Cooler may Backfeed Current and Damage Appliances - Dometic CFX3 Series Powered Coolers

June 18, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20E040000

Cooler may Backfeed Current and Damage Appliances

A voltage overload may cause electrical damage and may increase the risk of a fire.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20E040

Manufacturer Dometic Corporation

Components EQUIPMENT

Potential Number of Units Affected 5,533

 

Summary

Dometic Corporation (Dometic) is recalling certain CFX3 Series chest refrigerators (models CFX3 35, CFX3 45, CFX3 55IM, CFX3 75DZ, CFX3 95DZ and CFX3 100). The protection device on the electrical circuit may fail when the refrigerator is connected to both AC and DC power, allowing the AC/DC power supply to back feed through some or all of the other appliances (such as the air conditioner, water pump, lights, furnace, etc.) that are connected to the 12V DC system. A voltage overload may result, causing DC appliances on the same circuit to fail.

 

Remedy

Dometic has not yet identified a proposed remedy plan. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule for owners or dealers. Owners may contact Dometic customer service at 1-888-943-4905.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2020-06-28

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

DOMETIC ANNOUNCES RECALL OF CFX3 COOLERS

 

This notice applies to ALL OEM, Dealers, Distributors, and Owners of the Dometic CFX3 Series Powered Coolers.

Elkhart, Ind. – Dometic Corporation announces it is voluntarily recalling CFX3 cooler that may have a potential electrical issue. The recall affects CFX3 coolers manufactured between November 2019 and June 2020. For details call 1-888-446-5157, email [email protected] or visit www.dometic.com/recall/cfx3

“Dometic is committed to making the best products that enable our customers to live a mobile lifestyle; be that in an RV, boat or vehicle,” said Adam Donahue, Outdoor Business Director for Dometic Americas. “While the conditions in which this defect could cause damage are incredibly rare, our customer’s safety is our highest priory. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The potentially affected coolers have the following model numbers: CFX3 35, CFX3 45, CFX3 55IM, CFX3 75DZ, CFX3 95DZ & CFX3 100. The units have serial numbers between 00700001 thru 02303122 & 94900011 thru 95200240.

Owners of the recalled unit should email [email protected] or visit www.dometic.com/recall

Best regards,

Pat McConnell
Director Product Safety - Compliance & Engineering Services

# # #

 

Dometic Corporation
5155 Verdant Dr.,
Elkhart, IN.
46516
E-mail: [email protected]

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POTENTIAL DEFECT NOTIFICATION

Dometic Corporation, (“Dometic”), manufactures and sells a diverse range of products for use in recreational vehicles, trucks and premium cars, pleasure and workboats, and for a variety of other uses has determined during the week of June 20^th, 2020 that a potential defect may exist in items of original or replacement equipment listed below.  Dometic is submitting this notification of a potential defect to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration in accordance with the applicable provisions of 49 CFR Part 573.

Dometic Corporation is a Delaware Corporation located at 5155 Verdant Dr., Elkhart, IN. 46516. The Dometic products affected by this notice were manufactured by a Dometic Corporation affiliate in Zhuhai, China.  The registered agent for Dometic Corporation is The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.

The affected Dometic products which may contain the potential defect are portable chest type compressor refrigerator/freezer units, otherwise known as “powered coolers or electric coolers” (“coolers”), manufactured between December 2019 and June 2020. The potentially affected coolers have the model designations set forth below:

CFX3 35

CFX3 45

CFX3 55IM

CFX3 75DZ

CFX3 95DZ

CFX3 100

The products in question are all “CFX3 coolers” with serial numbers between MO19112673 and MO20040857 used in Original Equipment manufacture of recreation vehicles or as replacement equipment for recreation vehicles, commercial vehicles, marine, and retail. The total population of these products with the potential defect is 5,533.  There have been no incidents of injury or death involving these products.

The following product defect is not present in any other Dometic coolers.

The detailed description of the defect, determined to be safety related, is associated with the control system.

The defect enunciation can occur in a mobile environment, such as a recreational vehicle or commercial vehicle, only when the CFX3 series unit is connected to both onboard 120VAC and 12VDC circuits/sockets.  When the 12VDC supply is switched off and there are additional 12VDC devices in line with the cooler, a protection device can fail and allow the AC/DC power supply to back feed 28V through the cooler to some or all the other DC appliances (such as AC, water pump, lights, furnace, etc.) that are connected to the 12VDC system. DC appliances on the same DC circuit may therefore fail from a voltage overload.  Although no fire has been reported or observed and is extremely unlikely, the voltage overload may cause electrical damage and local charring damage to such appliances and immediately surrounding materials.

Potential use cases, although rare, which can lead to this failure can happen when the CFX3 Cooler is connect to BOTH AC AND DC power and:

1. While connected to AC power, something causes the master fuse on the DC circuit to trip, removing DC power from the DC circuit;
2. While connected to AC power, user chooses to turn off the vehicle’s 12VDC power system; or
3. The vehicle’s 12VDC power system turned off, the user turns on the vehicle’s generator or inverter.

