Washington — Viessmann's North American operations, along with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is recalling its Vitodens 200 wall-hung boilers in order to replace an O-ring in the gas valve. The Kromschröder gas valve O-rings are tested continuously as part of ongoing quality assurance. Over time some O-rings have become brittle when exposed to unfavorable conditions. Although no incidents have been reported, a brittle O-ring could lead to a potential gas leak and fire hazard. As the O-rings do not meet the company's quality and safety standards, the firm is voluntarily requesting that all affected O-rings be replaced.
The recall affects approximately 4,600 Vitodens 200 wall-hung boilers manufactured by Viessmann Mfg. Co. Inc., of Canada.
The gas-fired boilers are white, wall-mounted and have “Viessmann” and “Vitodens 200” printed on the exterior in silver letters. The model and serial numbers included in the recall are listed below. The model number is located on the silver rating plate on the side of the boiler. A certified heating contractor can open the boiler and locate the serial number on a white label on the side of the boiler, or under the bottom support panel. Vitodens 100 boilers are not included in this recall.
The recalled models include WB2 6-24C with serial numbers 7167063xxxxxxxxx or 7170317xxxxxxxxx; WB2 6-24 with serial numbers 7167064xxxxxxxxx or 7170318xxxxxxxxx; WB2 8-32, 7167065xxxxxxxxx or 7170319xxxxxxxxx; WB2 11-44, 7167066xxxxxxxxx or 7188578xxxxxxxxx; and WB2 15-60, 7167067xxxxxxxxx or 7188577xxxxxxxxx.
If the serial number's 8th digit (listed in red) is a 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, the boiler is included in the recall. The Viessmann Web site has a contractor-only section with additional information.
The boilers were sold by plumbing and heating contractors nationwide from January 2002 through December 2007 for between $4,000 and $7,500.
Consumers were asked to stop using the boilers immediately, weather permitting, and to contact their certified heating contractor or Viessmann for a free replacement of the boiler's O-ring.
Additional information is available from Viessmann U.S. toll-free at 888/414-9157, or at http://www.viessmann-us.com, or by email at [email protected].
Additional information about the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is available at www.cpsc.gov.