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Electronic device and appliance recalls including batteries, chargers, heaters, and kitchen appliances. Fire and shock hazard alerts.
Extension Cords Recalled by Wellmax NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 23, 1999 Release # 99-067 Company Phone Number: (800) 387-8865 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058 CPSC, Wellmax Announce Recall of Extension Cords WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Wellmax International Inc., of Long Beach, Calif., is voluntarily recalling nearly 1 million extension cords. The cords have undersized wires and reverse polarity receptacles that allow plugs to be incorrectly inserted, presenting fire, shock and electrocution hazards to consumers. CPSC and Wellmax are not aware of any injuries involving these cords. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The household extension cords are white and are available in lengths of 6, 9, 12, 15 and 20 feet. The labeling, "SPT-2...18AWGX2C...60...C", is imprinted in black on the cords. The cords were packaged in a green cardboard display sleeve, labeled in part, "HOUSEHOLD EXTENSION CORD...SPT-2...MADE IN CHINA. Discount and tool stores in California, Florida, New Jersey, New York and Texas sold the cords from March 1997 through November 1998 for about $1 to $2. Consumers should stop using the recalled cords immediately and return the cords for a full refund plus the cost of shipping to: Wellmax International, Inc., 2300 E. Artesia Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90805. Include your return address, phone number, copy of receipt or indicate the price paid, name of retail store purchased and the cost for the return shipping. If consumers have any questions, they should call Wellmax at (800) 387-8865 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time Monday through Friday.
Electric Furnaces and Air Handlers Recalled by Rheem Manufacturing NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 16, 1999 Release # 99-061 Company Phone Number: (877) 749-6035 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052 CPSC, Rheem Manufacturing Announce Recall to Repair Electric Furnaces and Air Handlers WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Rheem Manufacturing Co., of Fort Smith, Ark., is recalling about 135,000 electric furnaces and air handlers for repair. The heating elements in the electric furnaces and air handlers can disintegrate, and expel small particles of molten metal through the duct system and into the living area of the residence. The molten metal particles can ignite nearby combustibles, presenting a fire hazard to consumers. Rheem has received 16 reports of fires resulting in minor to serious property damage, including one report of a total house fire. No injuries have been reported. Only certain down flow and horizontal installations are involved in this recall. Specifically, only Rheem RBEA, UBEA, WBEA, and WBEMA model electric furnaces and Rheem RBHA, UBHA, WBHA, and WBHMA model electric air handlers with date codes between 3592 and 4595 are part of this recall. The model and date code are on an identification plate affixed to the front of the unit. The date code is the four digits following the letter "M" in the unit's serial number. The first two digits of the date code specifies the week and the last two digits specifies the year. The recalled units have cabinets, which are constructed of sheet steel painted beige or platinum, that house a circulating air blower, electric heating elements, mechanical controls, and an air filter. The physical dimensions of the units are 35 inches in length, 22 inches in depth and in varying widths of 14, 17.5, 21 or 24.5 inches, depending on model size. Rheem sold the furnaces and air handlers nationwide from August 1992 through December 1995 to distributors who, in turn, sold them to heating, ventilating, and air conditioning dealers. The furnaces and air handlers reportedly were sold to consumers for about $600 to $950. Consumers with recalled furnaces and air handlers should call Rheem's toll-free number (877) 749-6035, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Rheem will provide information on how to arrange to have a qualified service technician repair the unit by installing a new blower assembly, which contains a heating element with improved reliability. Rheem will pay for the new part, as well as provide a labor allowance for its installation.
