About 64,000 portable generators recalled due to burn hazard: NPR

Generac Power Systems announced the recall of approximately 64,000 portable generators that may malfunction and injure users. At least three serious burns were reported.

“The fuel tank on recalled generators may not vent properly from the check valve, causing excess pressure to build up in the gas tank and expel fuel when opened, causing which poses fire and burn hazards,” the company said in a press release.

The recall includes portable generator types GP15000E and GP17500E with different model numbers which can be found on the Generac website. The unit type and model number are printed on the generator.

The Wisconsin-based manufacturer is urging consumers to immediately stop using affected generators and contact the company for a free repair kit, which may take six to eight weeks to arrive.

Generac said it has received reports of at least 27 incidents of recalled generators “overheating and pressurizing or expelling fuel when opened.”

Three of these incidents caused serious burns to people.

The affected products were sold online and in person at home improvement and hardware stores from April 2011 to June 2023 and cost between $3,300 and $3,650, Generac said.

The recall was issued in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

In May, the CPSC announced that Generac agreed to pay a $15.8 million civil penalty for failing to immediately report to the agency that 32 of its portable generator models had a defect that could overwrite or damage partially amputate users’ fingers.

Sales of portable and permanent generators have surged in recent years, in part due to concerns about the power grid, climate change and even COVID.

But experts say it is crucial to operate generators safely – such as not using the machines indoors or in partially enclosed areas – to avoid the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.