Champion Power Equipment » News

Colorado State University Predicts Above Average Hurricane Season

CPE-admin — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:40:28 +0000

The 2013 hurricane season – June 1 to November 30 – puts the entire U.S. coastline with a 72% chance of a major hurricane making it to land. Colorado State University forecasts are typically conservative. Their 2012 forecast called for 4 hurricans and 10 storms, with actual events bring far worse: 10 hurricans – one of which was the traumatic Hurricane Sandy. The university’s meteorologist team has more often under predicted storm seasons than not, so be sure you are well prepared for what could likely be a very active storm season. Read more here →

Unstable Conditions in Subtropics to Create Higher Storm Activity

CPE-admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:26:55 +0000

Active atmospheric conditions in subtropic zones are creating a “climate” for a much more active storm and hurricane season in the Atlantic. Ocean heat content in these areas have been untouched by hurricane activity for a number of years now. The Caribbean Islands, Central America, and the US are the areas likely to be most affected. Read more at the Weather Underground →

At Least 3 Hurricanes Predicted to Make Landfall in 2013

CPE-admin — Sat, 11 May 2013 17:15:18 +0000

The 2013 hurricane season, which starts June 1, brings with it already 16 named storms which are predicted for the Atlantic and Gulf regions. Four of those storms are predicted to become major hurricane events and three of which are predicted to make landfall in the U.S. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is expected to release final forecast during Hurricane Preparedness Week – the week of May 26. Read more here →

Hurricane Season Begins June 1

CPE-admin — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:34:54 +0000

Lack of hurricane awareness and preparation can compound the disaster caused by a major storm. The 2013 storm season is likely to bring above average storm activity. The Huffington Post reports:

The season may begin quickly this year with development in the Caribbean in June.
AccuWeather.com is predicting strong storms this year with a strength of category 2 or higher.
Areas along the East coast to the Gulf of Mexico are at risk for impacts from a tropical system.

2013 Storm Season:
2013 hurricane season to see National Weather Service stress on storm effects →
2013 Hurricane Season: Potential Flooding, Power Outages On Tap This Summer →
State Officials Prepare For The 2013 Hurricane Season →
Florida prepares coastline for 2013 Hurricane Season →

Hurricane Preparedness:
NOAA National Hurricane Center – Hurricane Preparedness →
FEMA – Hurricane Readiness →

Important Product Recall Notice: Models 41532 and 41332

CPE-admin — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 21:02:02 +0000

For Immediate Release

RECALL NOTICE

Note: Due to an extremely high call volume, wait times may be extensive. We apologize in advance for any additional inconvenience this may cause you. We are working as quickly and diligently as possible.

Champion Power Equipment has issued a voluntary product recall on the following products sold at Costco USA:

Model # 41532 – 9000 Watt / 7000 Watt Wireless Remote Electric Start Portable Generator (Retail $699)
Model # 41332 – 8250 Watt / 6500 Watt Wireless Remote Electric Start Portable Generator (Retail $699)

This recall has been issued due to a potential fire hazard caused by fuel leakage.

This recall affects the model numbers listed above that fall within the following Serial Number range:

Automated Serial Number Checker →

Mfg. Model #	Costco ITM. #	Serial # Range
41532	562296	11NOV1400151	11NOV1400360
		11DEC0700001	11DEC0700720
		11DEC1301077	11DEC1302516
		11DEC1400983	11DEC1402602
		11DEC2201801	11DEC2203600
		11DEC2501531	11DEC2503330
		11DEC2801073	11DEC2801325

Mfg. Model #	Costco ITM. #	Serial # Range
41332	613053	11NOV2600701	11NOV2601500

For more information regarding this recall, and how to proceed if you own a product affected by the recall, please call our proprietary recall information line toll-free at 1-855-236-9424.
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You may download a full copy of the recorded message here: 41532 & 41332 Recall Information Messge (PDF).