AC Adapters for Digital Cameras Recalled by Kodak NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 1999 Release # 99-059 Kodak Phone Number: (888) 404-3711 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058 CPSC, Kodak Announce Recall of AC Adapters for Digital Cameras WASHINGTON, D.C. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Eastman Kodak Company, of Rochester, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling 120,000 AC adapters for use with certain Kodak digital cameras. When the connector plug of the AC adapter is not fully inserted in the camera, the batteries in the camera can overheat to a high temperature. This can cause the batteries to leak acid and explode, possibly causing thermal and chemical burns or lacerations to consumers. Kodak is aware of three reports of the batteries in these cameras overheating and rapidly discharging the battery's contents while using these recalled adapters, including one report of a consumer suffering minor injuries when a battery's content ejected from the camera onto his face and hand. These AC adapters were manufactured by ELPAC Electronics Inc., of Irvine, Calif. They were sold separately as optional accessories for use with Kodak digital cameras and authorized for use by Kodak. These AC adapters have model numbers 2534, 2457, MI2008 and M42008. The brand name and model numbers can be found on labels affixed to the adapters. These AC adapters have angled or tapered connector tips. ELPAC models 2534 and M42008 have an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label. The Kodak digital cameras that use these AC adapters have model numbers CD25, DC40, DC50 and DC120. The model number and "Kodak" are written on the front of the cameras. Only the ELPAC AC adapter is being recalled, and not the Kodak cameras. Department, electronic, computer and camera stores, as well as mail-order and web retailers sold these AC adapters nationwide from March 1996 to August 1998 for between $40 and $80. A recalled ELPAC AC adapter with an angled connector tip (left)and the replacement ELPAC AC adapter (right). Consumers should immediately stop using the AC adapter with these digital cameras when they contain batteries. Kodak will replace, free of charge, these recalled ELPAC AC adapters with redesigned, UL-listed ELPAC AC adapters. To receive a postage-paid mailer to return your AC adapter, or for more information, contact Kodak toll-free at (888) 404-3711 between 8 a.m. and 12 a.m. EST seven days a week. Consumers also can contact Kodak online at www.kodak.com/go/acadapter. If you purchased an AC adapter with an angled or tapered connector tip that was not authorized to be used by Kodak, it should not be used with these digital cameras. Kodak is not replacing AC adapters it did not authorized for use.
Voltage Testers Recalled by Woods Industries NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 25, 1999 Release # 99-087 Company Phone Number: (877) 221-4627 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058 CPSC, Woods Industries Inc. Announce Recall of Voltage Testers WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Woods Industries Inc., of Carmel, Ind., is recalling about 14,000 voltage testers. These testers could short circuit, causing possible shock, electrocution or burns. Woods Industries is aware of five reports of the tester short circuiting, including one serious injury to an electrician working with high voltage. He reportedly suffered second and third degree burns to his chest, hands, neck and face. These voltage testers are rated for 120 to 600 volts. "Woods®" and "Taiwan" are molded into the tester's case. The body of the test meter is black, and measures about 6.25 inches long by 2.4 inches wide and about 1.2 inches thick. The wire leads are red and black. The testers have model number 1307, which could be found on the packaging and in the user's manual. Home centers and hardware stores nationwide sold these voltage testers between January 1985 and December 1988 for $10 to $15. Consumers with these recalled voltage testers should stop using them immediately, and return them to Woods Industries for a $20 refund and the price of postage. For information on returning recalled voltage testers, consumers should call Woods Industries toll-free at (877) 221-4627 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. These testers were manufactured by Test-Rite International Co., Ltd., of Bensenville, Ill., and distributed by a company Woods Industries later acquired. Woods Industries is taking the steps necessary to remove this product from circulation.
GE Spacemaker Radio Cassette Players Recalled by Thomson Consumer Electronics NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued February 03, 1999 Last revised November 15, 2010 Release #99-056 Company Phone Number: (866) 670-4844 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058 Note: Firm telephone number and address change, website removed. CPSC, Thomson Consumer Electronics Announce Recall of GE Brand Spacemaker Radio Cassette Players WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Thomson Consumer Electronics Inc., of Indianapolis, Ind., is voluntarily recalling about 424,000 GE Spacemaker radio cassette players. The unit has an appliance outlet that can overheat, presenting a fire hazard to consumers. Thomson Consumer Electronics has received three reports of appliance outlets on the units overheating and catching fire, causing minor property damage. No injuries have been reported. Only units with model number 7-4285 are involved in this recall. The model number is located on the top of the unit and may or may not be followed by a letter. The unit is designed for under-the-cabinet use and consists of an AM/FM stereo cassette player, a light and a programmable appliance outlet, which allows for a timer to control the power to the outlet. The appliance outlet is located on the left side of the unit. "GE Spacemaker...AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player...Programmable Appliance Outlet" is on the front of the unit. The control panel is black and is located on the front of the unit between the two speakers. Department, electronic and discount stores nationwide sold the units from January 1992 through December 1995 for about $50 to $80. Consumers should unplug the units immediately and call Thomson at (866) 670-4844 anytime for instructions on receiving a free replacement unit. Consumers also can contact Thomson at Thomson Inc., GE Spacemaker Recall, P.O. Box 1976, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1976. No other Spacemaker models are involved in this recall.
Ceiling Fans Recalled by Emerson Electric NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 12, 1999 Release # 99-047 Company Phone Number: (877) FAN KITS CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058 CPSC, Emerson Electric Co. Announce Recall to Repair Ceiling Fans WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Air Comfort Products Division of Emerson Electric Co., of St. Louis, Mo., is recalling about 20,000 ceiling fan installation kits. Over time, the bracket holding the fan can fail, causing the fan to fall or hang by its electric wires. The fans can fall at anytime, possibly causing injuries to bystanders. In addition, exposed wires could pose an electrical shock hazard. Emerson Electric is aware of 12 reports of the brackets failing, causing the fans to fall. A 13-year-old boy suffered a laceration on the nose from a falling ceiling fan. These ceiling fan kits are model CF10N1 made to use with Emerson fans. The kit is used when a fan is installed on a sloped ceiling or in a "close to the ceiling" mode. The kit only poses a hazard when installed in the "close to the ceiling" mode -- which allows the fan to be mounted higher on low ceilings. The outside housing or canopy of the kit comes in two pieces, and was sold in five colors -- brown, polished brass, antique brass, white and antique white. Lighting showrooms, electrical distributors and hardware stores sold these ceiling fan kits from December 1984 through December 1989 for about $20. Consumers should immediately check to see if their Emerson ceiling fan's housing has a two-piece canopy. Air Comfort will arrange to help consumers identify if their ceiling fans are part of this recall and provide installation if needed. Consumers should immediately stop using the ceiling fans installed with these kits and have them repaired. To verify a fan is part of this recall, to receive a repair kit or for more information, consumers should call Air Comfort at (877) FAN KITS between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.
Angel Tree-Top Ornament Recalled by Kmart NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 23, 1998 Release # 99-042 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris, (301) 504-7066 CPSC, Kmart Corp. Announce Recall of Angel Tree-Top Ornament WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kmart Corp., of Troy, Mich., is conducting a voluntary recall of about 132,000 electric angel tree-top ornaments. The fabric used in making these ornaments is flammable, posing a fire hazard. CPSC is aware of two incidents where plastic on these angel ornaments melted from the heat of the bulbs. These tree-top angel ornaments are about 10 inches high, have gowns that are white, gold, silver or a combination of these colors, and have lights attached to each wrist and at its base. "Made in China for Kmart Corporation, Troy, Michigan 48084," and "CODE: 0-377728- 118 are printed on a label attached to the unit's power cord, along with an Underwriters Laboratories label. Kmart stores nationwide sold the angel ornaments from September 1998 to December 1998 for about $11. Consumers should immediately stop using these ornaments and return them to Kmart for a refund. For further information about this recall, contact CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 anytime.
Morton Paper Co. of Brooklyn, N.Y., is recalling about 75,750 extension cords.
Sound-Tech Import Inc., of Los Angeles, Calif., is recalling about 360 portable hairdryers.
