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Electronic device and appliance recalls including batteries, chargers, heaters, and kitchen appliances. Fire and shock hazard alerts.
Maxi-Heat Electric Heaters Recalled by King of Fans NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 September 17, 1997 CPSC CONTACT:Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076 Release # 97-190 CPSC, King of Fans Announce Recall of Portable Electric Heaters WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), King of Fans of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is recalling about 5,000 portable electric heaters. The heater's cover can separate from the bottom housing and expose live electrical parts, presenting shock and electrocution hazards to consumers. King of Fans has received one report of the heater separating and exposing live electrical parts. No injuries have been reported. The portable electric heater, measuring 8 inches high and 6.5 inches wide, is made of black ceramic and comes with a 6 foot cord. "MAXI-HEAT" is written on the front of the heater next to power and safety indicator lights. The heater has top-mounted controls for temperature and speed and a pull-up handle. A silver label on the bottom of the heater reads in part, "ELECTRIC AIR HEATER, MODEL NO. H-415, MADE IN TAIWAN, UL LISTED." The heaters have serial numbers between 0026000 and 0031000, which also are located on the silver label. The heater is packaged in a cardboard box labeled in part, "MAXI-HEAT SUPREME...CERAMIC HEATER...WITH AUTOMATIC THERMOSTAT CONTROL...MODEL H415." There are pictures of the heater on all sides of the box. Sam's Club stores nationwide sold the portable electric heaters from September 1993 through February 1994 for about $35. Consumers should stop using the heaters immediately and return them to King of Fans, 1951 N.W. 22nd St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 to have the heater repaired or replaced or to receive a refund. Consumers will be reimbursed for postage. Consumers should include a return address and specify whether they want the repair, replacement or refund. For more information, consumers should call King of Fans at (800) 749-3267 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.
Multifunction Ovens Recalled by Tema Dis Ticaret NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Yolanda Fultz-Morris September 16, 1997 (301) 504-7066 Release # 97-189 CPSC, Tema Dis Ticaret Announce Recall of Multifunction Ovens WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Tema Dis Ticaret of Izmir, Turkey, is voluntarily recalling about 3,000 Teba brand multifunction ovens. The heating elements could accumulate moisture and cause electrical current to leak, presenting a potential shock hazard. CPSC and Tema are not aware of any injuries involving these ovens. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. Only Teba ovens with model number TFM-5 and a 1996 date code are involved in this recall. To determine if your Teba brand oven is involved, check the model number and date code on the back panel of the unit. The model number appears on a silver tag/plate immediately below the UL symbol. The date code appears on a white sticker above the serial number. The oven is a multifunction cooking appliance that bakes, broils, grills and toasts food. The unit is white and measures about 16 inches wide, 11 inches deep and 9.5 inches high. The brand name "Teba" is written on the front of the unit. The ovens are packaged in a carton labeled in part, "Teba Cooking System." There is a picture of the oven on the carton. Department and discount stores, home supply centers, catalogs and QVC (a home shopping television program) sold the ovens nationwide from April 1996 through July 1997 for about $150. Consumers should stop using the ovens immediately and call Tema's U.S. distributor, Aisenstein & Gordon Inc., collect (cost charged to company) at (609) 662-9324 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday to arrange to return the oven for a refund or replacement. Tema will pay all postage costs. Consumers also can contact Aisenstein & Gordon Inc. at 75C Twinbridge Drive, Pennsauken, NJ 08110.