Dometic became aware of the potential of circuit feedback from a dealer and OEM in late May 2020 and launched an investigation to determine whether the claims from both sources were accurate.  Dometic tested products on June 9^th – June 15^th to determine if a potential defect, that could be safety related, existed in the control system of the new CFX3 Series products.  After testing results were shared in a meeting held June 15^th and Dometic confirmed that circuit feedback could occur only in the very limited circumstance where the subject coolers were dually connected to both AC and DC circuits (as noted above), Dometic made the decision to prepare this Defect Notification.

Dometic is continuing to gather facts on the potential defect and will forward additional relevant information as it becomes available.  Dometic has NOT yet identified a proposed remedy or remedies designed to mitigate the defect but will advise NHTSA of such remedy or remedies at the time they are identified.  Dometic will further initiate a remedy campaign on the CFX3 “coolers” or participate in remedy campaigns for the CFX3 “coolers” launched by Original Equipment Manufacturers who have purchased, sold and distributed these products. Dometic will follow up this Defect Notification by supplying confirmation of the serial number range of products in the affected population, the customer lists for these “coolers”, and of course the remedy activity to take place with its customers.  Dometic will file OEM letters, Dealer Letters, Retail letters, and end user letters in accordance with 49 CFR, 573.

This notice was prepared by and inquiries should be sent to:

Mr, Patrick N. McConnell
Director, Product Safety, Compliance, and Engineering Svcs. -Contractor
Dometic Corporation
[email protected]
260-499-0495

 

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NHTSA RECALL: 20E040

PRODUCT: CFX3 SERIES POWERED COOLERS

MODELS:

CFX3 35
CFX3 45
CFX3 55IM
CFX3 75DZ

CFX3 95DZ CFX3 100

 

SERIAL NUMBERS: There are two serial numbers ranges for this recall

 

00700001 thru 02303122
&
94900011 thru 95200240

 

 

Serial Numbers can be found inside the cooler on the underside of the lid. 

 

PRODUCT NOT INCLUDED: This Recall is NOT for the CFX Series Coolers

 

(“Red X” depiction is non-recalled CFX; “Green CHECK” is recalled CFX3)

 

CFX VS. CFX3

 

Dometic Corporation

 

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To Dometic CFX3 Powered Cooler Dealer/OEM:

2020-06-24

 

IMPORTANT RECALL INFORMATION

RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 20E040

 

Dometic is committed to designing and manufacturing quality products for the benefit of our business partners and the enjoyment of outdoor enthusiasts around the world. It has recently come to our attention that the Dometic CFX3 powered cooler may contain a potential defect that can cause electrical system damage and charring, when and only when, the CFX3 powered cooler is connected to both 120VAC and 12VDC powered circuits at the same time. No fire or injury has been reported or observed and is extremely unlikely, however when the defect is enunciated, it will cause a 12VDC overload that may cause electrical damage.

To ensure the safety of our customers, we have decided to initiate a recall of the CFX3 series coolers. The recall campaign (20E040) affects the total population of CFX3 series coolers in circulation in the Americas and Dometic is taking steps to resolve potential consequences of the

defect. We are following the guidelines of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration in accordance with the applicable provisions of 49 CFR Part 573.

AT THIS TIME, WE ASK THAT YOU IMMEDIATELY STOP SELLING ALL CFX3 UNITS AND PLACE ANY REMAINING INVENTORY ON HOLD. Dometic has placed a hold on all of our inventory and will NOT be shipping any pending orders until further notice.  

We will be in contact in the following days with additional information. If you have any immediate questions, please contact us at [email protected] or contact your Dometic sales manager.

We thank you in advance for your continued support and for your assistance to quickly enact the necessary remedy when available.

 

BACKGROUND

The affected Dometic products which may contain the potential defect are portable chest type compressor refrigerator/freezer units, otherwise known as “powered coolers or electric coolers” (“coolers”), manufactured between December 2019 and June 2020. The potentially affected coolers have the model designations set forth below:

CFX3 35, CFX3 45, CFX3 55IM, CFX3 75DZ, CFX3 95DZ, CFX3 100

 

The products in question are all “CFX3 coolers” used in Original Equipment manufacture of recreation vehicles or as replacement equipment for recreation vehicles, commercial vehicles, marine, and retail. There have been no incidents of injury or death involving these products.

 

DEFECT DESCRIPTION

The following product defect is not present in any other Dometic coolers. 

The detailed description of the defect, determined to be safety related, is associated with the control system.

The defect enunciation can occur in a mobile environment, such as a recreational vehicle or commercial vehicle, only when the CFX3 series unit is connected to both onboard 120VAC and 12VDC circuits/sockets.  When the 12VDC supply is switched off and there are additional 12VDC devices in line with the cooler, a protection device can fail and allow the AC power supply to back feed 28V through the cooler to some or all the other DC appliances (such as AC, water pump, lights, furnace, etc.) that are connected to the 12VDC system. DC appliances on the same DC circuit may therefore fail from a voltage overload.  Although no fire has been reported or observed and is extremely unlikely, the voltage overload may cause electrical damage and local charring damage to such appliances and immediately surrounding materials.