AUTHORIZED CHAMPION SERVICE TECHNICIANS

To become an Authorized Champion Service Technician, please call: 1-855-236-9424.To order a FREE repair kit, please accurately fill out and submit our RECALL REPLACEMENT PARTS ORDER FORM to process your order online. Or, call 1-855-236-9424. The kit includes all necessary replacement parts as well as a detailed set of illustrated instructions.
If you would like more of an understanding of what is required for the repair before you order your replacement parts, you may download and view a PDF copy of the carburetor replacement instructions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is Champion Power Equipment conducting this recall?
We have identified that the float inside the carburetor can get stuck and flood the carburetor with fuel. This fuel has the potential to leak out around the generator and possibly cause a fire hazard. Therefore we are conducting this recall to keep our customer’s safe and prevent injuries by replacing the problem component on the generator.

How can I tell if my generator is affected by the recall?
Your generator has a unique serial number. Please check to see if your serial number falls within the range listed in the tables above. (Note: See the photos below to locate your serial number.)

How do I find my serial number?
The serial number for your product is located on the side of the product above the alternator as well as on the product packaging. Please see photos below for exact location of serial numbers. If you need assistance finding your serial number, please call 1-855-236-9424.

My serial number does fall into the range above. How do I participate in the recall?
Please call our toll-free number 1-855-236-9424 between the hours of 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (PDT) Monday – Friday. Our support staff will verify the serial number with you and connect you with a local Champion authorized service center where you can take the generator and have a replacement carburetor installed.

What is the problem with the generator?
In a small number of units we have found that a tight tolerance on the float valve in the carburetor causes flooding of fuel that can leak and possibly cause a fire hazard.

My generator appears to be okay. Can I continue to use it?
No. Even though your generator appears to be safe, we are asking all customers to immediately stop using the generator and participate in the recall by having carburetor replaced free of charge.

I no longer have the receipt for the generator. Can I still participate in the recall?
Yes. Please call 1-855-236-9424 and we will direct you to a service center.

How long will it take for me to receive the repair/replacement?
Please allow up to 2 weeks from the date you contacted us. We apologize for any inconvenience, and assure you we are working as quickly as possible to repair your generator.

How much will a repair or replacement cost me?
Nothing. You have two options: 1) You may have the generator repaired for FREE by an Authorized Champion Service Center, or 2) You may return the generator to Costco for a FREE replacement or FULL REFUND. To locate and Authorized Champion Service Center, please call 1-855-236-9424.

Will I be able to repair the generator myself?
You need to be an Authorized Champion Service Technician to perform the repair. To become an Authorized Champion Service Technician, please call 1-855-236-9424.

Severe Weather Preparedness

CPE-admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:52:39 +0000

As severe weather sweeps across the country, make sure you are prepared to keep your family and home as safe and secure as possible. Making and following a simple emergency checklist can make the world of difference before, during and after a storm. Here are a few resources to make sure you and you family are prepared and know what to do during an emergency that results in a loss of power.

Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness – Portable Generator Safety Information →

OSHA’s Tornado Preparedness and Response – Response/Recovery →

1-800-prepare.com – Natural Disaster Preparedness Checklist →

Important Generator Safety Tips

CPE-admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:19:59 +0000

Things can be chaotic when the power goes out. Having a back-up source of power may have lifesaving benefits for your home, loved ones or business. If you plan on using an generator during emergencies and power outages, it is vital that you take the proper precautions when setting up and using your generator. Follow these simple guidelines to help protect you, those around you and your generator.

American Red Cross – Purchasing and Using a Generator →

National Safety Council – Portable Generator Safety Tips →

National Fire Protection Association – Generator Safety →

Generators Emerge as a Status Symbol

CPE-admin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:50:11 +0000

As storms and power outages have been sweeping through the Northeast, many are realizing that back-up generators can make living without power much easier. As the appeal grows, and the stigma around the difficulty of buying and using a portable, back-up generator fades, many are finding that having a back-up source of power is an important thing.

Ethanol Gas Left in Generators May Disable Them, Experts Say

CPE-admin — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:23:15 +0000

First it was boat engines and lawn equipment. Get ready now for potential hassles with portable generators. Leaving gas in your generator or not adding ethanol stabilizer at the end of hurricane season last year can mean trouble this hurricane season.

For Safer Emergencies, Give Your Power Generator Some Space

CPE-admin — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:20:44 +0000

To subdue the steaming heat of hurricanes or to thaw out during a blizzard, gasoline-powered, portable generators are a lifeline during weather emergencies when homes are cut off without electricity. But these generators emit poisonous carbon monoxide.