Extension Cords Recalled by In-Mar Trading NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: September 4, 1997 (301) 504-7908 Release # 97-185 CPSC and In-Mar Trading Inc. Announce Recall of Extension Cords WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), In-Mar Trading Inc. of Levittown, Puerto Rico is recalling over 14,600 extension cords. The cords have undersized wires that cannot carry the advertised load, plugs that are not polarized properly, poor strain relief and lack of overcurrent protection presenting fire, shock and electrocution hazards. CPSC and In-Mar Trading Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these extension cords. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The recalled extension cords are white, brown or green. The white or brown cords each have double wires, three female plugs and one male plug, and are available in the following lengths: 6, 9, 15 and 20 feet. The green cords have double wires, 9 female plugs and one male plug, and a power switch. The green cord is available in a length of 12 feet. There is no labeling on the cords. The cords are packaged in red, white and black cardboard display sleeves that are labeled in part, "SUPER POWER EXTENSION CORD...MADE IN CHINA." The last 5 digits of the UPC code range from 70027 through 70037. Discount stores sold the extension cords throughout Puerto Rico from January 1996 through June 1997 for about $2 or $3. Consumers should stop using the recalled cords immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. If consumers have questions about this recall, they should call In-Mar Trading Inc. at (787) 796-1519. Consumer inquiries in Spanish can be directed to CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772. Media inquiries in Spanish can be directed to Jésus Chaírez, CPSC, at (214) 827-6239.
AC Adapters Recalled by Digital Equipment NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Firm, phone number change. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 Originally issued September 4, 1997; Revised January 18, 2002 CPSC CONTACT: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076 Release # 97-183 CPSC, Digital Equipment Corp. Announce Recall of AC Adapters for Notebook Computers WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Digital Equipment Corp. of Maynard, Mass., is voluntarily recalling AC adapters used with its HiNote VP 500 series notebook computer. About 20,000 of these adapters were sold in the U.S. The AC adapters' connector contact pins can break off from the adapter and remain in the power cord, posing a shock hazard. The connector pins connect the AC adapter to the AC power cord. CPSC and Digital Equipment Corp. are not aware of any injuries involving these AC adapters. Digital is aware of eight incidents of a pin breaking off inside the power cord, one in the U.S., four in Australia, two in Canada and one in Asia. These gray AC adapters come with HiNote VP 500 series of notebook computers. The adapters are 4 inches long by 2.25 inches wide, and have a 4 foot power cord attached. They can be identified by part numbers 30-47941-01 Rev. A01 or 30-47941 Rev. B01 which appears on the bar code label. Commercial dealers nationwide sold the AC adapters with the Digital HiNote VP 500 series from September 1996 through August 1997. These adapters also were sold separately by Digital or its commercial dealers. Consumers should stop using these AC adapters immediately and contact the company to receive a free replacement adapter, as well as instructions for safe use of the computer. As Digital has been bought out by Compaq, call Compaq at 800-225-5385. The Digital HiNote VP 500 series notebook computer is not included in this recall.
Bunn Coffeemakers Recall by Bunn-O-Matic NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Yolanda Fultz-Morris August 27, 1997 (301) 504-7066 Release # 97-178 CPSC, Bunn-O-Matic Announce Recall of Coffeemakers WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bunn-O-Matic Corporation of Springfield, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 442 Bunn Model B-8B and B-8W coffeemakers. These machines could have a pinched wire at the base of the unit which could cause an electrical short, posing a possible shock hazard. CPSC and Bunn-O-Matic are not aware of any injuries involving these coffeemakers. The coffeemakers have either a black or white plastic base and top, and a chrome trunk. The coffeemakers measure 14¼ inches high by 7 inches wide by 13 inches deep. The word "BUNN " is printed on the front of the machine in chrome. The model number, B-8B or B-8W, is located on the sides of the carton. The carton is labeled in part, "Bunn Home Brewing System." Only coffeemakers manufactured on May 5, 1997, are involved in this recall. The date code is stamped on a small white sticker on the bottom of the coffeemaker, and begins with "05199" or "5199." Department and hardware stores nationwide sold the coffeemakers from May 1997 through June 1997 for about $100. Consumers should stop using these coffeemakers immediately. For information on how to obtain a full refund or free replacement of their coffeemaker, consumers should call Bunn-O-Matic at (800) 352-2866 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday. Other model Bunn coffeemakers and Bunn Model B-8B or B-8W coffeemakers with different date codes are not involved in this recall.