Potential use cases, although rare, which can lead to this failure can happen when the CFX3 Cooler is connected to BOTH AC AND DC power and:

1. While connected to AC power, something causes the master fuse on the DC circuit to trip, removing DC power from the DC circuit;
2. While connected to AC power, user chooses to turn off the vehicle’s 12VDC power system; or
3. While the vehicle’s 12VDC power system is turned off, the user turns on the vehicle’s generator or inverter.

Sincerely,

Patrick N. McConnell - Contractor
Director Product Safety - Compliance & Engineering Services

Dometic North America

 

Dometic North America,
5155 Verdant Drive,
Elkhart
Indiana, USA 46515

 

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RECALL CAMPAIGN 20E040 

CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS LEADING TO DEFECT DETERMINATION

 

Dometic Corporation has built and sold a series of portable chest-type refrigerator/freezers or “powered coolers” for several years identified as “CFXW Series” coolers.  This product has become a favorite of RV owners, campers, picnickers, beachgoers, commercial truckers, boaters, and even car owners.  In 2019, it became clear that our customers wanted a powered cooler with a more modern look and enhanced features.

 

Dometic initiated an engineering project to re-design the electronics, add smarter features, new handles, and an improved external structure.  The electronics had a new multi-color display, Bluetooth wireless control, and an integrated USB charge port.  The new line of product that would replace the “CFXW” Series product would be called the “CFX3” Series Powered Cooler.

 

Dometic began manufacturing the “CFX3” in Zhuhai China, November 2019, with a sales launch target date in January 2020.  The first sale of the “CFX3” product in the U.S. occurred on January 20th, 2020. Dometic continued to sell these without interruption and with increasing sales through the first quarter and well into the second quarter of 2020 without complaint or any field incidents.

 

On May 19, Dometic received the first notification of an issue from a dealer that had installed a model CFX375DZ into an RV and who reported experiencing a feedback of 26V through the DC plug back into the RV. It appeared to cause electrical damage to the separate multiplex controller. Dometic began communicating with the dealer to investigate the field problem on 5-20-2020 and continued that communication through 6-9-2020.

 

On May 29^th, one of Dometic’s RV OEM customers contacted Dometic and stated they were experiencing feedback of 27.5V to the DC plug when the “CFX3” unit was plugged into both 120VAC and 12VDC, at the same time.  The OEM also identified that if a momentary short were to occur on the DC side, this would result in a fault condition on the DC appliances and cause electrical damage.

 

Dometic Engineering conducted preliminary testing to investigate these fault conditions from the two field reports on 6/10 and 6/11 after discussions with both dealer and OEM that had experienced the fault occurrences.  At that time, it was demonstrated that the fault could be replicated.

 

Dometic formed a potential defect investigation group which included Sales, Engineering, Operations, Product Management, and Product Safety and met on June 11, to discuss the field occurrences, and the preliminary tests and results.  The decision was made to conduct further investigative testing to determine if the fault condition was external and what conditions caused the fault to occur.

 

On June 15, 2020 a second potential defect investigation meeting was held to review the additional testing results. During this meeting Dometic identified that the new control on the “CFX3” Series product could feedback 27.5V through the “CFX3” if and only if the “CFX3” was located in a vehicle that had both 120VAC and 12VDC sources and was plugged into both 120VAC and 12VDC at the same time.  However, it was also identified that the malfunction of this feedback would not occur unless one of three potential use cases was realized.  Those, potential use cases, although rare, which can lead to this failure can happen when the “CFX3” powered cooler is in a vehicle, and is connected to BOTH 120VAC AND 12VDC power at the same time and:

1. While connected to AC power, something causes the master fuse on the DC circuit to trip, removing DC     power from the DC circuit;
2. While connected to AC power, user chooses to turn off the vehicle’s 12VDC power system; or While the vehicle’s 12VDC power system is turned off, user turns on the vehicle’s generator or

Inverter.

The testing between June 12 and June 15 also established that the preceding “CFXW” series coolers did NOT experience this feedback when tested in an identical manner as the “CFX3” powered cooler.

On June 18, 2020 Dometic Corporation filed the Defect Notification with NHTSA in accordance with 49CFR 573, within 5 days after it was determined that the “CFX3” powered coolers could potentially have a defect related to motor vehicle safety.

 

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1 Affected Product

Equipment

BRAND	PART NO.	PRODUCTION DATES
DOMETIC	CFX3

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7 Associated Documents

Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20E040-2811.pdf 293.164KB

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-20E040-6676.PDF 214.823KB

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Miscellaneous Document - 20E040.OEM.DEALER.Notice

RMISC-20E040-5089.pdf 105.418KB

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ISSUED Renotification Notice

RCRN-20E040-9523.pdf 111.62KB

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Miscellaneous Document - Serial Number breakdown and CFX3 VS CFX.final

RMISC-20E040-1629.pdf 138.513KB

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-20E040-7059.pdf 82.176KB

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Miscellaneous Document - Chronology

RMISC-20E040-9140.pdf 133.478KB

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20E040&docType=RCL

For the most up to date documents from NHTSA for this Recall, click the lick above

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Last update on 2020-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API