Sub-Zero Will Inspect Refrigerators That Can Tip Over

Washington, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sub-Zero Freezer Company Inc. of Madison, Wis., is voluntarily offering to inspect, at no cost, its model 550 and 501 built-in refrigerators/freezers installed between June 1989 and December 1992. Sub-Zero has received 30 reports of the refrigerators/freezers tipping forward, including nine injuries. All tipovers involved refrigerators that were not properly secured during installation.

Approximately 61,000 refrigerators/freezers were sold nationwide through kitchen dealers and appliance stores. The refrigerators are 36 inches wide and have the name "Sub- Zero" on the ventilating grill. The model number is on a sticker attached to the interior door frame. Model 501 refrigerators/freezers have a single door with the motor on the bottom. Model 550 refrigerator/freezers have a drawer on the bottom, a single refrigerator door, and the motor on top. These refrigerators/freezers are intended to be secured to the wall studs or to solidly-attached surrounding cabinets. Failure to secure them during installation could allow the refrigerators/freezers to fall forward during use.

Owners of Models 501 and 550 refrigerators/freezers installed between June 1989 and December 1992 should contact Sub-Zero to arrange for a free installation inspection and, if necessary, correction by calling 1-800-222-7820, or by sending their name, address, and telephone number to: Sub- Zero Freezer Company Inc., P.O. Box 44130, Madison, WI 53744-4130.