Portable Baseboard Heaters Recall by Duracraft NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles August 27, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-177 CPSC, Duracraft Announce Recall of Portable Baseboard Heaters WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Duracraft Corp. of Southborough, Mass., is recalling about 50,000 portable baseboard heaters. The fan of the model CZ-520 heater could become stuck causing it to overheat, posing a fire hazard. Duracraft has received 20 reports of these units overheating, producing smoke or causing fire, and resulting in minor property damage. Duracraft is not aware of any injuries involving the heater. The model CZ-520 Space SaverTM Baseboard Heater's exterior housing is constructed of white thermoplastic and a black steel grill, and has two heating control knobs on the right side -- a power switch and a regulating thermostat. The electric heater measures 22 inches long, 6 inches wide and 4¼ inches high, and tilts to various angles on its hinged stand. The word "Duracraft" is written in gray on the top, right side of the unit. The model number, CZ-520, is located under the words "Made in China" on a silver sticker on the bottom of the heater. This model heater was manufactured in 1995. Only date codes that begin with "95" are involved in this recall. The date code can be found on a small white sticker on the bottom of the heater with "DATE" written on it. Major department stores and home centers sold the heaters nationwide from September 1995 through March 1996 for about $60. Consumers should stop using these heaters immediately, even if it seems to be functioning properly. Consumers should call Duracraft toll-free at (800) 431-2165 anytime for information on receiving a free replacement heater, or write to Duracraft Corporation at 250 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772.
Oxidizer Increaser Tablets for Swimming Pools Recall NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:Ken Giles July 31, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-166 CPSC, Zeneca Pool Products Announce Recall of Oxidizer Increaser Tablets for Swimming Pools WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Zeneca Pool Products of Wilmington, Del., is voluntarily recalling about 17,000 boxes of BAQUA PLUSTM Oxidizer Increaser tablets. The tablets are used to help maintain the clarity of swimming pool water. The tablets could degrade and expand beyond their protective packaging at high temperatures. Contact with the chemicals in these tablets, sodium perborate and sodium bisulfate, can burn the eyes and irritate the skin, respiratory passages and mucous membrane. Zeneca Pool Products has received 20 reports of the tablets degrading and expanding beyond their protective packaging. No injuries have been reported. The recalled tablets are packaged in a mostly blue cardboard carton with 16 individually sealed pouches. Each pouch contains two large white tablets, measuring 3-5/6 inches wide and 1 inch thick. Each white plastic pouch has blue labeling on one side that reads in part, "BAQUA PLUSTM Oxidizer Increaser...This Is Not Chlorine...Do not mix with other chemicals...Minimize skin contact." Authorized BAQUACIL dealers nationwide sold the tablets from March 1997 through June 1997 for about $35. Consumers should stop using the tablets immediately and inspect the tablets for signs of degradation, which is indicated by slimy tablets, expanded pouches or carton, and moist or wet cardboard. If degradation is visible, consumers should contact Zeneca Pool Products toll-free at (888) 203-7726 between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday for proper handling instructions and the location of the nearest authorized BAQUACIL dealer. If degradation is not visible, consumers should return the tablets to the BAQUACIL dealer where purchased for a full refund or exchange for another product.