Treadmills Recalled by Pacific Scientific NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 18, 1998 Release # 99-024 Company Phone Number: (888) 340-4975 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058 CPSC, Pacific Scientific Co. Announce Recall of Treadmills WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Pacific Scientific Co., of Rockford, Ill., is recalling over 71,000 treadmills. An electrical short can occur in the treadmills' motors, presenting electrocution, shock and fire hazards to consumers. CPSC and Pacific Scientific are not aware of any injuries involving these treadmills. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The treadmills being recalled have been manufactured as various models by eight companies. Pacific Scientific Co. manufactured the motors used in the recalled treadmills. The following table identifies the specific models being recalled and the manufacturer name under which the treadmills were sold. The manufacturer's name, and model number or name are found on the treadmill itself. Treadmill Mfr. Model When Sold Aerobics Pacemaster Pro Plus Auto Incline, Pacemaster Pro Plus Heart Rate Control, PaceMaster Pro-Plus, PaceMaster Pro-Plus HR 17,288 sold from November 1997 through October 1998 Aerobic Technologies APT1, AT1, Polaris T845, Medicostride, Platinum 1,245 sold from October 1997 through October 1998 Bodyguard Fitness Magellon, Odyssey LS, Odyssey LS2 458 sold from September 1998 through October 1998 Conetex Athlon IQ2 3,346 sold from May 1997 through October 1998 Precor 940, 944, 9.17, 9.21SI, 9.21I, 9.25I, 9.41SI, 9.21, 9.21S, 9.17SI, 9.41S, 9.25 22,645 sold from June 1997 through October 1998 Tunturi J550, J660, J661F, J77P 3,651 sold from February 1998 through October 1998 True Fitness 350 series, 450 series, 500 series, 700 series, 725 series 22,074 sold from July 1997 through October 1998 Kurt Manufacturing TM940, TM940R, TM960 540 sold from May 1997 through October 1998 Fitness and specialty stores nationwide, including Atlantic Fitness, Busy Body, Fitness Experience, Fitness in Motion, Fitness Stores, Fitness Superstores and Fitness Warehouse, sold the treadmills for about $1,500 to $5,000. Consumers should immediately unplug the recalled treadmills and call Pacific Scientific Co. anytime at (888) 340-4975 for information on participating in the recall. Pacific Scientific Co. will arrange for local dealers to go to consumers' homes, and inspect and repair the treadmills. Consumers should not use the treadmills until the repair has been made. Treadmill models sold after November 1, 1998, are not part of the recall.
Custom Accessories Inc. of Niles, Ill., is recalling about 20,000 Electro-Tek soldering irons.
AIG Designs Holding Inc., of Alpharetta, Ga., is recalling about 1,200 entertainment units.
Electric Screwdrivers Recall by DeWalt Industrial Tool NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Phone number change. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued November 5, 1998, Revised August 18, 2003 Release # 99-015 Company Phone Number: (800) 433-9258 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058 CPSC, DeWalt Industrial Tool Co. Announce Recall to Repair Electric Screwdrivers WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), DeWalt Industrial Tool Co., of Hampstead, Md., is recalling to repair about 660,000 corded electric screwdrivers. The screwdrivers' wiring design can result in the user being shocked. DeWalt has received reports of 40 of these screwdrivers causing shocks during use. There have been three reports of injuries resulting from these shocks. The screwdrivers were sold under the DeWalt , GRABBER , and Black & Decker Industry & Construction brandnames. The DeWalt , model numbers are DW251, DW252, DW257, DW260K, DW265, DW266, DW267, DW268, DW268G, DW269, DW272, DW274, DW274-220, DW274W, DW275QD (Quik Drive ), DW276, DW281, DW282 and DW284. The GRABBER model numbers are 4060 and 4063. The Black & Decker Industry & Construction model numbers are 2121, 2125 and 2141. Only numeric date codes from 9601 to 9833 are included in this recall. The date code is followed by various letters. Those date codes ending with an "R" have already been repaired. The model number and date code are located on the name plate, which is on the right hand side of the screwdriver when viewed from the back. The DeWalt and Quik Drive corded screwdrivers have a yellow housing with black accents. The GRABBER models have a black housing. The Black & Decker Industry & Construction models have a charcoal-gray housing. Major chain home centers and hardware stores, as well as local hardware stores, nationwide sold these screwdrivers from November 1996 through September 1998 for about $69 to $169, depending on the model. Consumers should stop using these screwdrivers immediately and take them to the nearest DeWalt /Black & Decker service center for a free repair. To find the nearest service center or for more information, consumers should call DeWalt toll-free at (800) 433-9258 between 8 a.m and 4:30 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. No cordless screwdrivers are affected by this recall.
Contempo Mate Stack Washer-Dryer Retrofit by Speed Queen NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 1988 Release # 88-90 Speed Queen Announces A Retrofit Program For Contempo Mate Stack Washer-Dryer Equipped With Caster-Rollers WASHINGTON - Speed Queen Company of Ripon, Wisconsin, is voluntarily offering a retrofit program for its caster-equipped Contempo Stack combination washer-dryer to eliminate the possibility that consumers could receive a hand or foot-injury from the appliance when operating. Speed Queen will supply all consumers with a permanent guard to install at the base of the Contempo Mate washer-dryer, which are equipped with caster-rollers. Casters permit consumers to roll the appliance to the water and drain source for clothes washing, and then to return the unit to another area for convenient storage. Speed Queen said the casters elevate the appliance high enough off the floor to allow children to contact some of the washer's moving parts. Consumers having the Speed Queen Contempo Mate stack washer-dryer with casters should call Speed Queen toll-free at 1-800-543-3462 to obtain the free guard kit, obtain help in installing the guard, or for other information about the retrofit program.
Power Wheels Ride-On Battery-Powered Vehicles Recall to Repair NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 1998 Release # 99-012 Company Phone Number: (800) 977-7800 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Nychelle Fleming, (301) 504-7063 CPSC, Fisher-Price Announce Recall to Repair Power Wheels Ride-On Battery-Powered Vehicles WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y., is conducting a voluntary recall involving up to 10 million battery-powered Power Wheels ride-on cars and trucks. The vehicles' electrical components can overheat and cause fires. Children can suffer injuries from fires and house fires can occur. Additionally, wiring problems can prevent the vehicles from stopping. CPSC and Fisher-Price have received approximately 700 reports of electrical components failing and overheating while the cars and trucks were being ridden, charged, parked or stored. About 150 fires have been reported. Nine children suffered minor burns to the hands, legs, or feet; and up to $300,000 in property damage to 22 houses and garages have been reported. There have also been 71 reports of vehicles not stopping. Six children suffered bruises, scratches or bumps when their vehicles hit a car, truck, pole, window or fence. Power Wheels Service Centers will repair the vehicles. These service centers will install the new parts free of charge and give all recalled vehicles a free safety check-up and tune-up. The recalled Power Wheels cars and trucks have been sold under nearly 100 model names. The Power Wheels logo and the model name are on each vehicle. All models with two batteries are recalled, and certain models with one battery are recalled. The company will help consumers identify if their model is part of the recall. Power Wheels cars and trucks are intended for children 2 to 7 years old, and the vehicles' speed ranges from 1 to 5 mph, depending on the model. Toy and mass merchandise stores nationwide sold the cars and trucks since 1984 for about $70 to $300. Consumers should remove the vehicles' batteries right away and not let children use these Power Wheels vehicles until the repair has been made at the service center. To schedule the repair, consumers should call Power Wheels at (800) 977-7800 anytime. Again, the company will help consumers identify if their vehicles are part of the recall. Power Wheels sold after October 1998 are not involved in this recall. Model names, including, but not limited to: 12 Volt Battery Models Super 6 Volt Battery Models Barbie Beach Buggie Barbie Corvette Barbie Beach Cruiser Barbie Lamborghini Barbie Beach Patrol Barbie Trail Rider Barbie Beach Ranger Big Jake Barbie Sports Quad Big Foot Barbie Sun Jammer Cartoon Network Big Foot Caterpillar Coyote Corvette Cycle Sound Suzuki/Quad Racer 900 Firetruck Extreme Machine Hot Wheels Lamborghini Fire Truck Kawasaki GPZ Ford F-150 Kmart Racing Truck High Rider Lamborghini Jeep Adventure Team Monster 4x4 Jeep Commando Monster Racing Truck Jeep Dune Squad My First Roadster Jeep Dune Watch Qua-Trax Jeep Enforcer Snake Bite Jeep Laredo Starfire Jeep Renegade Supervette 350 Jeep Safari Suzuki Quad Sport Jeep Wrangler Turbo Corvette Kawasaki Ninja ATV Speed Sound Lamborghini Monster Sound Big Foot Suzuki Quad Racer Raider Jeep Sahara Jeep Sand Blaster Super Sound Jeep 4x4 Sweetheart Super Bigfoot 400 SZ
