Matrix Fitness Ascent Trainers and Ellipticals Recalled by Johnson Health Tech Due to Fire Hazard

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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Jan 23, 2014, 09:15 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumers should stop using this product unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO)

Recall Summary

Name of Product: Ascent Trainer® by Matrix and Matrix Fitness Elliptical

Hazard: Moisture from user perspiration or cleaning liquids can build up in the power socket on the unit, causing a short circuit, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy: Exercise facilities should immediately unplug the machines and contact Johnson Health Tech North America to schedule a free repair. Units are self-powered and can be used without being plugged into an electrical outlet.

Consumer Contact: Johnson Health Tech North America toll-free at (866) 218-3674 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or online at www.matrixfitness.com and click on Safety Notice at the bottom of the page.

Photos are available at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Matrix-Fitness-Ascent-Trainers-and-Ellipticals-Recalled-by-Johnson-Health-Tech/

Recall Details

Units: About 2,800

Description: This recall involves all Matrix Fitness Ascent Trainers® and Elliptical trainers installed from November 2011 through December 2012. All Ascent Trainers and Ellipticals have a swing-arm handle design, with pedals that rotate in an elliptical path. Units also have stationary handlebars. The Ascent Trainers® are similar to the Elliptical machines, but include an incline function. Users operate the machines in a standing position. The Ellipticals are black and silver-colored. The Ascent Trainers are also black and silver-colored with an orange accent color on the machine's body and foot pedals. "Matrix" is printed on the machines body and handlebars. When assembled, the machines are about 70" high x 29" wide and 68" long. The machines involved in this recall have a decal at the center/bottom of the units with model numbers beginning with A3x, A5x, A7x, E3x, E5x or E7x.

Incidents: The company reports 44 incidents of sparking, smoking, charring and/or melting at the power cord and socket. There was one report of the power socket and cord catching fire. No injuries have been reported.

Sold by: Johnson Health Tech North America to dealers, commercial fitness facilities such as health clubs and military facilities nationwide, from November 2011 through December 2012, for about $6,000 to $11,000 depending on console installed.

Importer: Johnson Health Tech North America Inc., of Cottage Grove, Wis.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.

Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @OnSafety or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.

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SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission