Recall Notice – Simpson Dura-Vent Dampers
This recall notice was released on March 23, 2010
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Simpson Dura-Vent Company Inc., of Vacaville, CA announced a voluntary recall of the DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper and DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper. Consumers should stop using these products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Although there have been no incidents or injuries reported, the indicated hazard is that When the consumer attempts to open or close the damper, it can become stuck in its current position. In addition, some of the dampers were assembled backwards and are set to the closed position when the consumer attempts to open the damper. Both pose risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to the consumer.
This recall involves DuraTech Anchor Plates with Dampers and DuraChimney II Anchor Plates with Dampers. The products are intended for use as a starter section for chimneys in fireplace applications. The dampers allow the chimney to be closed when the fireplace is not in use.
Each damper is a short sheet metal vent pipe fitted with a circular damper plate within the vent pipe, and attached to a square anchor plate. The damper plate rotates around an axis rod to control the flow of air through the vent pipe. The damper plates have a weight attached to one side, and a chain attached to the other side. When installed in a fireplace application, the square anchor plate is generally not visible.
The DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper was manufactured in five sizes, as follows:
Product Description Product Number
10″ diameter DuraTech Damper 99142
12″ diameter DuraTech Damper 99242
14″ diameter DuraTech Damper 99342
16″ diameter DuraTech Damper 99442
18″ diameter DuraTech Damper 99542
The DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper was manufactured in four sizes, as follows:
Product Description Product Number
10″ diameter DuraChimney Damper 10DCA-APD
12″ diameter DuraChimney Damper 12DCA-APD
14″ diameter DuraChimney Damper 14DCA-APD
16″ diameter DuraChimney Damper 16DCA-APD
Sold from January 2007 through May 2008 for between $100 to $150, depending on the model and size.
Consumers should ensure that their damper is in the open position when the fireplace is in use. Consumers or distributors with defective fireplace dampers should contact Dura-Vent to schedule a free repair. The remaining unrepaired recalled dampers were distributed in Washington and California. Consumers and distributors whose dampers were previously inspected and repaired do not need to schedule an additional inspection.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers can contact Simpson Dura-Vent at (866) 860-7908 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.duravent.com