Rheem electric water heaters recalled over fire hazard

Recall date

May 26, 2016

Source

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Official notice title

Rheem Recalls to Repair Water Heaters Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Sold Exclusively at Home Depot

Recall number

16177

Brand / firm

Rheem Sales Company Inc., of Montgomery, Ala.

Sold / distributed

The Home Depot stores nationwide and online from January 2014 through April 2016 for between $450 and $720.

Why it was recalled

The control panel on the water heaters can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.

What was recalled

This recall involves Rheem brand "Performance Platinum" electric water heaters in 40, 50 and 80 gallon capacities. The recalled water heaters are gray and have the "Performance Platinum" Rheem logo decal on the front above the thermostat control panel. The water heaters have a rating plate near the bottom of the unit with the model number, date of manufacture and serial number. Recalled water heaters have the following model number and have a serial number within the following ranges: Model Number Serial Number Ranges Date Code XE40M12EC55U0 A0114XXXXX to A5214XXXXX M0114XXXXX to M5214XXXXX Q0114XXXXX to Q5214XXXXX A0515XXXXX A1015XXXXX to A1615XXXXX 01Jan2014 - 21Dec2014 30Jan2015 03Mar2015 - 13Apr2015 XE50M12EC55U0 A0114XXXXX to A5214XXXXX M0114XXXXX to M5214XXXXX Q0114XXXXX to Q5214XXXXX A0515XXXXX A1015XXXXX to A1615XXXXX 01Jan2014 - 21Dec2014 30Jan2015 03Mar2015 - 13Apr2015 XE50T12EC55U0 A0114XXXXX to A5214XXXXX M0114XXXXX to M5214XXXXX Q0114XXXXX to Q5214XXXXX 1Jan2014 - 21Dec2014 XE80T12EC55U0 A0114XXXXX to A5214XXXXX M0114XXXXX to M5214XXXXX Q0114XXXXX to Q5214XXXXX 1Jan2014 - 21Dec2014

What to do

Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters. Consumers should contact Rheem to request a free repair by a Rheem field technician.. Follow the official notice for full instructions.