DOJ sues 2 Chinese companies over immersion water heaters that can catch on fire

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against two Chinese companies, accusing them of selling immersion water heaters that can catch fire within minutes of being turned on. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., targets Cixi Miaojie Electrical Appliance Co. and Changsha Jiayi Tianzhuo Trading Co., which operate under the brand name “Lakkzoom.” According to court documents obtained by CBS News, the heaters are designed for use in bathtubs and pools but lack essential safety mechanisms that prevent overheating and ignition. The complaint claims that the water heaters can burst into flames if they are either fully or partially submerged in water, a condition that occurs during normal operation. Unlike similar models available on the market, these units do not automatically shut off when the heating element is not in contact with water or reaches a hazardous temperature. This omission, the government argues, creates a serious risk of fire and potential harm to users. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that the Department of Justice will not tolerate the sale of dangerous products, whether manufactured domestically or abroad. “We will not allow dangerous products manufactured in China or elsewhere to flow to American consumers and expose unwitting families to the risk of serious injury or death,” he stated. The case was brought jointly with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) under the Consumer Product Safety Act, which empowers authorities to initiate civil actions requiring product recalls when serious hazards are identified. The CPSC reportedly received over 235 fire-related reports linked to the Lakkzoom immersion water heaters. Following an investigation, the agency concluded that the devices could ignite within minutes under specific conditions. The complaint further states that the companies have sold more than 98,000 heaters in the United States since their introduction. Since September 2024, over 137 fire-related incidents have been reported involving these units. Customer accounts cited in the court filings describe alarming scenarios. One user claimed the heater caused a fire that nearly destroyed their garage, while another reported that the device ignited their bathtub. These incidents highlight the severity of the alleged danger posed by the products. The legal documents also mention that some of the heaters melted down, sparked, and led to fires in pools and bathtubs. Legal representatives for the two Chinese companies have not yet responded to requests for comment. The lawsuit seeks to compel a mandatory recall of all affected units, ensuring that consumers are protected from the purported dangers associated with the Lakkzoom immersion water heaters. The Department of Justice and the CPSC are working together to enforce this action, leveraging the authority granted by the Consumer Product Safety Act. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on the safety of consumer products and the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure that their goods meet rigorous safety standards. With over 137 reported incidents and numerous customer complaints, the case underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in preventing potentially life-threatening hazards in everyday household items. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future, particularly regarding products imported from foreign markets.