Extension Cords Recall by General Cable NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles May 29, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-132 CPSC, General Cable Corp. Announce Recall of Extension Cords WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), General Cable Corp. of Highland Heights, Ky., is recalling more than 2,700 outdoor extension cords sold under the Carol and Ace brand names. An exposed wire near the receptacle end of the cord presents a shock hazard to consumers. CPSC and General Cable Corp. are not aware of any injuries involving these extension cords. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The Carol brand extension cords have orange, yellow, green, blue, or beige cords. Plugs and receptacles either match the cord or are black. The cord has three receptacles at one end, where the markings "CAROL" and "W-8" are imprinted. The cord is available in lengths ranging from 2 to 100 feet. The cord is packaged in a cardboard wrapper that reads in part, "CAROL...POWR-CENTER ...Outdoor Cord...Made in USA." The cord is UL listed. The Ace brand extension cords have orange cords and black plugs and receptacles. The cord has three receptacles at one end, where the marking "W-8" is imprinted. "ACE" may also appear on the receptacle. The cord is available in the following lengths: 2, 10, 50, or 100 feet. The cord is packaged in a cardboard wrapper that reads in part, "ACE Outdoor 3 Outlet Power Center...Manufactured in USA for ACE." The cord is UL listed. Hardware stores, home centers, and electrical distributors nationwide sold the extension cords from April 1997 through May 1997 for about $6 to $90, depending on the length and gauge of the cord. Consumers should stop using these extension cords immediately and return them to the store where purchased to receive a full refund. Consumers can also receive a refund by calling General Cable Corp. toll-free at (888) 594-2600 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday or writing to the company at Dept. 1R, Tesseneer Drive, Highland Heights, Ky. 41076-9753.
Power Strip Surge Protectors Recall by Howard Berger NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles April 22, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-109 CPSC, Howard Berger Inc. Announce Recall of Power Strip Surge Protectors WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Howard Berger Inc. of Brooklyn, N.Y., is recalling about 30,000 power strip surge protectors. The power strip surge protectors have undersized wires and loose connections, presenting fire, shock, and electrocution hazards. CPSC and Howard Berger Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these surge protectors. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The surge protector has 8 outlets. It is made of a beige-colored plastic with a red power switch and a black reset button. The power switch and reset button are located on the raised end of the surge protector, which is about 1/2 inch higher than the outlets. The electrical cord is beige. The following words are embossed on the bottom of the surge protector, "8 Outlet Power Strip...MP8...Made in China." There is a silver label affixed to the bottom of surge protector that reads, "UL Listed 50E8." The surge protector was packaged in a clear plastic bag with a cardboard header. Labeling on the bag reads in part, "Guard Security Hardware...Made in China." Labeling on the cardboard header reads in part, "8 Outlet Power Center...MP8...Made in China." Discount, variety, and hardware stores in the Northeast sold the surge protectors from January 1995 through October 1996 for about $6. Consumers should stop using the recalled surge protectors immediately and return them to the stores where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call Howard Berger Inc. at (800) 695-4827. Consumers who live in the New York metropolitan area should call (718) 272-1540. CPSC learned of this problem during joint surveillance with the U.S. Customs Service.
Sears Battery Chargers Recall by Schumacher NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles April 22, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-108 Schumacher Contact: Don Schumacher, (773)973-1600 Ext. 203 CPSC, Schumacher Announce Recall of Sears Battery Chargers WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Schumacher Electric Corp. of Chicago, Ill., is recalling about 100,000 Sears DieHard battery chargers. The battery charger has a wiring connection that could short and cause the transformer to overheat. This poses a potential fire hazard. CPSC is aware of one alleged incident of a fire involving this battery charger. No injuries resulted. The Sears Die Hard battery charger being recalled is model number 200.71310 manufactured between January 1996 and February 1997. The model number is located on the front of the charger and the date code (H961 through H972) is molded into the plastic base on the bottom of the charger. Labeling on the front of the charger reads in part, "Sears...Die Hard...Fully Automatic Battery Charger Engine Starter." Battery chargers that have a white sticker on the back of the charger displaying number 1682 have already been modified and are not involved in this recall. Sears Automotive Centers, Sears Hardware stores, and Sears Dealer stores sold these battery chargers from January 1996 through February 1997 for about $65. Consumers should immediately stop using these battery chargers and return them to the nearest Sears Auto Center, Sears Hardware store, or Sears Dealer store for a free replacement. For more information about this recall, consumers should call 1-800-SEARS64. No other Sears battery chargers are involved in this recall.
