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There's a huge demand for portable power generators in the aftermath and clean-up from Hurricane Sandy. However 8,600 Champion-branded portable generators, sold exclusively at Costco, pose a fire hazard and are being recalled, warns the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The carburetors of the Champion portable generator may leak fuel and catch fire, warns the CPSC. And of the 11 incident reports of leaky Champion Power Equipment generators, eight of those involved fires from the faulty generators. In two of those cases, the generator fires caused additional property damage.
While power from emergency generators can be a comfort or even a necessity after a disaster such as Sandy, safety experts remind consumers of important power generator safety tips, which include the warning to never use portable generators indoors. To avoid a subpar emergency generator, consult Consumer Reports free online generator buying guide. (Other health and safety tips can be found on Consumer Reports coverage of disaster recovery.)
Consumers are urged by the CPSC to immediately stop using the following models of portable power generators from Champion Power Equipment:
| Model Number | Serial Number Ranges |
|---|
| 41332 | 11NOV2600701 to 11NOV2601500 |
| 41532 | 11NOV1400151 to 11NOV1400360 |
| 11DEC0700001 to 11DEC0700720 |
| 11DEC1301077 to 11DEC1402602 |
| 11DEC2201801 to 11DEC2203600 |
| 11DEC2501531 to 11DEC2503330 |
| 11DEC2801073 to 11DEC2801325 |
Consumers may return the defective Champion generators to Costco for a full refund or contact Champion (toll-free: 855-236-9424 email: support 'at' cpeauto.com) for a free repair kit, which must be installed by a Champion Power Equipment Dealer.
Sources:
Portable Generators Recalled by Champion Power Equipment Due to Fire Hazard [CPSC]
Important Portable Generator Recall Notice [Champion Power Equipment]
