The first two digits of the date code specifies the week and the last two digits specifies the year. The date code is the four digits following the letter 'M' in the unit's serial number. The model and date code are on an identification plate affixed to the front of the unit. Specifically, only Rheem RBEA, UBEA, WBEA, and WBEMA model electric furnaces and Rheem RBHA, UBHA, WBHA, and WBHMA model electric air handlers with date codes between 35 are part of this recall. Only certain down flow and horizontal installations are involved in this recall. Rheem has received 16 reports of fires resulting in minor to serious property damage, including one report of a total house fire. The molten metal particles can ignite nearby combustibles, presenting a fire hazard to consumers. The heating elements in the electric furnaces and air handlers can disintegrate, and expel small particles of molten metal through the duct system and into the living area of the residence. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Rheem Manufacturing Co., of Fort Smith, Ark., is recalling about 135,000 electric furnaces and air handlers for repair. Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Enterprise.