Hair Dryer Recall by Division Sales NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles April 21, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-106 CPSC and Division Sales Inc. Announce Hair Dryer Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Division Sales Inc. of Itasca, Ill., is recalling about 8,000 hand-held hair dryers. Since these hair dryers do not have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plug, they present a risk of electrocution if dropped in water while the dryer is plugged in and in either the "on" or "off" position. The current voluntary industry standard, which has been in effect since January 1, 1991, requires hand-held hair dryers to provide full immersion protection when in either the "on" or "off" position. Before the use of immersion protection devices, there were an estimated average of 18 electrocutions involving hand-held hair dryers each year. Since the introduction of immersion protection devices for hand-held hair dryers, the estimated average has decreased to two electrocutions a year. CPSC and Division Sales Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these hair dryers. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The hair dryer is made of white plastic and has the words "PROFESSIONAL STYLER...ASBESTOS FREE...HD-20...MADE IN CHINA" printed on it. The hair dryer has an ordinary plug rather than a GFCI plug to prevent electric shocks. The hair dryer is packaged in triangle-shaped cardboard box labeled in part, "Professional HAIR~DRYER HD-20." There is a picture of the hair dryer on the box. Independent discount and variety stores nationwide sold the hair dryers from December 1994 through February 1997 for about $11. Consumers should stop using the recalled hair dryers immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call Division Sales Inc. at (800) 621-8134. When buying a hair dryer, consumers should look for a large, rectangular-shaped plug at the end of the cord indicating the presence of a GFCI. The certification mark of a recognized testing laboratory should also be visible on the hair dryer or on the hair dryer's packaging. However, even with this improved protection, under no circumstances should consumers use a hair dryer where it could come in contact with water. Electricity and water are a potentially deadly combination.
Extension Cords & Power Strip Surge Protectors Recall NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles March 31, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-094 CPSC and Chandur Hasso Inc. Announce Recall of Extension Cords and Power Strip Surge Protectors WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Chandur Hasso Inc. of New York, N.Y., is recalling about 2,300 extension cords and 18,000 power strip surge protectors. The extension cords and power strip surge protectors present fire, shock, and electrocution hazards. CPSC and Chandur Hasso Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these products. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The brown 12-foot extension cord (model SS2104) has undersized wires and is made with a plastic that, once ignited, continues to burn and spread flames. The receptor end of the cord is imprinted with seven parallel ribs on each side. "125V 13A" is imprinted on the single receptor end. The cord has a plastic warning label attached to one end that reads in part, "CAUTION AVOID HAZARDS...KEEP CHILDREN AWAY...DO NOT USE DAMAGED CORD...FOR INDOOR USE ONLY." The cord was packaged in a cardboard wrapper labeled in part, "SOMITO...SS2104...12 ft. Household Extension Cord...Polarized." Retailers in New York and Illinois., such as Hyundai Electronics, Jack's 99¢ Stores, Star Distributors, and Universal Electronics, sold these cords from February to April 1996 for about $1. The 6-outlet power strip surge protector (model number SX-865) has undersized wires, faulty soldering, and a non-polarized plug. There is no labeling on the surge protector, but it is made of a beige-colored metal with black outlets and a red power switch. The electrical cord is white. The surge protector was packaged in a blue cardboard box labeled in part, METAL SURGE PROTECTED OUTLET CENTER...FULL 3 LINE GROUND PROTECTION...LIGHTED ON/OFF SWITCH...SOMITO MODEL# SX-865." There is a picture of the surge protector on the front of the box. The 6-outlet power strip surge protector has undersized wires, faulty soldering, and a non-polarized plug. There is no labeling on the surge protector, but it is made of a beige-colored metal with black outlets and a red power switch. The electrical cord is black. The surge protector was packaged in a blue cardboard box labeled in part, "6-OUTLET AC SURGE PROTECTOR...CLEAN POWER SOURCE WITH SPIKE SUPPRESSOR...15 AMPS MAXIMUM CAPACITY." There is a picture of the surge protector on the front of the box, and part of the surge protector is visible through a plastic-covered cutout that is part of the picture. Discount and hardware stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio sold these surge protectors from January 1995 to October 1996 for about $5. Consumers should stop using these extension cords and power strip surge protectors immediately, and return them to the stores where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call Chandur Hasso Inc. at (800) 451-4244. Consumers who live in the New York metropolitan area should call (212) 268-6265.