GFCI Circuit Breakers Recalled by Siemens Energy & Automation NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued October 7, 1998, Revised May 20, 2005 Release # 99-005 Company Phone Number: (800) 241-3138 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: name, (301) 504-7076 Siemens Contact: Jill Vaughn-Birch (770) 326-2118 Note: Contact Information Change. CPSC, Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. Announce Recall of GFCI Circuit Breakers Used with Hot Tubs and Spas WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. of Alpharetta, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 144,000 2-pole ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) circuit breakers, typically used with hot tubs and spas to prevent shock or electrocution. These GFCI circuit breakers could overheat and lose their ability to prevent injury or death. Siemens is not aware of any injuries involving these circuit breakers. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The 2-pole GFCI circuit breakers involved in this recall carry the Siemens or Murray brand name. The face of the black plastic units have a large, white button with the word "TEST" molded into it. The circuit breaker's rating is printed in white at each end of the handle's horizontal bar. A product identification sticker is affixed to the face of each unit near the "TEST" button. The word "Siemens" or "Murray" will be found at the top of the sticker, and the phrase "2 Pole Unit" is printed on the bottom of the sticker. Only 2-pole units are being recalled. The GFCI circuit breakers were sold primarily to electrical contractors and hot tub manufacturers through independent wholesale electrical distributors. A small percentage were sold to contractors and consumers through home improvement stores. They were sold nationwide from March 1996 through April 1998 for about $100. Consumers should switch the recalled GFCI circuit breaker to the "off" position immediately to disconnect the power supply. Consumers should call Siemens at (800) 241-3138 between 7 a.m. and 12 midnight EST Monday through Friday or between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. EST Saturday and Sunday to arrange to have qualified personnel replace the breakers at no charge to the consumer. Consumers should not attempt to remove the GFCI circuit breaker because high voltage can cause death or serious injury. Consumers should not use their hot tubs and spas until a replacement breaker has been installed.
Portable Heaters Recalled by Royal Centurian/Sovereign NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 7, 1998 Release # 99-004 Company Phone Number: (888) 347-2757 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: name, (301) 504-7058 CPSC, Royal Centurian/Sovereign Announce Recall of Portable Heaters WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Royal Centurian Inc. and its affiliate Royal Sovereign Corp., both of Englewood, N.J., are voluntarily recalling about 39,300 portable heaters. The mechanism which rotates the heater side-to-side can wear through the insulation of electrical wiring inside the heater's base. In addition, some of the connections between the electrical wires and other components inside of the heater may be faulty. Either of these conditions can result in a fire. Royal Centurian/Sovereign have received 13 reports of fires involving the heaters, which may have caused the fires. The fires resulted in about $70,000 in property damage. No injuries have been reported. Only Royal Sovereign model RST-1200 portable heaters with serial numbers beginning with 92, 93, 94, 95 or 96 are being recalled. These heaters use a fan to force the heated air into the room, and they rotate side-to-side to distribute the heated air throughout the room. These units are constructed of black plastic in a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 7 inches and a height of 13 inches. The units are labeled in part, "RS...CERAMIC HEATER AUTO THERMOSTAT CONTROL...120v, 60 hz, 1500 w...MODEL NO. RST-1200 ...Royal Sovereign Corp...UL LISTED AIR HEATER...MADE IN KOREA." The serial number is located underneath the heater's base. Home building supply and discount stores nationwide, including Hechingers, Builders' Square, Walmart and Montgomery Ward, sold the heaters from January 1992 through September 1997 for about $99. Consumers should stop using these heaters immediately and call Royal Centurian Inc. toll-free at (888) 347-2757 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday for instructions on returning the heaters for free repair. Link to CPSC's provisionally accepted settlement agreement with Royal Soverign.
