Certain gas fireplace inserts made by Jotul North America of Gorham have been voluntarily recalled due to potential electrical shock and burn hazards, the company said on Tuesday.

The fireplace insert’s electrical wiring can come into contact with the metal rating plate on the insert, which poses the risk of electrical shock and burns. The problem was identified by a Jotul dealer in Montana and the company notified the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, said Jotul North America President Bret Watson.

Jotul, which employs about 75 people in Gorham, said it notified all of its dealers, who will fix their inventory, as well as the fireplace inserts already sold to customers.

“The chances of any problems are very remote,” Watson said. “We’ve been very proactive with this. We feel very comfortable with the fix.”

Because the company voluntarily acted to resolve the problem, it will not face any fine or penalty, Watson said.

There were 1,200 inserts sold in the United States and 50 in Canada. Consumers should immediately stop using and unplug the recalled inserts before checking the unit’s model and serial numbers.

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Contact the store where purchased or Jotul directly to schedule a free repair, the safety commission said.

The models being recalled include Jotul GI 450 DVII, Jotul 450 DV TSI and Scan 45i and Scan 45i TSI, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The four models of Jotul and Scan brand gas fireplace inserts fit into existing vented fireplaces and are fueled by natural gas or liquid propane. The inserts are cast iron or steel and have a glass front, ceramic fiber logs, a gas burner and an electrical cord.

The fireplace inserts, which measure 17 inches by 32 inches, were sold to independent specialty fireplace and stove stores nationwide from June 2010 through September 2012. The model and serial numbers are located on a metal plate inside the bottom front panel of the fireplace insert.

For more information, contact Jotul North America at 800-797-5912, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, or visit the firm’s website online at http://www.jotul.com.


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