Pomair Hair Dryers Recalled by MBR Industries NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles March 31, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-092 CPSC and MBR Industries Inc. Recall Hair Dryers WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), MBR Industries Inc. of Miami, Fla., is recalling about 55,000 hand-held hair dryers sold under the name "Pomair." The dryers' thermostats could malfunction causing the dryers to overheat, which presents a fire hazard. Additionally, the dryers do not have a full immersion protection plug to protect against electrocution if they fall into water. The current voluntary industry standard, which has been in effect since January 1, 1991, requires hand-held hair dryers to provide full immersion protection when in either the "on" or "off" position. Before the use of immersion protection devices, there were an average of 18 electrocutions involving hand-held hair dryers each year. Since the introduction of immersion protection devices for hand-held hair dryers, the number decreased to two electrocution deaths in 1992. MBR is aware of one report of a hair dryer overheating and catching on fire while in use, but no injuries were reported. The black, burgundy, or beige plastic hair dryers display the words "Professional Styler by Pomair Asbestos Free." "Model 600-53000" is imprinted on the back of the handle under the "Pomair" trademark. The dryers have ordinary plugs rather than ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI's) or similar devices to prevent electric shocks. The dryers were packaged in cardboard boxes labeled, "Pomair Asbestos Free Pro 1800 Hair Dryer/Styler." Independent discount, hardware, and variety stores nationwide sold the hair dryers from May 1994 through September 1996 for about $6. Consumers should stop using the recalled hair dryers immediately and return them to the stores where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call MBR at (800) 325-0015. Consumers who live in Florida can call MBR collect at (305) 769-1000. When buying a hair dryer, consumers should look for a large, rectangular-shaped plug at the end of the cord indicating the presence of a GFCI. The certification mark of a recognized testing laboratory should also be visible on the hair dryer or on the hair dryer's packaging. However, even with this improved protection, under no circumstances should consumers use a hair dryer where it could come in contact with water. Electricity and water are a potentially deadly combination.
Cordless Drill Battery Packs Replace by Hitachi Koki NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles March 20, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-084 CPSC and Hitachi Koki U.S.A. Ltd. Announce Recall to Replace Battery Packs on Cordless Drills WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hitachi Koki U.S.A. Ltd. of Norcross, Ga., is recalling 9.6 volt battery packs on about 20,000 cordless drills. The battery could overheat and melt while being recharged. If consumers touch the overheated battery, their skin could be burned. CPSC and Hitachi are not aware of any injuries involving these drills. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The Hitachi cordless drill is green with a black chuck and carrying strap, and an orange trigger switch. There are two stickers on the drill and both read in part, "HITACHI FDS 10DVA 9.6V." The drill comes with two 9.6 volt battery packs, one of which is already attached to the drill. The drill uses FEB9 series batteries, and are so labeled. The batteries involved in this recall have serial number 06, 16, 36, 56, 76, 86, or 96. The serial number is located on a black and silver sticker on the side of the battery. The drill comes in a green plastic carrying case. "HITACHI" is imprinted on one side of the case. Inside of the carrying case, there is an extra battery pack and a black battery charger. Some cases also come with a 9.6 volt torchlight. Independent retailers, tool distributors, lumber yards, and woodworking and industrial tool catalogs nationwide sold the drills from September through December 1996 for about $99 to $139. Consumers should immediately stop using Hitachi drills with FEB9 series batteries involved in this recall. Consumers should call Hitachi at (800) 706-7337 for instructions on receiving free replacement batteries.
