January 15, 2026 – A consumer has reported a serious incident involving an Ashley Signature Ballister Gunmetal Power Lift Chair where the AC adapter box reportedly melted, leading to a burning odor in the home and scorching of the floor. The incident, which occurred in December, highlights potential electrical and fire safety concerns with the product. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident was reported on December 26, 2025, detailing events that transpired on December 12. At approximately 1:00 a.m., residents of the home detected a burning odor but were initially unable to pinpoint its source. Several hours later, when the consumer attempted to use their Ashley Signature Ballister Power Lift Chair, they discovered it was inoperable. Upon inspecting the power cord, which was connected to a surge protector, they found that the AC adapter box for the chair had melted. The heat generated by the melting adapter was significant enough to burn the floor beneath it. While the incident caused property damage, there were no reported injuries to any individuals.
Safety Concerns
This incident raises significant safety concerns regarding the potential for electrical malfunction and fire hazards associated with the Ashley Signature Ballister Power Lift Chair.
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is the risk of fire. A melting AC adapter indicates severe overheating, which can ignite nearby combustible materials such as carpeting, flooring, or other household items. This poses a direct threat to life and property. There is also a potential risk of electrical shock if consumers come into contact with damaged electrical components.
- Long-Term Risks: If not properly identified and rectified, a defective AC adapter could continue to pose a fire hazard, potentially leading to more extensive property damage or injury in the future. Hidden damage to electrical wiring within the chair itself could also exist, creating ongoing risks.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone owning or operating this particular model of power lift chair, or similar models using the same electrical components, could be at risk. This includes elderly individuals or those with mobility issues who frequently rely on such chairs. Family members, pets, and the entire household are also at risk from potential fires.
- Property Damage Potential: As demonstrated by this incident, the extreme heat from a malfunctioning adapter can cause significant damage to flooring, furniture, and potentially extend to wider structural damage if a fire escalates.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own an Ashley Signature Ballister Gunmetal Power Lift Chair or similar Ashley power lift chairs should take immediate action to ensure their safety and prevent potential hazards.
- Immediate Steps to Take: If you detect a burning odor, notice any unusual heat, or experience a malfunction with your power lift chair, immediately unplug it from the wall outlet. Do not attempt to use the chair or inspect the adapter while it is plugged in.
- How to Check If They Own the Affected Product: Verify the brand, model name (Ballister Gunmetal Power Lift Chair), and model number (ASH50) 216045 on a label usually found on the underside of the chair or in the product manual.
- Prevention Measures: Regularly inspect the AC adapter, power cords, and connections for any signs of damage, fraying, discoloration, or melting. Ensure that the adapter is not covered or placed in an enclosed space where heat can build up. While a surge protector was used in this incident, it’s crucial to ensure it’s functioning correctly and rated appropriately for the device.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience a similar incident or have concerns about your product, discontinue use and contact Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. immediately. You should also report the incident to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov to help them track and address product safety issues.
Manufacturer’s Response
Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. provided the following statement on January 13, 2026: “Ashley Furniture appreciates receiving this report regarding this recliner and any feedback from customers regarding their experiences with our products. Ashley is committed to offering high quality home furnishings and takes both product safety and reports like this one seriously. We encourage customers with questions or concerns about this product or any of Ashley’s products to contact us at 1-888-274-5390.”
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.