The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Honeywell International (Morris Township, N.J.), announced a voluntary recall of about 77,000 electric baseboard and fan heater thermostats. The thermostats can overheat, causing them to melt and smoke. This poses a burn hazard to the consumer. Honeywell has received 16 reports of thermostats melting, but there have been no reports of injuries.

The recalled thermostats are rectangular, white, programmable thermostats used to control electric baseboard and fan heaters. “Honeywell” or “Cadet” is printed on the front of the thermostats that come in various sizes. The model number and four-digit date code are printed on a label inside the front cover of the thermostat. The model numbers listed below are included in this recall; only models with date codes beginning with 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 or 06 are included:

• Honeywell, Model No. CT1950A1003


• Honeywell, Model No. CT1950B1002


• Honeywell, Model No. CT1957A1008


• CADET, Model No. T4700B1030


• CADET, Model No. T4700A1040


• Honeywell, Model No. T4700B1014


• Honeywell, Model No. T4700A1016

Thermostats were sold in home improvement stores, HVAC and electrical stores, and through contractors from January 2000 to December 2007 for between $80 and $300.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled thermostats by setting the thermostats to 45 degrees or turning them off. Only models with a “B” in the model number have an off switch. Consumers should contact Honeywell for a free replacement installed by Honeywell.

For additional information, contact Honeywell at 888/235-7363 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT., Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.yourhome.honeywell.com/T4700. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

To see pictures of the recalled products, go to www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11289.html.