Surge Protectors Recall by Supreme Premium NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles MARCH 5, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-079 CPSC and Supreme Premium Products Inc. Recall Surge Protectors WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Supreme Premium Products Inc. of New York, N.Y., is recalling about 7,500 surge protectors. The surge protectors come in two models. Both models have undersized wires, loose connections and improper grounding, which present fire, shock and electrocution hazards. CPSC and Supreme Premium Products Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these surge protectors. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The two models being recalled are both six outlet surge protectors. There is no labeling on the surge protectors themselves, but both are made of beige-colored metal with black cords and outlets. One model has a single red power switch and is packaged in a blue cardboard box labeled in part, "6 Outlet AC Surge Protector...Clean Power Source With Spike Suppressor...Built In Safety Circuit Breaker...Master Switch With Pilot Light...Durable Enamel Finished Housing...15 AMPS Maximum Capacity." There is a picture of the surge protector on the front of the box. The other model has seven red power switches and is packaged in a red cardboard box labeled in part, "6 Outlet Power Surge Protector Safety Circuit Breaker...Individual Switch...15 AMPS...Built-In Brackets...Heavy-duty surge protection for computer systems and other sensitive electronic equipment." The surge protector is visible through a cutout on the front of the box. Wholesalers and discount stores sold the surge protectors nationwide from August 1995 through October 1996 for about $6 to $7. Consumers should stop using the recalled surge protectors immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call Supreme Premium Products Inc. at (800) 544-7710. Consumers who live in the New York metropolitan area should call (212) 629-8527.
Surge Protectors Recall by Price Master NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles MARCH 5, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-078 CPSC, Price Master Corp. Recall Surge Protectors WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Price Master Corp. of New York, N.Y., is recalling about 6,000 surge protectors in the United States. The surge protectors have undersized wires, loose connections and improper grounding, which present fire, shock and electrocution hazards. CPSC and Price Master Corp. are not aware of any injuries involving these surge protectors. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The surge protector has six outlets. There is no labeling on the surge protector itself, but it is made of beige-colored metal with a red power switch and black outlets. The electrical cord is also black. The surge protector is packaged in a blue cardboard box labeled in part, "6 OUTLET AC SURGE PROTECTOR...CLEAN POWER SOURCE WITH SPIKE SUPPRESSOR...BUILT IN SAFETY CIRCUIT BREAKER...MASTER SWITCH WITH PILOT LIGHT...UL...15 AMPS MAXIMUM CAPACITY." There is a picture of the surge protector on the front of the box, and part of the surge protector is visible through a plastic-covered cutout that is part of the picture. There is no model number associated with this product. Neighborhood discount variety stores sold the surge protectors in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts from July 1995 through August 1996 for about $4 to $5. Consumers should stop using the recalled surge protectors immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call Price Master Corp. at (800) 538-3873. Consumers who live in the New York metropolitan area should call (212) 366-7290.
Work Light Recall by Bayco Products NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Company can no longer be contacted. Please discard or destroy the product. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles Originally issued February 27, 1997, Revised March 19, 2004 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-073 CPSC and Bayco Products Announce Work Light Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bayco Products Inc. of Dallas, Texas, (formerly of Richardson, Texas) recalled over 11,400 fluorescent work lights. One of the light's metal screws can contact an internal live wire. This can give the user of the work light an electric shock. Bayco Products is aware of one consumer who received an electric shock while using the work light. The lights measure 9.25 inches long with a twin-tube fluorescent bulb located inside a tubular, clear plastic case. The tubular case has yellow plastic end caps and a metal hook attached. Only model numbers FL-600, FL-650, SL-600, SL-605, and SL-650 sold under the brand names SmartLite and RiteLite are involved in this recall. The lights come with a 20-foot or 50-foot electrical cord, and some come with a retractable reel for the electrical cord. The model number is located on a silver tag attached to the retractable reel. Lights without retractable reels display the model number on the original box. The work lights are packaged in a blue or black cardboard box labeled in part, "Fluorescent Work Light with Retractable Reel...Stays Cool in Use...Tough Impact Resistant...On-Off Switch." A picture of the light appears on the box top. Automotive, hardware, and home improvement stores sold the work lights nationwide from June 1995 through July 1996 for about $30 to $70. Consumers should immediately stop using the lights and discard or destroy them. The company can no longer be contacted, and so a remedy is no longer available.
