Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported October 8, 2002
CPSC, Thrifty Paper Co. Announce Recall of Electric Fans
These electric fans have undersized wiring, use a power plug that is not polarized, overheat and have an improperly sized grill, all of which could cause electrocution, electric s…
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Thrifty Paper Co. Inc., of Hempstead, Ny recalled The recalled electric fans, which have the brand name "Top Choice" printed on the fan bla… - a moderate-severity action.
CPSC, Thrifty Paper Co. Announce Recall of Electric Fans was recalled by Thrifty Paper Co. Inc., of Hempstead, Ny in October 8, 2002. Reason: These electric fans have undersized wiring, use a power plug that is not polarized, overheat and have an impr…. Remedy: Consumers should stop using these electric fans immediately and return them to the store …. Verify recall #03005 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Thrifty Paper Co. Inc., of Hempstead, Ny issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-These electric fans have undersized wiring, use a power plug that is not polarized, overheat and have an impr….
- Moderate
- severity level
- October 8, 2002
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #03005 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #03005) was formally reported on October 8, 2002. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Thrifty Paper Co. Inc., of Hempstead, Ny is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 26,000.
The documented reason for this recall is: These electric fans have undersized wiring, use a power plug that is not polarized, overheat and have an improperly sized grill, all of which could cause electrocution, electric shock, fire, and finger entrapment hazard… Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should stop using these electric fans immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. Consumers can also return the fans to the firm for a full refund, by mailin… - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Household Products recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 3,056 household products recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
About 26,000
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
The recalled electric fans, which have the brand name "Top Choice" printed on the fan blade cover, were sold under seven different model names: SF16BU(BE), SF16BK, DF16BU(BE), DF18, FL18, and BSD-18066. The model name can be found on the motor housing. The DF18 and FL18 models have a label that reads, "Hi Velocity Top Choice Air Circulator," which is also located on the fan blade cover. The three-speed, four-position fans are either floor-mounted or table-top units. The fans were manufactured in China.
Reason for recall
These electric fans have undersized wiring, use a power plug that is not polarized, overheat and have an improperly sized grill, all of which could cause electrocution, electric shock, fire, and finger entrapment hazards to consumers.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers should stop using these electric fans immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. Consumers can also return the fans to the firm for a full refund, by mailing the unit to: 110 West Graham Ave., Hempstead, N.Y., 11550.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 03005 |
| Date reported | October 8, 2002 |
| Date initiated | October 8, 2002 |
| Recalling firm | Thrifty Paper Co. Inc., of Hempstead, Ny |
| Affected scope | About 26,000 |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Consumers should stop using these electric fans immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. Consu…
- Check the recall number (03005) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
The recalled electric fans, which have the brand name "Top Choice" printed on the fan blade cover, were sold under seven different model names: SF16BU(BE), SF16BK, DF16BU(BE), DF18, FL18, and BSD-18066. The model name can be found on the motor housing. The DF18 and FL18 models have a label that reads, "Hi Velocity Top Choice Air Circulator," which is also located on the fan blade cover. The three-speed, four-position fans are either floor-mounted or table-top units. The fans were manufactured in China.. Recalled by Thrifty Paper Co. Inc., of Hempstead, Ny. Units affected: About 26,000.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
These electric fans have undersized wiring, use a power plug that is not polarized, overheat and have an improperly sized grill, all of which could cause electrocution, electric shock, fire, and finger entrapment hazards to consumers.
What should consumers do? ▼
Consumers should stop using these electric fans immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. Consumers can also return the fans to the firm for a full refund, by mailing the unit to: 110 West Graham Ave., Hempstead, N.Y., 11550.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on October 8, 2002. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 03005.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (03005) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.
Nearby Recalls in This Category
Other recalls in the same product category, useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.
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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported October 8, 2002. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.