Portable Electric Fans Recalled
Home product recall 78-077. Announced by CPSC on Sep 25, 1978.
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The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Sep 25, 1978. Copied from CPSC on Oct 24, 2026.
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
Fire & Fire-Related Burn
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
The notice gives no remedy in a field of its own.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
Which ones are recalled?
September 25, 1978 Release # 78-077 Portable Electric Fans Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 25) -- The Vernco Division of the Emerson Electric Co., Columbus, Ind., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a potential fire hazard in some of its 13- and 19-inch, portable electric fans. Vernco said that under certain conditions these fans may overheat and possibly catch fire. Some 72,000 fans manufactured in 1973 and 1974 and sold nationwide are being recalled. The affected fans have a plastic fan guard and circular plastic base. Approximately 75 percent were sold through Sears, Roebuck and Co., and are inscribed with the initials “SR” in the center of the plastic fan guard. The Sears units are light green. The 13-inch model sold for approximately $30, and the 19-inch for about $50. The Vernco fans bear the “Vernco” inscription on the plastic fan guard. They are light blue and were sold through other retailers at similar prices. The only fans involved are those having the 5-digit date code ending with the numbers 3 or 4 and bearing Sears model no. 758.80530 or 758.80550, or Vernco no. V-1001 or V-1003. Both the date code and model number are stamped on the bottom of the base. Consumers are cautioned against using these fans and are urged to return them to the place of purchase to arrange for free repair. For further information about the Vernco models, contact Mr. Norman Edwards of Vernco at 812/372-9901. For Sears fans, call the nearest Sears retail store
Sears portable electric fans and Vernco electric fans.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Sears.
- Made by Vernco.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
The notice doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 24, 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 24, 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 24, 2026.