Whirlpool Will Retrofit Below-Counter Dishwashers

WASHINGTON -- If you live in Kentucky, Illinois or Indiana and have one of five Whirlpool below-the-counter dishwashers, the company wants to replace the appliance's pushbutton switch to correct a possible fire hazard.

According to Whirlpool, the undercounter dishwashers to be modified are models DU7400-O, DU7600XS-0, DU9000XR-0, and DU9000XR-1. The model and serial number may be found on a plate on the right front edge of the tub after the door is opened. The appliances were sold after February, 1986.

The company said it was issuing a second recall notice to homeowners in the tri-state area because of poor consumer response to its first recall notice in August, 1988. The pushbutton switch may short-circuit and could cause a fire; forty-five such fires have been reported to Whirlpool, nine of which spread outside the appliance.

While the company has attempted to locate all affected dishwashers in the tri-state area, consumers who have not been contacted by Whirlpool should have their model and serial number available, then call the company toll-free at 1-800-541-5746 to arrange for free service. Until the switch is installed, owners should not'use the appliance. Temporarily, the power should be turned off or the dishwasher door left unlatched.