CPSC, Thrifty Paper Co. Announce Recall of Electric Fans
Home product recall 03-005. Announced by CPSC on Oct 8, 2002.
- CPSC: stop using it
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Oct 8, 2002. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 26,000 units, as CPSC gives them
- Reported injuries, in the notice (needs attention)
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
These electric fans have undersized wiring, use a power plug that is not polarized, overheat and have an improperly sized grill, all of which could cause electrocution, electric shock, fire, and finger entrapment hazards to consumers.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should stop using these electric fans immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. Consumers can also return the fans to the firm for a full refund, by mailing the unit to: 110 West Graham Ave., Hempstead, N.Y., 11550.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: For more information, contact Thrifty Paper Co. toll-free at (888) 281-3281 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Which ones are recalled?
The recalled electric fans, which have the brand name “Top Choice” printed on the fan blade cover, were sold under seven different model names: SF16BU(BE), SF16BK, DF16BU(BE), DF18, FL18, and BSD-18066. The model name can be found on the motor housing. The DF18 and FL18 models have a label that reads, “Hi Velocity Top Choice Air Circulator,” which is also located on the fan blade cover. The three-speed, four-position fans are either floor-mounted or table-top units. The fans were manufactured in China.
About 26,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Electric Fans.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 1 photo on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Distributed by Thrifty Paper Co. Inc., Hempstead, NY.
- Discount and variety stores in the metropolitan New York area sold these electric fans, from April 2000 through June 2002, for between $10 and $15.
- Made in China, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
CPSC and Thrifty Paper Co. have not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.