FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM

Coby Electronics is recalling about 13,000 rechargeable batteries sold with portable DVD/CD.MP3 players. The rechargeable batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Coby Electronics has received four reports of batteries overheating, three of which resulted in minor property damage from a fire. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves batteries with serial numbers listed below sold with the TF-DVD 1020 portable DVD/CD/MP3 players. The battery’s serial number can be found on a white sticker affixed to it. The product looks like a small laptop computer and has a 10” swivel TV screen. “COBY” is written on the front cover and under the screen. “TF-DVD 1020” can be found on the bottom of the unit.

Recalled Batteries Serial Number Ranges:

DG240043D503000001-1006
DG240006D503000001-400
DG240039D603000001-3000
DG240111D603000001-2000
DG240143D602000001-3000
DG240106D602000001-2000
DG240106D702000001-2000
DG240183D942000001-100
DG240071DB02000001-1400
DG240115D702000001-1726
DG240115D702000001-2500

Discount, electronics, music, toy, office supply stores and distributors of electronic products sold the units nationwide. The TF-DVD 1020 units containing the recalled batteries were sold from May 2007 through July 2008 for about $168. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately stop using the “TV-DVD 1020” players with the recalled batteries and contact the firm to arrange for a free replacement battery. After removing the recalled batteries from the unit, consumers can continue to use it with the AC or DC power adapter.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Coby Electronics toll-free at (866) 945-2629 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.cobyusa.com/

LINK TO STORY:     http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls04/2008/coby_batteries.html

~Sandy G.

FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM

Hobbico Inc. is recalling about 11,000 batteries used in Electrifly radio-controlled helicopter kits.

The rechargeable battery can overheat and catch fire while charging, igniting nearby combustible materials. This poses a fire hazard to consumers.

Hobbico has received 28 reports of batteries overheating and/or melting, including 27 reports of flames and minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves the Electrifly lithium-polymer batteries (part #GPMP0401) sold individually or with the Heli-Max Axe CP-L radio-controlled helicopter kits. The kit includes a 23-inch long plastic helicopter, a battery, a radio transmitter, a balance charger, a car adapter, an AC wall adapter, decals that read “HMX”, “AXE” and “Heli-Max” and training gear. “Electrifly” and “GPMP0401” are printed on the battery.

The kits were sold at hobby stores nationwide and online from November 2007 through March 2008 for about $35. The helicopter kits were sold for $200. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled batteries and contact Hobbico for instructions on returning their battery for a free replacement battery.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Hobbico toll-free at (866) 462-2426 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the company’s recall Web sites at http://www.helimaxrc.com/ or http://www.electrifly.com/ to register for the recall.

PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE COMPLETE STORY:    http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls04/2008/electrifly.html 

~Sandy G.

FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM

The Goodman Company is recalling about 30,000 Amana and Energy Knight portable air conditioner/heat pump units because the power cord can overheat, causing a fire hazard.

Goodman has received nine reports of smoke or fire associated with the power cords. No injuries have been reported.

The recall includes 5.0 kW Amana-brand and Energy Knight-brand PTAC units with model numbers PTC-xxxx-50xx and EKT-xxxx-50x and serial numbers 0702112056 through 0804237539. The model and serial numbers are located on the control board plate found under the PTAC unit’s front cover.

The units were sold by Goodman and heating and cooling equipment dealers nationwide from February 2007 through June 2008 for between $700 and $1,000. They were made in the United States.

Consumers should contact Goodman to receive a free replacement power cord. Commercial and institutional owners will be contacted directly and will install the power cord.

For additional information, contact Goodman at (800) 366-0339 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.regcen.com/ptac.

PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE COMPLETE STORY:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls04/2008/amana_heat.html

~Sandy G.