Sharp recalls 373,000 televisions over fire concerns

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Sharp Electronics Corp. is recalling about 373,000 televisions after receiving reports that they pose a fire hazard. <br/><br/>The Mahwah, N.J., company is not aware of any injuries resulting

Thursday, April 21st 2005, 3:05 pm

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Sharp Electronics Corp. is recalling about 373,000 televisions after receiving reports that they pose a fire hazard.

The Mahwah, N.J., company is not aware of any injuries resulting from 23 reported television fires, but it has received reports of property damage, including one case that caused more than $20,000 in damage, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

The power buttons on the televisions can be pried off and the sets can ignite if something such as a crayon, straw or metal object is put in the hole.

The recall affects the following Sharp 27-inch conventional tube television models: 27RS50, 27RS100 and CSR5027. The televisions were made in Mexico.

Electronics retailers, department stores and mass merchandisers sold the televisions nationwide from March 2001 through February 2005 for about $250.

Consumers are advised to unplug the televisions. Free repairs are available by contacting the company through its Web site www.sharpusa.com/tv or by calling 800-291-4289.