Whirlpool Corp. and General Electric Co., the two biggest U.S. large-appliance makers, are recalling 52,800 ovens and ranges because of faulty wiring.
The voluntary recall includes General Electric, Hotpoint, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Kenmore and Americana brand electric ranges and ovens. Consumers were told to stop using them immediately, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.
Both companies reported wiring problems that could cause short circuits on ranges and wall ovens sold from April through July, the safety commission said. General Electric is recalling 28,300 units, and Whirlpool is recalling 24,500 units. Both companies are offering free repairs.
The GE Consumer unit, which includes lighting and appliances, provided $8.3 billion of the parent company’s $134 billion in revenue last year. Whirlpool cooking appliances contributed $2.95 billion, or 16 percent, of the company’s 2003 sales.
Louisville, Ky.-based GE Appliances spokeswoman Kim Freeman said the company found the potential hazard in the process of regular testing the company performs and notified the product safety commission. Whirlpool spokesman Steve Duthie didn’t have an immediate comment on the recall.
From Kansas City Star