U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kate Primo
February 15, 1996
(301) 504-7046
Release # 96-069
CPSC And Berko Announce Baseboard Heater Repair Program
Berko Baseboard Heaters
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC), Berko Electric of
Peru, Ind., is announcing the voluntary repair or replacement of approximately 1.5 million baseboard heaters. Wires
inside the heaters may deteriorate, allowing electrical currents to flow to the outside steel air deflector cover. Arcing, or
sparking, may occur, burning holes in the cover. As a result, a potential fire hazard exists. In addition, if the heaters are
not properly grounded, an electrical shock could exist.
Berko, a division of Marley Electric Heating, has received some 200 complaints of deteriorated wires and burned
heater covers. To date, only minor property damage has been reported.
This repair program affects only Berko heaters sold between January 1980 and March 1987 with model numbers that
begin with "MBB," followed by four numbers, and ending in "M" (for example, "MBB2-524-M").
The tan-colored baseboard heaters are permanently installed units measuring two feet (500 watt) to ten feet (2500
watt) in length. The silver Berko identification label, which includes the model number, is located inside the heater
on the right side, just below the steel air deflector. The black date code is printed directly on the heater, just to
the right of the identifying label (for example, "FEB 22 85")
To prevent a fire or electric shock, all of the potentially defective heaters should be repaired or replaced.
Consumers who own Berko MBB...M series baseboard heaters should check for discoloration on the steel air
deflector cover of the heater. If the cover is discolored, heaters should be disconnected immediately until repaired.
Berko will either provide new wire to repair the heaters or provide a su