XCEL Windshield Washer Fluid Recall by Petroleum Packers NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles February 25, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-072 CPSC, Petroleum Packers Inc. Recall XCEL Windshield Washer Fluid WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Petroleum Packers Inc. of Tampa, Fla., is recalling about 4,000 bottles of XCEL brand windshield washer fluid. The bottles of fluid, which contain methyl alcohol, are not labeled with the necessary warnings, precautionary measures, chemical identification, and instructions for first aid in the event of ingestion, as required by the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Methyl alcohol is toxic and can cause blindness or death if ingested. CPSC and Petroleum Packers are not aware of any injuries involving this product. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. This recall involves XCEL windshield washer fluid sold in 1-gallon bottles sealed with black child-resistant closures. The bottles are labeled in part, "XCEL Windshield Washer Fluid Protects to 0o C UPC # 20923 05217." W.L. Petrey, Reliance Oil Co., Fletcher Oil Co., B&B Cash Grocery, Bradenton Fuel Oil, and Super Valu stores in the Southeast and Midwest sold the fluid in the fall and winter of 1996 for about $1 a gallon. Consumers should stop using the fluid immediately, and return it to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call Petroleum Packers at (800) 231-3133. XCEL windshield washer fluid sold in bottles with red closures do not contain methyl alcohol and are not involved in this recall.
NNE Irons Recall by Leon Korol NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles February 6, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-067 CPSC and Leon Korol Company Recall Irons WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Leon Korol Company of Elk Grove Village, Ill., is recalling over 5,000 electric irons. The iron's thermostat does not have a back-up protective device to prevent overheating, which can present a fire hazard. CPSC has received one report of the iron catching on fire while in the "OFF" position. No injuries or property damage was reported. The iron (model YPZ-100) is made of white or red plastic, with a detachable water tank. The iron was packaged in a light blue, cardboard box labeled, "NNE Steam/Dry & Spray Electric Iron With Detachable Water Tank." The model number is located on a sticker on the back of the iron. The iron is imported from China by NNE International USA Inc. of Pomona, Calif. Discount stores sold the irons nationwide from December 1995 through February 1996 for about $10. Consumers should immediately stop using the irons, and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information about this recall, consumers can call Leon Korol Company toll-free at (888) 798-2004.
Adapter Plug Packs Recall by Dollar Tree Stores NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:Ken Giles February 6, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-066 CPSC, Dollar Tree Stores Inc. Recall Adapter Plug Packs WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dollar Tree Stores Inc. of Norfolk, Va., is recalling about 60,000 adapter plug packs. The adapters were incorrectly identified as being listed with Underwriters Laboratories. The adapters present potential fire and shock hazards due to improper construction. CPSC and Dollar Tree Stores Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these adapter plugs. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The adapter plugs are used to connect a three-pronged electrical plug into a two-slot grounded outlet. The adapter plugs are made of orange rubber. The following words are imprinted into the rubber, "CAUTION...CONNECT TAB TO GROUNDED SCREW...CHINA...15A...125V." The adapter plugs are sold as sets of three. The three adapters are enclosed in a plastic shell with a black backer card. The package is labeled in part, "3 PK...GROUNDING ADAPTER PLUG...For connection of 3 pronged plug to a 2 slot grounded outlet...UL LISTED...MADE IN CHINA." Dollar Tree and Only One Dollar stores sold the adapter plugs in the South, Midwest, and East from January 1996 through July 1996 for $1. Consumers should stop using the adapter plugs immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers should contact Dollar Tree at (800) 876-8077.