January 5, 2026 – Reports have surfaced regarding a serious safety incident involving a new Frigidaire Gas Range, Model FCRG3062AS, where a leaking gas valve was discovered shortly after installation, despite the appliance never being used. The incident highlights potential hazards even with new, unused appliances.
Product Details
Incident Overview
A consumer reported smelling gas after the installation of a new Frigidaire Gas Range, Model FCRG3062AS, in a vacant home. The appliance had never been used. Initially, the installing plumber conducted an air test, which indicated no leaks at the time. However, approximately a week later, the homeowner visited the vacant property and again detected a strong odor of gas near the stove. The plumber was called back to investigate. Upon re-inspection, the plumber applied liquid soap to the stovetop valves and observed bubbling on one of them, confirming a gas leak. The gas line to the stove was immediately disconnected for safety. A technician from PC Richards & Son later confirmed that the issue was a leaking gas valve on the stovetop. The technician reportedly expressed surprise, stating he had never encountered such a defect on a brand-new stove. The faulty valve was subsequently replaced.
Safety Concerns
The incident with the Frigidaire Gas Range FCRG3062AS presents significant safety concerns, primarily revolving around the risk of a gas leak:
- Immediate Dangers: Gas leaks, even small ones, pose an immediate and severe risk of fire and explosion. Natural gas is highly flammable, and an accumulation of gas in an enclosed space can be ignited by a spark, open flame, or even static electricity, leading to catastrophic property damage, severe burns, injuries, or fatalities. Additionally, prolonged exposure to natural gas can displace oxygen, leading to asphyxiation, especially in poorly ventilated areas or if a leak goes undetected for an extended period.
- Long-Term Risks: If a gas leak remains undetected, there’s a continuous risk of exposure to gas, potential health issues from prolonged inhalation, and the ever-present danger of ignition. Even minor, persistent leaks can lead to the slow buildup of flammable gas.
- Who Might Be Affected: Occupants of the home, including adults, children, and pets, are at risk. In this specific case, the home was vacant, which ironically prevented immediate exposure but also allowed the leak to persist for a week before being re-detected, increasing the potential for gas accumulation. First responders, such as firefighters, are also at risk if an explosion or fire occurs.
- Property Damage Potential: A gas explosion can cause extensive structural damage to a home, rendering it uninhabitable and resulting in significant financial losses. Even a gas fire, without an explosion, can cause substantial damage to the appliance itself, surrounding cabinetry, and the broader property.
What Consumers Should Do
- Immediate Steps: If you smell gas, do NOT turn on or off any electrical switches, light matches, use your phone, or create any spark. Immediately evacuate everyone from the building and call your gas utility company or 911 from a safe distance. Do not re-enter the building until emergency services confirm it is safe.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product: Consumers should check their gas range for the brand “Frigidaire” and the model number “FCRG3062AS.” This information is typically found on a label located on the side of the oven door, under the cooktop, or on the back of the appliance.
- Prevention Measures:
* Professional Installation: Always have gas appliances installed by a qualified, licensed professional.
* Post-Installation Check: After any new gas appliance installation or service, ensure the installer performs a thorough leak check. Consider using a certified gas detector for added peace of safety.
* Regular Maintenance: Schedule periodic checks of gas lines and appliances by a qualified technician.
* Odor Awareness: Be vigilant for the distinct rotten egg smell that indicates the presence of natural gas.
- Reporting Procedures: If you own this model and suspect a gas leak or have experienced a similar issue, report it immediately to the manufacturer and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of the incident report date, no response from ELECTROLUX/WHITE CONSOLIDATED has been provided regarding this incident.
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.