Trane Recalls Air Conditioners after Incidents of Units Smoking

PTEE and PTHE Series Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTACs)

Date of Recall

2006-11-30

CPSC Release Number

07-508

Manufactured In

China

Units

About 10,580

Manufacturer

Qingdao Haier Air Conditioner, of Qingdao, China.

Sold By

Trane distributors sold the recalled units to commercial customers for use in locations such as hotels and office buildings from May 2006 to July 2006.

Problem/Hazard

The heating element on these commercially installed units can become displaced and, if it contacts metal, could short circuit. If the electric heater on one of those units short-circuits, wiring problems on 265 volt models could allow the unit to remain energized while the unit’s fan is turned off, causing it to overheat and smoke.

Injuries/Incidents

Individuals installing units observed smoking and smelled a burning odor in three units during installation testing procedures. No injuries have been reported.

Description

The recall includes 208, 230 and 265 volt models of the Trane PTEE and PTHE Series Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTACs). They were manufactured from about March 2006 through July 2006. The date code is F06C through F06G, and is written on the unit’s Manufacturer’s Data Plate located behind the molded plastic cover above the power connection.

PTEE0701UAA	PTEE1501UAA	PTHE0902UAA
PTEE0702UAA	PTEE1502UAA	PTHE1201UAA
PTEE0901UAA	PTHE0701UAA	PTHE1202UAA
PTEE0902UAA	PTHE0702UAA	PTHE1501UAA
PTEE1201UAA	PTHE0901UAA	PTHE1502UAA
PTEE1202UAA

Remedy

The power connectors are being rewired or replaced, and the heaters will be visually inspected and replaced as necessary in the 265 volt models. Although there have been no incidents with the 208 volt and 230 volt models, Trane is still inspecting these units as a precaution. Trane has contacted the affected customers directly.

Consumer Contact

For more information, contact Trane at (800)235-2152 or at (931) 648-5047, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or write an email to [email protected]

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