CPSCGeneral Alert

Portable Water Heaters Recalled

Publicado: 18 de octubre de 1978ID de Retiro: 78085Categoría: Productos de ConsumoPaís: Estados Unidos
US
Safety AlertCPSCUSUS

Portable Water Heaters Recalled

Recalling Firm: Rhinehart

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Motivo del Retiro / Peligro

Electrocution/Electric Shock

Descripción del Producto e Identificación

October 18, 1978 Release # 78-085 Portable Water Heaters Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 18) -- Rhinehart Manufacturing Co., Spencerville, Ind., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today warned consumers about a possible serious shock hazard stemming from its "Miti-Mite" portable, immersible electric water heater. About 15,000 to 25,000 heaters have been sold since production began 15 years ago. The heaters are primarily used to heat small quantities of water in rural areas without hot water facilities. The heater is to be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. It consists of an exposed, resistive heating element contained inside a disc-shaped, perforated, aluminum case. This perforated case allows water to flow inside and directly into contact with the heating element, presenting a dangerous shock hazard if the appliance is "on" and immersed in water. To date, CPSC knows of no injuries involving the Rhinehart heaters. The heater does not bear a model number, but can be identified by the label "Miti-Mite" embossed on top. The heaters are sold in outlets such as hardware stores. They presently sell for about $4-$5 and distribution may be nationwide. An unknown number are currently in consumers' hands. Consumers are warned they may be electrocuted if they touch the water container or the water itself while the heater is "on" and immersed in water. Consumers should immediately stop using these heaters and return them for a refund to: Rhinehart Manufacturing Co., Spencerville, Ind. 47688 (telephone: 219/238-4442). Rhinehart no longer manufactures or repairs the "Miti-Mite" heaters

Productos Afectados

Miti-Mite portable immersible electric water heaters

Additional Source Details

FieldValue
U R Lhttps://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/1978/Portable-Water-Heaters-Recalled
TitlePortable Water Heaters Recalled
Hazards › NameElectrocution/Electric Shock
Products › NameMiti-Mite portable immersible electric water heaters
Products › TypeElectric Water Heaters
Products › Category I D1926
Recall I D3949
Recall Date1978-10-18T00:00:00
DescriptionOctober 18, 1978 Release # 78-085 Portable Water Heaters Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 18) -- Rhinehart Manufacturing Co., Spencerville, Ind., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today warned consumers about a possible serious shock hazard stemming from its "Miti-Mite" portable, immersible electric water heater. About 15,000 to 25,000 heaters have been sold since production began 15 years ago. The heaters are primarily used to heat small quantities of water in rural areas without hot water facilities. The heater is to be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. It consists of an exposed, resistive heating element contained inside a disc-shaped, perforated, aluminum case. This perforated case allows water to flow inside and directly into contact with the heating element, presenting a dangerous shock hazard if the appliance is "on" and immersed in water. To date, CPSC knows of no injuries involving the Rhinehart heaters. The heater does not bear a model number, but can be identified by the label "Miti-Mite" embossed on top. The heaters are sold in outlets such as hardware stores. They presently sell for about $4-$5 and distribution may be nationwide. An unknown number are currently in consumers' hands. Consumers are warned they may be electrocuted if they touch the water container or the water itself while the heater is "on" and immersed in water. Consumers should immediately stop using these heaters and return them for a refund to: Rhinehart Manufacturing Co., Spencerville, Ind. 47688 (telephone: 219/238-4442). Rhinehart no longer manufactures or repairs the "Miti-Mite" heaters
Recall Number78085
Manufacturers › NameRhinehart
Last Publish Date2014-12-17T00:00:00

Consumer Action Protocol: What You Should Do Immediately

Safety Steps
1Verify Product Identifiers

Check the model number, serial number, and date stamp on the rating label on the back or underside of the product.

2Isolate & Discontinue Use

Immediately discontinue using the product. Unplug electrical items and keep juvenile items out of reach of children.

3Claim Free Statutory Remedy

Under statutory consumer protection rules, consumers are entitled to a full refund, certified replacement, or free repair kit without needing the original sales receipt.

4Report Adverse Incidents

If you suffered an injury, illness, or property damage from this product, file an official incident report with regulatory authorities (CPSC).

Your Legal Rights as a Consumer

Recalls are legally binding corrective safety actions overseen by statutory government bodies. Recalling entities are legally prohibited from charging consumers for official safety remedies. If a retailer or dealership refuses your recall remedy, notify the issuing regulatory agency immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recall

FAQ Guide

Q1:What should I do immediately if I own or bought Portable Water Heaters Recalled?

Immediately stop using the product and keep it out of reach of children. Disconnect power if electrical, and do not attempt makeshift home repairs.

Q2:Can I get a full refund or free repair for this recall?

Yes. Recalling manufacturers and retail merchants are required under consumer protection regulations to offer a statutory remedy—typically a full refund, certified repair kit, or replacement unit.

Q3:Do I need my original sales receipt to claim a remedy or refund?

In most recall cases, no receipt is required. Because safety recalls are matters of public health and statutory compliance, retailers and manufacturers routinely issue refunds, store credit, or replacement kits upon presentation of the affected product or lot code.

Q4:Where can I verify official information for this safety alert?

This safety alert is aggregated directly from official regulatory agency records (CPSC). You can click the 'Official Agency Alert' link on this page to view the primary government notice and contact the manufacturer directly.

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Resumen

  • Empresa ResponsableRhinehart
Recall Hazard Severity
Caution (Class III)
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