Chim-A-Lator fireplace and wood-burning stove air damper systems
Check against the official notice below — it lists the full affected range.
Chim-A-Lator Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota has announced a voluntary modification program for approximately 15,000 air damper systems for fireplaces and wood-burning stoves that have been manufactured since 1969. The dampers are designed as energy-saving devices to reduce heat loss, but excessively hot chimney temperatures can cause the air damper to close unexpectedly and force smoke or flames back into the room. Since 1977, the company has received one report of a minor burn injury from an accidental damper closure. According to the company, such heat build-up is primarily caused by overfueling fireplaces, burning dangerous materials, or failing to have the chimney cleaned.
To obtain the free modification device, affected consumers should write to Chim-A-Lator Company at 8824 Wentworth Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55420, or call 612/884-7274. The devices will be available after December 1, though consumers are encouraged to contact the company immediately. The company offers a device that consumers can install themselves to ensure the damper maintains adequate opening even in extreme temperatures.
Written by software from the official notice below. Not reviewed by a lawyer.
Burn - Not Fire-Related
Air Damper Systems Repaired by Chim-A-Lator NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 6, 1979 Release # 79-063 Repair Program Set For Energy Saving Device WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov.6)-- The Chim-A-Lator Company, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, has announced a voluntary program to modify approximately 15,000 air damper systems for fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. The announcement was made in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Excessively hot chimney temperatures could cause the air damper to close unexpectedly and force smoke or flames back into the room. According to the company, such a heat build-up is caused primarily by overfueling fireplaces, burning dangerous materials, or failing to have the chimney cleaned. Since 1977, the firm has received a report of one minor burn injury, which occurred when the damper closed accidentally. The damper systems, which have been manufactured since 1969, are marketed as energy-saving devices to reduce heat loss from air drawn up fireplace and stove chimneys when not in use. The company is offering a device, which consumers can install themselves, which will ensure that the damper maintains an adequate opening even in extreme temperatures. Consumers can obtain this free device by writing to the Chim- A-Lator Company, 8824 Wentworth Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55420, telephone: 612/884-7274. The devices will be available after December 1, but consumers should write to the company immediately.
Official record: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ↗
Republished from the official source above; details can change — the source record controls.