Breaking News: Portable ACs Recalled for Fire Hazard Risks
In December 2021, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of roughly 33,570 Royal Sovereign portable air conditioners due to risks of fire hazard, property damage, burns, and death.
To date, the CPSC has received at least 11 adverse-event reports regarding Royal Sovereign portable air conditioners that have caught fire or started smoking, potentially due to a faulty drain motor that can ignite the air conditioner’s plastic encasing. The reports detail a total of at least $1 Million in property damage, two injuries, and one death caused by smoke inhalation.
Portable Air Conditioner Recall List
In 2016, a woman died from smoke inhalation and her two children suffered injuries when a Royal Sovereign air conditioner caught fire in their home, prompting the company and CPSC to issue a product recall.
The following models of portable air conditioners have been recalled:
- ARP-3012
- ARP-3012 KIT
- ARP-3012S
- ARP-3014
- ARP-3014 SC
- PAC-3012
- PAC-3012 RB
Product model numbers can be found on the name-plate sticker located on the back of the Royal Sovereign portable air conditioners.
The CPSC recommends that owners of recalled Royal Sovereign portable air conditioners stop using them immediately and contact the company for a refund.
What Is a Portable Air Conditioner?
Intended for homes where the installation of traditional window air conditioners is not possible, a portable air conditioner (PAC) is a self-contained cooling system typically used to generate cool air within a single room. These devices often weigh between 50-80 pounds and have wheels, so they can be moved to different rooms in the home as needed.
Portable air conditioners typically come with an installation kit that includes an exhaust hose that attaches to a window to vent the air outside.
Choosing a Portable Air Conditioner Lawyer
Individuals who have been harmed by faulty products that present fire hazards, such as Royal Sovereign portable air conditioners, may be able to work with a lawyer to secure financial payouts for injuries and property damage.
If you or a loved one suffered property damage or sustained burns or smoke-related injuries from a Royal Sovereign portable air conditioner, then you may be able to seek compensation by working with the portable air conditioner lawyers with Sokolove Law.
When it comes to securing compensation through verdicts or settlements, Sokolove Law has a long track record of success. In fact, Sokolove Law has helped recover over $1.2 Billion for clients who, through no fault of their own, have been injured by dangerous or faulty products and drugs.
Get Help Filing a Portable AC Lawsuit
If you or a loved one owned a Royal Sovereign portable air conditioner that caught fire and resulted in property damage, smoke inhalation-related injuries, or death, you may be eligible for compensation — and Sokolove Law may be able to help.
If you have a case, our lawyers may be able to help you:
- Gather all of the evidence needed to support your claim
- File the lawsuit within the mandatory state time limits
- Pursue compensation from the companies responsible for your injuries
Sokolove Law has more than 40 years of experience helping people file personal injury lawsuits. Our firm is committed to fighting on behalf of individuals harmed by large corporations and helping them to seek justice.
Portable Air Conditioner Lawsuit FAQs
What portable air conditioners were recalled?
According to the CPSC, the recall involves these seven models of Royal Sovereign portable air conditioners: PAC-3012, PAC-3012 RB, ARP-3012, ARP-3012 KIT, ARP-3012S, ARP-3014, and ARP-3014 SC.
Model numbers can be identified on the product’s name plate located on the back of the Royal Sovereign portable air conditioners.
Why were the air conditioners recalled?
Roughly 33,570 Royal Sovereign portable air conditioners were recalled after 11 adverse-event reports with the CPSC detailed the units catching fire or producing smoke in people’s homes.
As announced in the recall, a faulty drain motor located inside the air conditioners can ignite the unit’s plastic enclosure, creating a fire risk and burn hazard that could result in serious injuries or even death.
Where and when were the recalled ACs sold?
The recalled Royal Sovereign portable air conditioners were sold nationwide in various Sears, Costco, Home Depot, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Best Buy locations, and online at Amazon.com.
Retailing for around $290, the recalled portable air conditioners were sold between March 2008 and August 2014.
