More than one million Samsung electric ranges sold in the North American region have been recalled.
On the 8th (local time), according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Samsung has initiated a recall of 1.12 million units of 30 models of slide-in type electric ranges sold from May 2013 to recently.
The commission stated, "Since 2013, Samsung has received over 300 reports of the front handle being unintentionally activated by people or pets," adding, "These ranges have been linked to approximately 250 fire incidents, with at least 18 causing significant property damage."
Additionally, about 40 injuries have been reported, including 8 cases requiring medical treatment, and there have been 7 reports of fires resulting in pet deaths.
The commission urged users of the recalled models to contact Samsung to receive a free front handle lock or cover.
The commission explained that these electric range models were sold through major retailers such as Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's, as well as nationwide appliance stores and Samsung.com online mall.
The commission also warned that placing objects on top of the electric range could lead to fires if the range is accidentally activated, advising not to place items on the electric range.
A Samsung Electronics official said, "The issue with electric range handles in the U.S. is a common industry problem," and added, "This recall is Samsung, the number one home appliance brand in the U.S., voluntarily providing consumers with an additional safety device, the handle lock cover, first."
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, over the past 13 years, about 500 cases of electric range handles being activated due to careless operation or pets have been reported. Among these, about 20% involved Samsung products, while the remaining 80% were incidents involving other brands. The electric ranges involved in this issue were not sold in Korea.
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