Gas Space Heater Connectors Recalled for Fire, Explosion Hazards
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Chicago-based LDR Industries Inc. announced a voluntary recall of about 50,000 LDR 1200 Series gas connectors because they can leak propane or natural gas, posing fire and explosion hazards. No injuries have been reported, but consumers should stop using the connectors immediately, the commission says.
The recalled connectors, in lengths ranging from 12 inches to 72 inches and used primarily with gas space heaters, have 3/8-inch fine thread nuts attached. The brass nuts are gold colored while the stainless steel tube is silver colored. The UPC code and “LDR 1200 Series Gas Connector” are printed on the product’s packaging. Manufactured by Sai lin Ke of Beijing, China, the connectors were sold at hardware stores in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Florida from August 2007 through September 2007 for between $7 and $20.
Only a qualified professional such as a plumber, heating contractor, or gas company technician should check the connectors and replace them, USCPSC says. For instructions on returning the connectors for a full refund contact LDR at (800) 545-5230 ext. 2345 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.ldrind.com.