Champion Portable Generators Sold By Costco Recalled

Portable generators are being put to use in New York and New Jersey by those who lost power because of Hurricane Sandy. But I hope no one had bought any of these.

On Friday the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a voluntary recall of about 8,600 portable generators made by Champion Power Equipment, based in Santa Fe Springs, Calif. They pose a potential fire hazard, and were sold exclusively at Costco.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13026.html

The potential problem is fuel leaking from the generator’s carburetor, posing a fire hazard, according to the CPSC.

“There have been 11 reports of fuel leaking from the generators, including eight reports of the generators catching fire and two of property damage,” the CPSC said.

Big-box retailer Costco sold the generators at its stores nationwide from December last year through this July for $700.

The recall involves two models of Champion Power Equipment portable generators, with both having a black frame with black and yellow control panels, a bar handle and two wheels.

Model No. 41332 has an open frame. The words “Champion Power Equipment” are on the control panel and “8250 starting watts” and “6500 running watts” are on the side of the fuel tank.

Model No. 41532 has side panels that cover the long sides of the fuel tank. The words “Champion Power Equipment” are on the side panel above the control panel, and “9000 starting watts” and “7000 running watts” are on the control panel.

The model number and serial number are located on the side of the generator with the handle, on a tag on the crossbar above the yellow generator end cap.

Consumers should stop using the recalled generators, which were manufactured in China, immediately and contact Champion Power Equipment for a free repair kit to be installed by an authorized dealer. The consumer may also return the unit to Costco for a full refund.