March 13, 2009

Fire extinguishers recalled

       Today, Kidde, in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is announcing a voluntary recall to replace certain XL Fire Extinguisher units.  Kidde has taken steps to alert its customers and the general public, and will have information about the specific models that may be affected on www.kidde.com.

Name of product: Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers

Units: About 167,000

Distributor: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., of Mebane, N.C.

Hazard: The pressurized cylinders in the recalled fire extinguishers could lose pressure and fail to operate.  In the event of a fire, this failure could put a consumer and property at risk.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers with model numbers FX340SC, FX340H, FX340GW, XL5MR, FX210R, FX340SC-2, FX210W, XL2.5TCZ-4, XL2.5TCZ-3, XL5TCZ-1, E-340-3 and with manufacture dates between September 2007 and April 2008.  “Kidde” and the model number can be found on the label on the front of the extinguisher.  The

manufacture year is on the bottom of the extinguisher.  If your extinguisher is one of the listed model numbers and is marked with the year 07 or 08, contact Kidde to determine if you have a recalled extinguisher.

Sold at: Department, home, and hardware stores nationwide from October 2007 through April 2008 for about $35.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should immediately inspect the pressure gauge.  If it points to the red zone, contact Kidde to receive a free replacement extinguisher.  If the gauge is not in the red zone, but you have questions about an extinguisher within the listed model numbers, please contact Kidde for additional information. 

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kidde at (888) 345-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.Kidde.com.

   
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