Portable Air Conditioner Recall Issued Following Reports of Fires, At Least One Death

The portable air conditioners have also been linked to more than $1 million in property damage.

About 33,000 Royal Sovereign portable air conditioners are being recalled following reports of fires, burn and smoke injuries, including at least one death.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the air conditioner recall on December 22, indicating that a faulty drain motor may ignite the plastic enclosure of the unit, leading to fires or burn hazards to consumers.

The recall was issued after the company received 11 reports of problems with the air conditioners catching fire or smoking during use. The fires led to over $1 million in property damage, two injuries, and one death due to smoke inhalation.

The death occurred on August 24, when a woman died from smoke-related injuries after her Royal Sovereign air conditioner caught fire. Her two children were also injured but survived the incident.

The recall affects a total of 33,570 for Royal Sovereign/Royal Centurian portable air conditioners. Affected units have a model number which is printed on the name plate sticker on the back of the recalled air conditioners. Affected model numbers include:

• PAC-3012
• PAC-3012 RB
• ARP-3012
• ARP-3012 KIT
• ARP-3012S
• ARP-3014
• ARP-3014 SC

The recalled portable air conditioners were sold online at amazon.com and in Sears, COSTCO, Home Depot, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Best Buy stores nationwide form March 2008 through August 2014 for $290.

Consumers should check the model number to determine if the air conditioner is affected by the recall.

Those with units affected by the recall should stop using the air conditioners immediately, unplug the unit and follow instructions on www.Recall-PAC3012.com to severe the electrical cord rendering the unit unusable. Failing to unplug the air conditioner could result in shock, electrocution or death.

Consumers should contact Royal Sovereign about the recall at 833-947-3699 or visit royalsovereign.com for recall information.