Company recalls electronic air cleaners due to fire hazard

Monday, January 24th 2005, 1:14 pm

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ A Madison, Wis., company is recalling about 67,000 electronic air cleaners because the plastic inner housing and filter are not flame-resistant, posing the risk of fire if electrical arcing occurs in the device, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Monday.

Research Products, Corp. has received six reports of fires but no injuries were reported, the CPSC said.

The recall involves all Aprilaire Model 5000 Electronic Air Cleaners. The air cleaners are almond colored, and located near the heating and cooling equipment. An identification label on the access door reads ``Aprilaire Model 5000.''

The air cleaners, made in the United States, were sold at independent heating, ventilation and air conditioning dealers nationwide from June 2000 through December 2004 for about $800, installed.

Consumers should immediately turn off the unit or unplug it. Consumers also should contact Research Products Corp. at 888-742-2401 between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. CST Monday through Friday and between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. CST on Saturday to receive a free repair kit containing the flame-retardant inner housing and filter.