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  • Is there a new recall on this product as of August 3, 2023?
    No, this is a re-announcement of the voluntary recall first communicated through CPSC and Health Canada press releases on June 22, 2023. The timing of the re-announcement coincides with the typical “clean and check” servicing schedule for the Steam Humidifier.
  • Is this a recall?
    Yes, this is a voluntary recall. Our priority is customer safety. Research Products Corporation has determined a specific type of electrode wire with a “D” shaped connector used in Steam Humidifiers produced from June 2010 – January 2015 may loosen causing arcing and/or overheating at the interface of the connector and canister, posing a fire hazard. Research Products Corporation voluntarily notified and is working with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission and Health Canada on this issue.
  • Exactly what is being recalled?
    Steam Humidifier electrode wires with a “D” shaped connector are being recalled.
  • The recall mentions a fire hazard. Does replacing the “D” shaped electrode wire connectors eliminate the fire hazard?
    Research Products Corporation has developed an electrode wire with an “O” shaped connector that eliminates the risk of fire. The wire repair kit contains two “O” shaped connector electrode wires. In addition, following the maintenance instructions will ensure the product continues to operate safely and to its designed specifications.
  • How many Steam Humidifier units are affected?
    Approximately 36,200 affected units were installed in the U.S. and 3,800 were installed in Canada.
  • Are other products affected?
    No other products are affected.
  • How many incidents have occurred?
    Research Products has received 103 reports of the recalled humidifiers overheating, including 10 incidents resulting in smoke or residential fires.
  • Is this a different issue than the safety notice issued in 2022?
    No, We anticipate this proactive approach will help us reach our goal of changing out “D” shaped wires by engaging more homeowners and contractors than we reached with the safety notice.
  • When will wire repair kits begin shipping?
    June 26, 2023.
  • What is the difference between a “D” shaped connector and an “O” shaped connector and which connectors have an issue?
    The electrode wires are powered from a connection on the panel and are connected to a post on the canister. At the end of the wire there is a rubber insulation boot surrounding the metal connection that comes in contact with the canister post. The design of that metal connection is either in the shape of a “D” or an “O”. The “D” shaped design is recalled, and the “O” shaped connector is the current design and has been used in units produced since January 2015.
  • Does annual maintenance include the electrode wires?
    Yes, maintenance of the Steam Humidifier includes checking the electrode wires annually and replacing the electrode wires if the connections are loose, damaged, or have been in service for 3 or more years. Following the maintenance procedures will ensure the Steam Humidifier operates safely and to its designed specifications.
  • Are the “O” shaped electrode wire connector parts covered under the warranty?
    No. Replacement of electrode wires are considered regular maintenance of the Steam Humidifier. Regular maintenance parts are not covered under warranty.
  • How long does it take to install the wire repair kit?
    Replacing the two electrode wires and canister typically takes 15 – 20 minutes.
  • The canister looks different. Did something change?
    Yes, through continuous improvement efforts we have made improvements to the canister material. All canisters utilize a new plastic material that contains self-extinguishing additives meeting UL standard 94 achieving V2 rating.
  • What is the risk of ignoring the recall and not installing the wire repair kit?
    The recall should not be ignored and the wire repair kit should be installed before power is restored to the Steam Humidifier. Research Products Corporation has recalled electrode wires with a “D” shaped connector because they may loosen causing arcing and/or overheating at the interface of the connector and canister, posing a fire hazard.
  • Can I use my Steam Humidifier if I have “D” shaped connectors until I get the repair kit installed?
    No, follow the instructions to turn off the unit at RPCRecall.com/SteamHumidifier, and keep the Steam Humidifier turned off until the repair kit is installed.
  • How can I determine if my Steam Humidifier is affected by this recall?
    Go to RPCRecall.com/SteamHumidifier and follow the instructions to Identify if you have a recalled “D” shaped connector. Call 1.888.742.2401 (M-F 8 AM – 5 PM EST) for additional assistance.
  • How do I order a wire repair kit?
    Go to RPCRecall.com/SteamHumidifier and follow the instructions or call 1.888.742.2401 (M-F 8 AM – 5 PM EST) to request a wire repair kit.
  • If you received a wire repair kit but can’t get a service appointment with an HVAC contractor right away, is it safe to turn on/run your steam humidifier?
    No, until the repair kit is installed, keep the Steam Humidifier turned off. You may request that RPC assist with locating a qualified contractor to install the replacement wire installation. In no case will consumers be required to pay the contractor for replacement wire installation, RPC will pay all contractor costs associated with such installation.
  • I have more than one Steam Humidifier in my home. Can I order more than one repair kit?
    Yes, if you have more than one unit, call 1.888.742.2401 (M-F 8 AM – 5 PM EST) to request the number of repair kits for the number of units you have in your home.
  • How are kits being shipped?
    Wire repair kits are shipped by UPS, and in some cases USPS Priority mail.
  • How long should I expect shipping to take for my wire repair kit?
