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CPSC recall · Reported January 10, 2008

A.O. Smith Recalls Exhaust Fan Electric Motors Due to Fire Hazard

The fan's electric motor can be miswired and overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Recall #
08161
Affected scope
About 6,300
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
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A.o. Smith Electrical Products Co., of Tipp City, Ohio recalled The recalled electric motor is part of a residential whole-house exhaust fan that is typi… - a moderate-severity action.

A.O. Smith Recalls Exhaust Fan Electric Motors Due to Fire Hazard was recalled by A.o. Smith Electrical Products Co., of Tipp City, Ohio in January 10, 2008. Reason: The fan's electric motor can be miswired and overheat, posing a fire hazard.. Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled unit immediately and contact A.O. Smith to arran…. Verify recall #08161 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

A.o. Smith Electrical Products Co., of Tipp City, Ohio issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The fan's electric motor can be miswired and overheat, posing a fire hazard..

Moderate
severity level
January 10, 2008
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #08161 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This CPSC action (record #08161) was formally reported on January 10, 2008. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. A.o. Smith Electrical Products Co., of Tipp City, Ohio is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 6,300.

The documented reason for this recall is: The fan's electric motor can be miswired and overheat, posing a fire 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 the recalled unit immediately and contact A.O. Smith to arrange for a free inspection and repair of the motor. - 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.

Appliances recalls over time

Where this recall sits in its category - 419 appliances recalls on record

0102030405060 20052008201120142017202020232026 9
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

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.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

About 6,300

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Product description

The recalled electric motor is part of a residential whole-house exhaust fan that is typically mounted on the floor of an attic. The shutters of the fan are visible on the ceiling of the floor beneath the attic and must be opened and closed by the consumer. The motors were included with exhaust fans manufactured and distributed by Air Vent Inc. and Triangle Engineering of Arkansas Inc. "A.O. Smith," the model number, and the service date code are printed on the rating plate of the motor. The recall includes model numbers S56A30A54 and S56A30A97, and service date codes 032076M - 334076M, 03207JY - 33407JY, and YB07 - YL07. Units that have a sticker indicating that the unit has been rewired are not subject to this recall.

Reason for recall

The fan's electric motor can be miswired and overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled unit immediately and contact A.O. Smith to arrange for a free inspection and repair of the motor.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Moderate
Status Active
Recall number 08161
Date reported January 10, 2008
Date initiated January 10, 2008
Recalling firm A.o. Smith Electrical Products Co., of Tipp City, Ohio
Affected scope About 6,300
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 the recalled unit immediately and contact A.O. Smith to arrange for a free inspection and repair of t…

  • Check the recall number (08161) 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 motor is part of a residential whole-house exhaust fan that is typically mounted on the floor of an attic. The shutters of the fan are visible on the ceiling of the floor beneath the attic and must be opened and closed by the consumer. The motors were included with exhaust fans manufactured and distributed by Air Vent Inc. and Triangle Engineering of Arkansas Inc. "A.O. Smith," the model number, and the service date code are printed on the rating plate of the motor. The recall includes model numbers S56A30A54 and S56A30A97, and service date codes 032076M - 334076M, 03207JY - 33407JY, and YB07 - YL07. Units that have a sticker indicating that the unit has been rewired are not subject to this recall.. Recalled by A.o. Smith Electrical Products Co., of Tipp City, Ohio. Units affected: About 6,300.
Why was this product recalled?
The fan's electric motor can be miswired and overheat, posing a fire hazard.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should stop using the recalled unit immediately and contact A.O. Smith to arrange for a free inspection and repair of the motor.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on January 10, 2008. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 08161.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (08161) 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.

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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 January 10, 2008. 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.