Recall Radar

Simpson Dura-Vent Recalls Fireplace Dampers Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard

Recall 10-176 · March 23, 2010 · Simpson Dura-Vent

What to doConsumers should ensure that their damper is in the open position when the fireplace is in use. Consumers or distributors with defective fireplace dampers should contact Dura-Vent to schedule a free repair. The remaining unlocated recalled dampers were distributed in Washington, California, and Colorado. Consumers and distributors whose dampers were previously inspected and repaired do not need to schedule an additional inspection.

Read the official CPSC notice

Recall at a glance

Recall number
10-176 (CPSC)
Recall date
March 23, 2010
Brand
Simpson Dura-Vent
Category
Heaters, fans and air conditioners
Products
DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper and DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper
Hazard
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard
Hazard type
Poisoning and toxic substances
Units
About 500
Made in
United States
Last updated by CPSC
May 23, 2014

What was recalled

This recall involves DuraTech Anchor Plates with Dampers and DuraChimney II Anchor Plates with Dampers. The products are intended for use as a starter section for chimneys in fireplace applications. The dampers allow the chimney to be closed when the fireplace is not in use. Each damper is a short sheet metal vent pipe fitted with a circular damper plate within the vent pipe, and attached to a square anchor plate. The damper plate rotates around an axis rod to control the flow of air through the vent pipe. The damper plates have a weight attached to one side, and a chain attached to the other side. When installed in a fireplace application, the square anchor plate is generally not visible. The DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper was manufactured in five sizes, as follows: Dura-Vent Product Description Dura-Vent Product Number 10" diameter DuraTech Damper 99142 12" diameter DuraTech Damper 99242 14" diameter DuraTech Damper 99342 16" diameter DuraTech Damper 99442 18" diameter DuraTech Damper 99542 The DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper was manufactured in four sizes, as follows: Dura-Vent Product Description Dura-Vent Product Number 10" diameter DuraChimney Damper 10DCA-APD 12" diameter DuraChimney Damper 12DCA-APD 14" diameter DuraChimney Damper 14DCA-APD 16" diameter DuraChimney Damper 16DCA-APD

Is my product affected?

Compare your product with the details below, including model numbers where listed.

  • DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper and DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper · About 500 units

Photos from the recall notice

Recalled Anchor Plate with Damper in closed and open positions
Recalled Anchor Plate with Damper in closed and open positions
Recalled Anchor Plate with Damper in closed position
Recalled Anchor Plate with Damper in closed position
Recalled Anchor Plate with Damper in open position
Recalled Anchor Plate with Damper in open position

Where it was sold

Companies named in the notice: Dura-Vent distributors to fireplace/chimney contractors and by installers to home builders nationwide from January 2007 through May 2008 for between $100 to $150, depending on the model and size.; Simpson Dura-Vent Company Inc., of Vacaville, Calif..

Consumer contact

For additional information, consumers can contact Simpson Dura-Vent at (866) 860-7908 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.duravent.com

Recall history and context

Since 2019 CPSC has recorded 75 recalls in the heaters, fans and air conditioners category, 17 recalls of them in the past 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

What was recalled?

DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper and DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper (About 500 units). This recall involves DuraTech Anchor Plates with Dampers and DuraChimney II Anchor Plates with Dampers.

Why was it recalled?

CPSC lists the reason as: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard.

What should I do if I own one?

Consumers should ensure that their damper is in the open position when the fireplace is in use. Consumers or distributors with defective fireplace dampers should contact Dura-Vent to schedule a free repair. The remaining unlocated recalled dampers were distributed in Washington, California, and Colorado. Consumers and distributors whose dampers were previously inspected and repaired do not need to schedule an…

Similar recalls in heaters, fans and air conditioners

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall data, shown as published and last updated by CPSC on May 23, 2014. Details can change; the official notice is the authority. If your product may be recalled, stop and read the notice before deciding what to do. Terms and disclaimer.