Effective date: October 28, 2008

Certain Commercial Frozen Food Merchandisers Recalled by Tyler Refrigeration Due to Fire Hazard

Tyler Refrigeration is announcing that, due to a potential safety issue involving some of its vertical multi-deck frozen food merchandisers, it is proactively taking action to alleviate the problem by performing corrective action on-site. Tyler is in the process of contacting customers directly who may have one or more of the affected models installed in their store(s).

There has been one incident recorded with the Consumer Products Safety Commission where an improperly installed light tube in the top canopy of an N6F display merchandiser caused arcing to occur that was sufficient to combust the light bulb cap/holder assembly and the nearby Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP). This arcing condition can occur only when the light bulb cap assembly is not fully snapped into position with its holder. 

Customer Notice of Recall
cpsc_tyler_n6frecall-customernotice.pdf

Customer Notice of Recall (Spanish)
cpsc_tyler_n6frecall-customernotice_spanish.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Should I have a recalled frozen food display merchandiser, what is the nature of the problem?
A: An incorrectly or incompletely installed lamp tube located in the top canopy light channel can cause arcing to occur at the lamp holder assembly, which under a unique set of circumstances can result in a case fire. Please read the above Customer Notice of Recall PDF file for more information.

Q2: Was the problem reported to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)?
A: Yes. Since this is a potential safety problem, Tyler Refrigeration has voluntarily reported this problem to the CPSC.

Q3: How is Tyler Refrigeration solving this problem?
A: An approved refrigeration service provider will install a protective steel plate between the lamp holder assembly and the case patch end.

Q4: How can I tell whether my display case is subject to the recall?
A: This recall is only for a limited number of products. You can determine if your unit is subject to this recall by first finding the Manufacturing Model Number and the Serial Number. These numbers are located on the product dataplate label of the unit, which can be found in the upper right inside corner of the case, on the top duct, just behind the light channel.
The model number contains up to 6 digits. The first 3 digits define the model (either an N6F, L6F, or D6F, depending upon the age of your merchandiser). The "L" notation after the 3-digit model indicates that the merchandiser has a low front. And the number that follows defines the length of the case in feet.

Please make note of these numbers and call our Hotline at 1-877-574-0150 to determine if your unit is subject to the recall and to get further instructions.

Q5: Can I operate my display merchandiser prior to the repairwork being completed?
A: Yes. However, in the interim, we do request that you inspect the merchandiser(s) to ensure all lamp tubes are fully functional, are installed correctly, and show no evidence of arcing. If the lights do not function properly, turn off the lights until the repair is completed. The refrigeration system will be unaffected and can continue to operate as normal. If your unit is subject to the recall you should promptly contact Tyler Refrigeration through the safety recall Hotline.

Below is a screen capture from page G-26 in Tyler's General Installation & Service Manual that explicitly explains the procedure to connect lamps to lampholders. The highlights below show how to properly seat the lamps into their holders. PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS to ensure that your lamps are secured in their proper place PRIOR to your service call.

Q6: What happens if I don't get the problem corrected?
This corrective action should be considered mandatory. Although there has been only one fire incident with minor property damage and no personal injuries, it is important that you are proactive and get the service performed as soon as possible.

Q7: Who will perform the required repair work on my display merchandiser?
A: Coordination and scheduling of the required work by qualified refrigeration service providers will be done for you. We request that you identify a local refrigeration service provider when you registervia the safety recall hotline.

Q8: How should I arrange for the work to be done?
A: Call the safety recall hotline only and allow Tyler to make the arrangements for you.

Q9: How long will the work take?
A: Installation of the steel plate(s) will take approximately one to one and a half hours depending upon the particulars of the store installation.

Q10: Will the repairs cost me any money?
A: Any repairs associated with this recall will be performed at no charge to you.

Q11: Are the new parts covered by a warranty?
A: Yes.

Q12: How is Tyler Refrigeration ensuring that this won’t happen again?
A: Tyler Refrigeration tests products extensively before production and continues to test them after release. In addition, we examine parts that are returned from the field to verify that our laboratory tests properly anticipate field conditions. These tests are constantly updated to ensure that they provide the information required to ensure product quality and safety.