December 11, 2025 – Consumers are urged to exercise caution regarding the Mainstays SHAG-G24F product after multiple reports detailing electrical malfunctions, sparking, and failure. A recent incident report highlights a pattern of recurring issues, where three separate units of the product purchased by a single consumer experienced premature failure, with two incidents involving significant electrical events such as sparking and a “flame short.”
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident report details a concerning pattern of electrical failures experienced by one consumer with the Mainstays SHAG-G24F product. According to the report, the consumer purchased three separate units of this product since last December.
The first unit reportedly “died a couple weeks after purchase.” The second unit also “died” in March of the current year, but this failure was accompanied by a concerning “sparking” event. Most recently, the third unit purchased by the same consumer stopped working approximately two months prior to the report date. This final failure was particularly alarming, as it involved the “flame shorted” (suggesting it may be an electric fireplace or heater with a flame effect) and the outlet it was plugged into also “sparked.” This sequence of events strongly suggests a persistent and potentially dangerous electrical defect within the product line.
Safety Concerns
The repeated incidents involving the Mainstays SHAG-G24F, particularly the instances of sparking and a “flame short,” raise serious safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers: The reported sparking at both the unit itself and the wall outlet indicates a significant risk of electrical shock or arc flash injuries to anyone nearby. Direct contact with a malfunctioning unit could lead to severe burns or electrocution.
- Fire Hazard: Electrical sparking, short circuits, and “flame shorts” are direct precursors to electrical fires. Such incidents can quickly ignite nearby flammable materials, leading to extensive property damage, smoke inhalation, and potentially life-threatening burns or fatalities.
- Property Damage Potential: Beyond direct fire, the intense heat from an electrical short can melt plastics, scorch walls, damage electrical outlets and wiring, leading to costly repairs and potential long-term structural issues to the home’s electrical system.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone in the vicinity of the malfunctioning product, including adults, children, and pets, could be at risk. Unsupervised operation or use in children’s rooms or near combustible materials amplifies the danger. The recurring nature of the problem suggests a systemic design or manufacturing flaw that could affect many consumers.
What Consumers Should Do
Given the serious nature of these reported incidents, consumers who own a Mainstays SHAG-G24F product should take immediate action:
- Immediately Stop Use: If you own a Mainstays SHAG-G24F unit, discontinue use immediately.
- Unplug the Product: Safely unplug the unit from the wall outlet. If the unit or outlet is sparking or hot, do not touch it; instead, trip the circuit breaker controlling that outlet if it is safe to do so, and contact a qualified electrician.
- Check for Your Product: Verify if your unit is the Mainstays SHAG-G24F model. The model number is typically found on a label on the back or bottom of the product.
- Do Not Attempt Repairs: Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Electrical components can store dangerous charges even when unplugged, and improper repairs can worsen the defect.
- Report the Incident: If you have experienced similar issues or any malfunction with this product, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.SaferProducts.gov. Detailed reports are crucial for identifying dangerous products and prompting necessary recalls.
- Contact the Manufacturer/Retailer: Contact Walmart Stores Inc. and Walmart to report the issue and inquire about potential refunds or exchanges, citing the safety concerns.
Manufacturer’s Response
The manufacturer, Walmart Stores Inc., provided a response of “Yes” to this specific incident report. While this indicates acknowledgment of the report, further details regarding the nature of their investigation, proposed solutions, or potential corrective actions are not available in the incident report. Consumers should monitor for any official statements or recall notices from Walmart or the CPSC.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.