I would like to set the record straight regarding Pro Exotic's FAQ allegations and our Pro Heat radiant panels. Please understand that what Robyn is stating is not true and due to another issue we have with them (PE), they are trying their best to try and "hurt" our product's reputation.
The facts of the matter are:
PE did buy panels from us in 1998. During the period they bought them, we did have a problem with a defective component from one of our suppliers that caused the copper buss to get hot enough to melt the surface coating of the panels, but not hot enough to cause other damage or a fire. Even though this happened, the panels, due to their construction, can't support combustion and therefore can't catch on fire, period. The damage Robyn shows was the worst that could happen. For the panel he posted to be in the condition shown, it had to have been used for an extended period after the problem first occurred. It would take many days or more of continued use/overheating to produce the damage shown. Any panel that had a problem would first get darker and darker in this region. If this was not noticed, it began to melt the plastic laminate which would also continue to worsen until the panel was unplugged or finally failed. If you look at the panels, there is a definite "line" where the failure occurred. If the panels were actually catching on fire, then why does every panel show the same damage with none of it spreading beyond the immediate area of the buss bar. Why wouldn't the entire face burn or at least spread once it started? Our panels are ASTM rated E84 < 25, which is the same rating fiberglass insulation and other similar products are rated. Our panels can't catch on fire and are actually "self extinguishing". They are made of non combustible materials. He also states that over 30% of the panels burnt out in this fashion which is also untrue. Many of the panels he returned to us were still in working condition, but as evidenced by the extreme darkening of the surface, were obviously being used in a manner warned not to do in our instruction/warranty information. Despite this, we replaced these panels as well and didn't even bring up the issue of misuse. He implies our panels are made in a garage; well our "garage" is a 15,000sq. ft. facility.
Since we made our heating element in large runs, we really couldn't tell what pieces were defective (not every piece was), so this problem haunted us for a couple of years. However, any panel that did fail was replaced and for what it is worth, even some of the replacement panels failed because of the same problem for the reason explained above. I can state that these customers who had panels fail are still using the product and are happy with the performance, safety and our company service. If our panels were such fire hazards, these people obviously wouldn't continue to use them. We also completely changed the design of these panels to meet the harsher requirements of our zoo and other professional sales, so the panels he is showing aren't even being made anymore. It is interesting that he used the product back in 1998, but has waited until now to "warn" the public, and only after we initiated an action against him in another matter.
I invite anyone to investigate this story and find anyone who can back up Robyn's claim of our Pro Heat radiant panels ever having caused any damage, caught on fire or caught anything on fire. With the exception of the damage to the panel surface in the picture, even Robyn had no other problems. Our product is UL listed & ASTM rated. If our product was such a risk, then one would think with 10's of thousands of units being used worldwide, why isn't anyone else complaining about them. In fact, we have one of the best reputations for a heat source of all of the products being sold.
Bob Pound
promist@bestweb.net
Pro Products
www.pro-products.com