TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis warned Floridians about a recall on Emerson Branded Sensi WiFi thermostats over fire risk. If the thermostat wires and the household line voltage come in contact, the thermostat can be damaged and in some cases, start a fire.

 

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “Firefighters across the nation responded to an average of 45,210 home fires started by electrical issues, with nearly 20 percent of these fires due to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This recall should not be taken lightly. Floridians should immediately check their thermostat to see if it may be part of the recall.”

 

• The recalled thermostats will have “Emerson” printed on the front and a date code from 1416 to 1536 on the back.
• Impacted thermostats were sold from April 2014 through December 2016.
• The thermostats are white with LCD screen with three buttons below the screen.
• Recalled thermostats have model numbers 1F86U-42WF or UP500W.
• Consumers should call 1-888-847-8742 for information on the recall.

• Electrical work should only be done by a qualified electrician.
• Check electrical cords for cracks or damage, and replace them. Don’t repair them.
• Don’t overload extension cords or wall outlets.
• Only use one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.
• Call an electrician if you have frequent problems blowing fuses, notice a tingling feeling when touching an electrical appliance, or a burning or rubbery smell from an appliance.