Case Results
Infant Death Linked to Overheating from Wall-Mounted Heater: An Urgent Call for Safer Home Heating Standards
Brand Name
King
Manufacturer
King Electrical Manufacturing Co.
Model Name
Wall-Mounted Electric Heater
Product Description
The King wall-mounted electric heater is a fixed-position residential heating appliance designed to heat small to medium-sized rooms. It is commonly mounted in bedrooms, bathrooms, or basements, and is available in white metal housing with integrated front-facing vents and a manual thermostat dial.
Dimensions of the reported unit are approximately 20″ x 16″, with the thermostat positioned on the upper left corner of the panel.
Case Details
On the night of October 31, 2024, a 2-year-old child died from heatstroke after a King brand wall heater reportedly ran continuously throughout the night. According to the incident report, the white heater unit was mounted to the wall, measuring approximately 20″ x 16″, with a thermostat dial in the top left corner.
The room became dangerously overheated, and the child was tragically found deceased. The Medical Examiner attributed the cause of death to heatstroke from prolonged exposure to excessive ambient temperature.
Injury Brief
Children under the age of 3 are especially vulnerable to heatstroke, as their bodies regulate temperature less effectively. In enclosed spaces like bedrooms, prolonged heat exposure can quickly become fatal — particularly when heating devices operate without fail-safe shutoffs or thermostatic controls.
Symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Lethargy or unresponsiveness
- Rapid breathing
- Hot, dry skin
- Vomiting or seizures
Sadly, young children may not be able to express distress, and if found too late, the result is often fatal.
Retailers
King wall-mounted electric heaters are commonly installed in residential properties and are available from retailers including:
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Amazon
- HVAC wholesalers and electrical supply stores
- Contractor-installed directly in apartments or homes
Consumers and landlords should check all thermostats for manufacturer compatibility and install fail-safe temperature limits in rooms where children sleep.
Liability
In response to the incident, King Electrical Mfg. Co. stated that the thermostat dial may not have been their own product. This raises the critical possibility that:
- An incorrect thermostat or aftermarket temperature control may have been installed
- The heating unit could have failed to regulate temperature, creating a continuous heating hazard
- There was no built-in shutoff or overheat protection capable of preventing such an outcome
Regardless of whether the knob was OEM or aftermarket, manufacturers and installers bear responsibility for ensuring that any compatible components are clearly identified, safe to use, and labeled appropriately.
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