DOJ sues 2 Chinese companies over immersion water heaters that can burst into flames “within minutes”
DOJ Sues 2 Chinese Companies Over Dangerous Water Heaters
Bizeconanalysis.com – The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against two Chinese companies, seeking to force a mandatory recall of immersion water heaters that pose serious fire hazards. According to court documents reviewed by CBS News, these portable heating devices can overheat and burst into flames "within minutes" after being switched on. The lawsuit, which was filed on Wednesday in federal court in Washington, D.C., highlights concerns about consumer safety regarding products sold under the brand name "Lakkzoom."
The DOJ sues 2 Chinese companies—Cixi Miaojie Electrical Appliance Co. and Changsha Jiayi Tianzhuo Trading Co.—alleging that their immersion water heaters lack critical safety mechanisms. Unlike comparable products available in the market, these heaters do not automatically shut off when the heating element is not in contact with water or when it reaches a dangerous temperature. This deficiency increases the risk of the devices catching fire, particularly when they are partially or completely removed from water while still powered on.
Consumer Reports and Safety Concerns
According to the complaint, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received more than 235 fire-related reports concerning these water heaters. Following a thorough investigation, the agency determined that the devices could ignite within minutes under certain conditions. Since September 2024 alone, over 137 fire-related incidents have been documented. The companies reportedly sold more than 98,000 units in the United States, raising significant safety concerns among consumers who use these heaters in bathtubs and pools.
Customer complaints included in the court filings describe alarming experiences. One consumer stated, "This caught on fire and almost burned my garage down," while another reported, "This thing somehow caught my bathtub on fire!" Additional reports mentioned heaters that melted down, sparked, and caused fires in various settings. These incidents underscore the potential dangers posed by the defective products.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the government's commitment to protecting consumers. He stated that the department "will not allow dangerous products manufactured in China or elsewhere to flow to American consumers and expose unwitting families to the risk of serious injury or death." The lawsuit was filed jointly with the CPSC under the Consumer Product Safety Act, which empowers the government to pursue civil actions against manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers to mandate product recalls when serious risks are identified.
Lawyers representing Cixi Miaojie Electrical Appliance Co. and Changsha Jiayi Tianzhuo Trading Co. have not yet provided immediate responses to requests for comment. As the legal proceedings unfold, consumers who purchased these immersion water heaters may be entitled to refunds or replacements. The DOJ's action against these two Chinese companies highlights ongoing efforts to ensure product safety and hold manufacturers accountable for defective goods that endanger public welfare.