PlainRecalls
ModerateActive

CPSC recall · Reported March 23, 2010

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

When the consumer attempts to open/close the damper, it can become stuck in its current position. In addition, some of the dampers were assembled backwards and are set to the clos…

Recall #
10176
Affected scope
About 500
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
View my saved recalls

Simpson Dura-Vent Company Inc., of Vacaville, Calif. recalled This recall involves DuraTech Anchor Plates with Dampers and DuraChimney II Anchor Plates… - a moderate-severity action.

Simpson Dura-Vent Recalls Fireplace Dampers Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard was recalled by Simpson Dura-Vent Company Inc., of Vacaville, Calif. in March 23, 2010. Reason: When the consumer attempts to open/close the damper, it can become stuck in its current position. In addition…. Remedy: Consumers should ensure that their damper is in the open position when the fireplace is i…. Verify recall #10176 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

Simpson Dura-Vent Company Inc., of Vacaville, Calif. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-When the consumer attempts to open/close the damper, it can become stuck in its current position. In addition….

Moderate
severity level
March 23, 2010
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #10176 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This CPSC action (record #10176) was formally reported on March 23, 2010. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Simpson Dura-Vent Company Inc., of Vacaville, Calif. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 500.

The documented reason for this recall is: When the consumer attempts to open/close the damper, it can become stuck in its current position. In addition, some of the dampers were assembled backwards and are set to the closed position when the consumer attempts t… 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 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 … - 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

50100150200250 20052008201120142017202020232026 115
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 500

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Product description

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

Reason for recall

When the consumer attempts to open/close the damper, it can become stuck in its current position. In addition, some of the dampers were assembled backwards and are set to the closed position when the consumer attempts to open the damper. Both pose risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to the consumer.

Remedy, what to do

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 additional inspection.

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 10176
Date reported March 23, 2010
Date initiated March 23, 2010
Recalling firm Simpson Dura-Vent Company Inc., of Vacaville, Calif.
Affected scope About 500
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 ensure that their damper is in the open position when the fireplace is in use. Consumers or distributors with de…

  • Check the recall number (10176) 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?
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. Recalled by Simpson Dura-Vent Company Inc., of Vacaville, Calif.. Units affected: About 500.
Why was this product recalled?
When the consumer attempts to open/close the damper, it can become stuck in its current position. In addition, some of the dampers were assembled backwards and are set to the closed position when the consumer attempts to open the damper. Both pose risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to the consumer.
What should consumers do?
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 additional inspection.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on March 23, 2010. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 10176.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (10176) 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.

Compare this recall with Cooper Lighting Recalls Metalux Optimized High Bay LED Ligh… →

Browse all Household Products recalls →

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 March 23, 2010. 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.