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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is again warning consumers about dangerous, older flexible gas connectors used to connect home appliances to gas supply pipes. These gas connectors are made of brass, are uncoated and can crack or break, leading to a fire or explosion. They are used most often with gas ranges, ovens or clothes dryers.
"Brass gas connectors have been associated with 38 deaths and 63 injuries across the country since 1980," said Ann Brown, CPSC chairman. "We are urging any consumer with gas appliances to have their connectors checked by a qualified professional immediately."
Only a qualified professional, such as a plumber, heating contractor or gas company service technician should check these gas connectors and replace them if necessary. CPSC warns that consumers should not check the gas connectors themselves, since moving an older appliance, even slightly, can cause the connectors to crack and result in a gas leak and explosion.
NIPSCO will charge a $38 service fee to inspect the connectors, a spokesman said today. The cost of replacing the connectors can vary according to the contractor who does the work, he said.
This type of gas connector has not been manufactured for about 20 years, but some still exist in consumers' homes. The older these connectors get, the more dangerous they become, CPSC said.
CPSC also recommends that all fuel-burning appliances be inspected annually to avoid fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Consumers can save money by combining the inspection of the gas connectors with this annual heating equipment inspection. Questions about gas connectors can be addressed to the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772.
CPSC also has a web site, at http://www.cpsc.gov, and consumers can report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov.