    Allow approximately two to three weeks for shipping from your order confirmation.
  • What should I do if I receive confirmation that I requested a kit but it has not arrived?
    Three weeks after receiving confirmation of your wire repair kit request, call 1.888.742.2401 (M-F 8 AM – 5 PM EST) to get the status of your shipment.
  • What should I do if my wire repair kit arrives damaged?
    Call 1.888.742.2401 (M-F 8 AM – 5 PM EST) to request a replacement for a damaged kit.
  • Can homeowners return their steam humidifiers?
    The Steam Humidifier Safety Recall is specific to the electrode wires found in units produced from June 2010 – January 2015. The first step is for homeowners to go the RPCRecall.com/SteamHumidifier and walk through the steps to identify if they have “D” shaped connectors. If they do, they should keep their unit shut off, request a repair kit online, and schedule service with a professional contractor. Following service, the Steam Humidifier will operate safely and to its designed specifications.
  • Does the steam humidifier carry a warranty?
    Refer to the owner’s manual to review the warranty for your Steam Humidifier.
  • Will the Steam Humidifier cost more to maintain annually?
    No. Guidance to inspect the electrode wires annually and replace them every three years or sooner if they are loose or damaged, and to replace the canister annually remains unchanged. As a result, the cost to maintain remains the same.
  • How much will it cost me to get the wire repair kit installed?
    Nothing. Research Products will reimburse the professional contractor for the repair service at no cost to you. If you do not have a contractor, find one in your area using our online contractor list by brand, or call our customer service team at 1.888.742.2401 (M-F 8 AM – 5 PM EST) for assistance.
  • Do I have to install the wire repair kit myself?
    No. You may request installation of the connector wires by your choice of heating and cooling contractor, or you may request that RPC assist with locating a qualified contractor to install the replacement connector wires. Research Products will reimburse the contractor for the repair service. You can find a qualified contractor in your area using our online contractor list by brand, or call our customer service team at 1.888.742.2401 (M-F 8 AM – 5 PM EST) for assistance.
  • Can my regular heating & cooling contractor install the wire repair kit?
    Yes. Your contractor will be reimbursed for the service call per the Research Products Steam Humidifier Product Recall Service Reimbursement Program. BEFORE you confirm your appointment, ensure your contractor is familiar with the Program. Recommend the contractor go to RPCRecall.com/SteamHumidifier or call 1.888.742.2401 for information and instructions.
  • Can a homeowner install the wire repair kit?
    We recommend you contact a professional heating and cooling contractor to install the repair kit at no charge to you.
  • Is the homeowner incentive program for the safety notice still available?
    No, that program was discontinued and replaced with a more convenient program for homeowners. Research Products will pay to have the repair kit installed at no charge to you. Your contractor will be reimbursed for the service call per the Research Products Steam Humidifier Product Recall Service Reimbursement Program.
  • Last fall we had the wires updated in our Steam Humidifier after receiving a safety notice. Now we hear there is a repair kit containing a free canister. Can you send me a canister?
    Thank you for updating your electrode wires to “O” shaped connectors. The safety notice program provided a US$200 incentive to homeowners rather than a complimentary canister. That program was replaced by the Steam Humidifier Safety Recall Repair Kit.
  • I don’t have “D” shaped connectors or the new canister mentioned. Do I need a new canister? Was the canister recalled too?
    No. The canister is not recalled. Look for the new canister to phase into to your area over time.
  • What if my contractor invoices me for the wire repair service?
    Before you pay the invoice, ask the contractor to go to RPCRecall.com/SteamHumidifier or call 1.888.742.2401 for information and instructions on how to request payment from Research Products.
  • What if my contractor isn’t familiar with the service reimbursement program?
    You may request that RPC assist with locating a qualified contractor to install the replacement connector wires.
  • If a contractor calls in with “D” shaped connectors and wants to replace them, what should they do?
    For a FREE swap out of “D” shaped connector electrode wires with “O” shaped connector electrode wires, contractors should go to RPCRecall.com/SteamHumidifier.
  • If contractors installed Steam Humidifiers from 2010 – 2015, should they request a kit for those addresses?
    No. We believe the fastest and most complete manner in which to conduct this recall is to notify and ship repair kits to homeowners directly. We are asking contractors to review their installation records and send Research Products an Excel file containing location information on units installed through 2015 to RPCRecallHomeowners@researchproducts.com. Contractors are encouraged to recommend homeowners with affected units request a repair kit and let them know the service repair will be at no cost to them.
  • Are you recommending homeowners install the wire repair kit themselves?
    No. We recommend homeowners contact their professional heating and cooling contractor to schedule an appointment.
  • I am not comfortable sharing my customer list with anyone.
    Your customer list will not be compromised. It will not be sold, shared, or used for any purpose other than this recall. Instruct the distributor to field scrap any unsold inventory of electrode wires with the “D” style connectors and file a product replacement claim.
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