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Consumer product recall

John Wood recalls fifty-gallon propane fueled residential water heaters

Starting date:
September 11, 2014
Posting date:
September 11, 2014
Type of communication:
Consumer Product Recall
Subcategory:
Specialized Products
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Fire Hazard
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-41333

Affected products

John Wood fifty-gallon propane fueled residential water heaters

Product description

This recall involves approximately 85 John Wood fifty-gallon propane fueled residential water heaters identified by model number JW850S40P-AV1 301.  The affected water heaters were sold between August 2013 and February 2014.

The product is a grey, vertical, fifty-gallon, propane fueled, atmospherically vented water heater designed for residential use. Natural gas units are not affected. The units bear a large John Wood name and logo label at the top front of their metal jackets. Beneath the logo, there is a large, circular label with the words "FLAME GUARD" in large, red and blue lettering. Beneath that, there are several panels with warnings and instructions.

The serial number ranges for the potentially affected units are as follows:

  • 1332A012841 to 1332A012860,
  • 1333A024744,
  • 1334A007940 to 1334A007954,
  • 1338A013942 to 1338A013966,
  • 1338A028652 to 1338A028686.

The model number and serial number information can be found on the unit's rating plate, which is beneath the warning and instruction panels.  The rating plate sits just above, and slightly to the left of, the gas valve on the bottom front of the unit (see photos provided).

Hazard identified

The affected heaters may have been shipped with a small, undesigned gap between the combustion chamber floor and the manifold tube. This may prevent the unit's flame arrestor from operating as designed.  If this happens, there is an increased potential risk of a fire and/or explosion if flammable vapors are improperly used in the vicinity of the unit.

Health Canada, John Wood Water Heaters and A. O. Smith have not received any reports of consumer incidents or injuries related to the use of these propane fueled water heaters.

Number sold

Approximately 85 recalled units were sold in Canada.  As of September 1, 2014, 53 of these units have been remediated or replaced.

Time period sold

The recalled products were sold from August 2013 to February 2014.

Place of origin

Manufactured in the United States.

Companies

Distributor
John Wood Water Heaters
Fergus
Ontario
CANADA

Images (select thumbnail to enlarge - opens in a new window)


What you should do

Customers should check the rating plate on their unit(s) to determine if the model number reads JW850S40P-AV1 301. If this is the model number on their unit(s), they should then verify the serial number on the rating plate and compare it against the list of affected serial numbers listed in this notice.

If their unit is affected by this recall, customers may contact John Wood customer service by telephone at 1-888-479-8324 to schedule a repair, free of charge.

Please note that the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act prohibits recalled products from being redistributed, sold or even given away in Canada.

Health Canada would like to remind Canadians to report any health or safety incidents related to the use of this product or any other consumer product or cosmetic by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form.