During hurricane season, 64,000 generators recalled as fire hazard. Customers got burned
Generators should provide power after a hurricane knocks out electricity, not provide a reason for a hospital trip or start a fire. That’s why Generac recalled 64,000 portable generators on Thursday.
The problem, as stated in the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall alert: “The recalled generators’ fuel tank can fail to vent adequately from the rollover valve, causing the gas tank to build up excess pressure and expel fuel when opened, posing fire and burn hazards.”
The alert says Generac admits it has heard about the generators “overheating and pressurizing or expelling fuel when opened” 27 times. Three of those times turned into “severe burn injuries.”
A handle problem causing finger injuries caused Generac to recall generators in 2021 and a re-upping of the recall in 2022 after more injuries were reported.
READ MORE: Is your generator among the 325,000 recalled after fingers were amputated or crushed?
The current recall covers Generac Portable Generators under type GP15000E, model Nos. G0057341, G0057342, 005734R1, and 005734R2; and type GP17500E, model Nos. G0057351, G0057352, 005735R1, and 005735R2. The model number is on the heat shield between the engine and the alternator.
Generac isn’t offering refunds, but is offering a free repair kit. To receive that or to answer questions about the recall, call Generac at 888-391-0503, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern time.
