March
21, 2001
Hurricane
Products, of Valencia, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 20,000 propane
regulators. These propane regulators, manufactured by Chen Fong Enterprise Co.
Ltd., of Taiwan, are used to regulate the flow of propane from pressurized
containers. These regulators can leak propane, which can result in a fire or
explosion. The leak can cause the appliance flame to be larger than expected,
possibly causing burns to nearby consumers and cause nearby combustibles to
catch fire. Hurricane Products, the importer and distributor, has received 125
reports of these regulators leaking propane. There have been no reports of
fires or injuries occurring as a result of these regulators leaking.
The propane regulator is used primarily with recreational vehicles and in some
homes that use propane as a fuel source for one or more appliances. The
regulator has two input valves and one output valve. "Model 6000" is
imprinted on the top of the regulator. The patent number, "5103861,"
is imprinted on the bottom of the regulator, as well as "MADE IN
TAIWAN." The date of manufacture also is imprinted on the bottom of the
regulator in a four-digit date code, indicating the month and year
manufactured. Regulators of "0196," indicating January 1996, through
"1099," indicating October 1999, are part of this recall. Recreational
vehicle dealers and LP Gas dealers nationwide sold these propane regulators
from June 1996 through October 1999 for about $22.
Consumers with recalled regulators should immediately stop using them by
closing the main valve on the propane container. Consumers should contact the
outlet where the regulator was purchased or call Emerald Isle, which is
conducting the recall for Hurricane Products, at (877) 673-3278 toll-free
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to get information on receiving
a free replacement propane regulator. These regulators are not the type of
regulator typically used with propane barbecue grills.