December 18, 2025 – A recent incident report details a Dr Heater Model 968 unit emitting an electrical burning smell and smoke, followed by internal wiring damage. The consumer involved noted that this appears to be a common issue, citing similar reports and photographic evidence from other users on Amazon and other platforms.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On November 16, 2025, a consumer reported an incident involving their Dr Heater Model 968, which was purchased from Amazon in 2018. While the unit was in operation, the consumer and their spouse detected a strong electrical burning smell, accompanied by a small amount of smoke emanating from the heater. Subsequent inspection revealed that some of the internal wiring had burned. The consumer further noted that this issue appears to be prevalent, having observed numerous similar reports and photographic evidence posted in reviews on Amazon and another unspecified platform within the past two months. Following the incident, the consumer disassembled the unit to investigate the cause of the malfunction, and the heater remains in pieces.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights significant safety concerns associated with the Dr Heater Model 968:
- Immediate Dangers: The presence of an electrical burning smell and smoke indicates an active electrical fault, which poses an immediate risk of fire. This could lead to flash fires, ignition of nearby flammable materials, and severe burns to individuals in close proximity.
- Long-Term Risks: If a unit with internal wiring damage continues to be used, even intermittently, it significantly increases the risk of a more catastrophic electrical fire. Such fires can spread rapidly, leading to extensive property damage or even complete structural loss of a home.
- Who Might Be Affected: Consumers who own and operate the Dr Heater Model 968 are directly at risk. This includes any household members, children, and pets who may be near the unit when an electrical fault occurs.
- Property Damage Potential: Electrical fires can cause significant damage not only to the product itself but also to furniture, flooring, walls, and other household items. The smoke and soot produced can also cause extensive cosmetic and structural damage throughout a residence, requiring costly remediation.
What Consumers Should Do
Given the reported issues, consumers who own a Dr Heater Model 968 should take the following precautions:
- Immediate Steps to Take: If you own a Dr Heater Model 968 and notice any unusual smells (like burning plastic or electrical odors), smoke, sparks, or abnormal operation, immediately unplug the unit from the power outlet. Do not attempt to use it again or repair it yourself.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product: Locate the model number on your Dr Heater unit, typically found on a label on the back or bottom of the device. Verify if it is Model 968.
- Prevention Measures: Until further information or a recall is issued, it is advisable to discontinue the use of Dr Heater Model 968 units. If you must use a portable heater, ensure it is placed on a stable, non-flammable surface, away from curtains, furniture, or other combustible materials, and never leave it unattended while operating.
- Reporting Procedures: If you have experienced a similar incident with your Dr Heater Model 968 or any other product, it is crucial to report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.SaferProducts.gov. This helps regulatory bodies track incidents and potentially initiate recalls. You should also report the incident directly to the manufacturer, TLM International, Inc.
Manufacturer’s Response
The manufacturer, TLM International, Inc., provided a response of “Yes” to the incident report. Further details regarding the nature of their response or any actions they plan to take were not included in the publicly available incident report.
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.