacturer: A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co., of Tipp City, Ohio

Hazard: The fan's electric motor can be miswired and overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled electric motor is part of a residential whole-house exhaust fan that is typically mounted on the floor of an attic. The shutters of the fan are visible on the ceiling of the floor beneath the attic and must be opened and closed by the consumer. The motors were included with exhaust fans manufactured and distributed by Air Vent Inc. and Triangle Engineering of Arkansas Inc. "A.O. Smith," the model number, and the service date code are printed on the rating plate of the motor. The recall includes model numbers S56A30A54 and S56A30A97, and service date codes 032076M - 334076M, 03207JY - 33407JY,and YB07 - YL07. Units that have a sticker indicating that the unit has been rewired are not subject to this recall.

Sold at: The recalled motors, included with the exhaust fans, were sold at home improvement stores nationwide or by professional installers or builders from February 2007 through November 2007 for about $3,000.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled unit immediately and contact A.O. Smith to arrange for a free inspection and repair of the motor.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact A.O. Smith toll-free at (866) 567-3878 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Mondaythrough Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.aosmithmotors.com