S-B Power Tool Co., of Chicago, Ill., is recalling about 150 Skil model 6464 hammer drills. These drills are used for precision drilling into hard materials such as concrete and brick, as well as wood and metal. They have a black housing, and a red trigger and selector switch. These drills have a nameplate with "6464" on the side. The date codes 767 through 868 also are stamped on the nameplate, as well as the part number, "F012646400." Home improvement, hardware and industrial supply retailers sold these drills from April 1998 to August 1998 for about $139. They were sold in Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, New York and Texas.
Philips Magnavox Home Audio System Repair by Philips Consumer Electronics NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Change in telephone number and hours. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued October 1, 1998, Last Revised December 1, 2010 Release # 99-001 Company Phone Number: (888) 744-5477 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058 CPSC, Philips Consumer Electronics Company Announce Recall to Repair Philips Magnavox Home Audio Theatre Systems WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Philips Consumer Electronics Company, of Atlanta, Ga., is recalling 25,500 Philips Magnavox home audio theatre systems for free repair. The system's speaker voice coil can overheat and lead to a speaker fire, presenting a fire hazard to consumers. Philips has received four reports of speaker fires, with one resulting in scorched carpeting. No injuries have been reported. Only Model MX920 Philips Magnavox home audio theatre systems are being recalled. The model number is prominently displayed on both the front of the receiver cabinet and on a rear label in the upper left corner when looking at the back of the receiver. The MX920 system includes a surround sound stereo receiver, a subwoofer, a center channel speaker, two surround-sound speakers and two front (left/right) loudspeakers. Major national superstores and departmentstores, such as Best Buy, Kmart, Lowes, Montgomery Ward, Service Merchandise and Walmart, sold the Model MX920 systems nationwide from June of 1997 through August 1998 for about $350. Consumers should stop using the systems immediately and call Philips toll-free at (888) 744-5477 between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday and between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Sunday for instructions on receiving the free repair. Consumers also may write to the company at Philips Consumer Electronics Company, Old Andrew Johnson Highway, P.O. Box 555, Jefferson City, TN 37760.
TV Guards Recall/Repair by TV Guard NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 28, 1998 Release # 98-172 Company Phone Number: (877) TVGUARD CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076 CPSC, TV Guard Inc. Announce Recall to Repair TV Guards WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), TV Guard Inc., of Manalapan, N.J., is recalling to repair about 70,000 TV Guards, a plastic shield that attaches to a television to cover control buttons. Children can tip the television over onto themselves by pulling on the TV Guard, and sustain bodily injury. TV Guard Inc. has received three reports of young children suffering injuries when they pulled on the guard and the television fell on top of them. A broken leg, a severely bruised pelvic area, and facial cuts along with a bruised leg and foot have been reported. The TV Guard, measuring about 19 inches long, is made of clear plastic.One part of the shield fits under the television set and the other aligns itself across the front panel, where the controls are. A white sticker on the shield is labeled in part, "WARNING: Children can tip the television over onto themselves by pulling on the TV Guard...TV Guard Inc." The product was sold in a blue box labeled in part, "TV GUARD...Babies can't push buttons...No more interruptions...Childproof your television with our amazing plastic shield...Made in the USA." Juvenile catalogs and juvenile product stores nationwide sold the TV Guard from April 1993 to September 1998 for about $10. Consumers should immediately remove the guard from the television and call the company's 24-hour toll-free hotline at (877) TVGUARD. Consumers will receive a free, low-skid pad for use with TV Guard, to help prevent the television set from tipping.