July
2, 2003
Name
of product:
S.I.T. Gas Temperature Controls on GSW Water Heaters
Units: 13,000 in USA
Manufacturer: GSW Industries Inc., of Fergus, Ontario, Canada
Distributor: S.I.T. Manufacturing N.A.S.A. de C.V., of Mexico; GSW
Industries, Inc., of Canada.
Hazard: A potential burn hazard from ignition flashback or an increase
in tank water temperature.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported in the U.S. In Canada, where 140,000
units were sold, there were 45 incidents reported, including 15 reports of minor
burns.
Description: This recall involves GSW water heaters with S.I.T. model
650 AC4 gas/temperature controls. The temperature control knobs on GSW propane
water heaters are red and the control knobs on GSW natural gas water heaters
are blue. The controls can be found on GSW Water Heaters with serial numbers
ranging from 0202694162 to 0304507825.
Sold at: Regional appliance distributors from February 2002 through
April 2003 for between $150 and $550.
Manufactured in: The gas temperature controls were manufactured in
Mexico. The water heaters were manufactured in Canada.
Remedy: When installing a GSW water heater with a SIT AC4 gas control
valve in the identified group, or re-lighting the pilot light, the following
instructions must be complied with:
Make
sure that the water heater contains cool water prior to lighting the pilot by
opening a hot water faucet near your water heater and allowing the water to run
for five minutes. Close the faucet.
Turn
the gas/temperature control knob clockwise to the maximum (VERY HOT) setting,
and then slowly turn the knob back counterclockwise to the PILOT position,
indicated by the yellow button. Listen for the main valve to close- this would
be a popping or snapping sound. This sound is different from the clicking sound
that the knob makes as you turn it.
If
you hear the popping sound then the valve is working properly. You should then
read and follow the "Installation and Operating Instructions". If you
do not hear the popping sound then do not attempt to light the pilot and
replace the valve.
If
the unit has been stored or is being installed in a cold environment and the
main valve does not close before the knob is turned back to the PILOT position,
the gas control valve must be warmed up to a temperature above 32 degrees F or
0 degrees C. Once warmed up, repeat the procedure above. If the gas control
valve does not close (popping sound), replace the valve. If the water is too
hot or if the temperature and pressure valve opens, turn down the temperature
using the temperature control. If the water remains too hot or the temperature
and pressure relief valve continues to open, then replace the valve.
Consumer
Contact:
Call GSW toll-free at (800) 263-3502 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday
through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at http://www.gsw-wh.com/cpsc1.html
- Consumers can also contact S.I.T. Controls USA Inc. at (704) 369-2810 between
8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Media Contact: Steve Ilott for GSW at (519) 787-5505 or Jim Kupsh for
S.I.T. at (704) 369-2807.