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Electronic device and appliance recalls including batteries, chargers, heaters, and kitchen appliances. Fire and shock hazard alerts.
January 18, 1990 Release # 90-029 J.C. Penney Recalls Garment Steamer WASHINGTON, D.C.--In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the J.C. Penney Company, Inc., of Dallas, Texas, is recalling the electric Garment Steamer, JCP Lot Number 784-1008, because the locking mechanism on the fill plug can be broken during use. As a result, the fill plug can pop out causing the user to be burned by the hot water and steam. CPSC was informed of this unsafe product by J.C. Penney when consumers reported incidents of burn injuries to the company. The company reports four incidents which involved five injuries of first and/or second degree burns about the hands, arms, face and/or other parts of the body. The item was sold in J.C. Penney department stores since August, 1989. Approximately, 1,100 garment steamers were sold to consumers. Consumers should return the Garment Steamer to any J.C. Penney store for a full refund of the purchase price
Christmas Lights Recalled For Potential Shock Hazard NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: January 3, 1990 (301) 504-7908 Release # 90-025 Christmas Lights Recalled For Potential Shock Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Toyo Industrial, Taipei, Taiwan, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, today announced a recall of more than a million "string-to- string" miniature Christmas light sets which may present a shock or electrocution hazard. Strings of Christmas lights which have "TOYO" and "TP-6" imprinted on the end of the female connector, located at the end of the light set and to which other strings of lights can be attached, present the hazard. The "TP-6" connector is found on some sets of 35, 50, 70, and 100 lights, which were sold at Big Lot, Eckerd, Kmart, Odd Lot, Revco, Walmart and other retail stores nationwide. While no injuries have been reported, it is possible for the metal contacts, which are located inside the female connector, to be pulled or pushed out when plugging and unplugging the light strings. Any exposed contacts in the connector could present a shock or electrocution hazard to consumers. Before Christmas lights are taken down, consumers should unplug all Christmas light sets from the wall to prevent possible shock hazards. Consumers should then check all female connectors on their light strings for "TOYO" and "TP-6" markings. Consumers who have Christmas lights with "TP-6" connectors should call Toyo toll-free at 1-800-545-8330 from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) to obtain a free shipping container to return the recalled light sets. The light sets will be repaired or replaced and returned free-of-charge by the company. The Commission learned of this problem from Toyo, who was informed by a retailer.
December 6, 1989 Release # 90-022 WASHINGTON -- The Micromar Manufacturing Corporation is recalling all Heat Machine model HMB2000tc/vhc ceramic portable electric space heaters, sold nationwide since September of this year, to correct a possible fire hazard. Micromar of London, Ontario, Canada began the voluntary recall program in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission because they found that a potentially defective component had been used in the heaters which could possibly cause a fire. To date, the firm has had no reports of fires or injuries associated with the heaters. Nonetheless, the company has initiated a repair program for all potentially affected heaters in this line. Consumers having a Micromar Heat Machine 2000 model number HMG2000tc or HMG2000vhc, should stop using the heater and unplug it. The model and serial number of the heater are located on the bottom of the heater on a silver colored label
Hazardous Hair Dryers Recalled NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 14, 1989 Release # 89-076 Hazardous Hair Dryers Recalled WASHINGTON D.C. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced the recall of 250,000 hand-held hair dryers because of a potential electrocution hazard. The commission also warned that some 80 million hair dryers sold before 1987, the effective date of the current voluntary safety standard, continue to pose a threat to consumers. "We estimate that 17 Americans are electrocuted each year in accidents involving hand-held hair dryers," said Anne Graham, Acting CPSC Chairman. "Ten of those yearly deaths involve children under 10 years old. This latest recall is part of our larger and ongoing effort to reduce deaths and injuries." The following firms and models are involved in the voluntary recall: Firm Models MBR Industries, Inc. Miami, FL Mustang Electronics, Inc. Hallandale, FL Major International, Inc. Orange, CA China Bazaar San Francisco, CA Pomair Pro 2100 and 1900 Mustang MU 2100 Major Styling Dryer Model 1250 Minimate Hair Dryer and Iron DS-601 (all units stopped in inventory; no consumer sales) Since 1980, hair dryers have included labels warning consumers of the electrocution hazard posed by immersion. In spite of these warnings, electrocutions have continued. In 1987, the voluntary standard was revised to require protection against electrocution when hair dryers are immersed with switches in the "off" position. The recalled hair dryers do not meet this standard. Consumers should return them to the place of purchase for refund or replacement. In addition, CPSC warns, approximately 80 million hair dryers manufactured before 1987 do not provide immersion safeguards with the switch in either the "off" or "on" position. Acting Chairman Graham said, "CPSC investigations have shown that children often use these appliances as devices for bath-time play. one scenario we have seen involves one or more children left unattended in a bathtub when a parent leaves momentarily. Too often the parent returns to find that a child has brought a hair dryer into the tub, electrocuting one or both of the children. While any child's death is tragic, these electrocutions are particularly devastating because they are all preventable." The agency also urged consumers to have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) installed to reduce the chance of electrocution. "At the very least," Graham added, "small appliances like hair dryers and curling irons should never be left plugged in, especially in homes with children."
Retrofit Program for Speed Queen Contempo Mate Washer/Dryer NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 9, 1989 Release # 89-035 Rent-A-Center Announces A Retrofit Program For Owners Or Users Of Speed Queen Contempo Mate Washer/Dryer Equipped With Caster -- Rollers WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Rent-A-Center, Inc. of Wichita, Kansas, is voluntarily offering a retrofit program originally offered by Speed Queen for customers who either own or rent a Speed Queen Contempo Mate Stack combination washer-dryer with caster-rollers. The program is intended to eliminate the possibility that consumers could receive a hand or foot injury from the appliance when in operation. The casters elevate the appliance high enough off the floor to allow children to contact some of the washer's moving parts. Rent-A-Center will supply all its customers with a permanent guard for the base of the Contempo Mate Washer/Dryer 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. For those Rent-A-Center customers needing special assistance, Rent-A-Center has the retrofit safety guards at its service centers and will provide free installation of the guard for its customers. Rent-A-Center customers owning or renting the Speed Queen Contempo Mate Stack Washer/Dryer with caster-rollers should call Rent-A-Center toll-free at 1-800-666-8186 to obtain the free guard kit, obtain help in installing the guard, or for other information about the retrofit program.
Fire Hazard: Hot Water, Coffee Makers Are Recalled By Rowenta NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued April 24, 1989; Revised October 6, 2009 Release # 89-030 Note: Phone number change. Fire Hazard: Hot Water, Coffee Makers Are Recalled By Rowenta WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Rowenta, Inc. of Cambridge Massachusetts, is voluntarily recalling the Instant Hot Water Maker, model FK-91 and the Coffee Maker and Water Boiler FK-95, because the thermostats may malfunction and the appliances can catch fire. The potential hazard exists even when the switch is off, as long ta has recently received five reports that the models caught fire. The incidents did not result in any injuries, but the threat of injury and property damage exists. The Rowenta hot water and coffee makers are counter-top electrical appliances made of white plastic. "Rowenta Made in W. Germany" appears on the front and back of the units. Model number FK-91 or FK-95 is imprinted on the back of the units. Approximately 15,000 of the recalled hot water and coffee makers were sold nationwide through retail stores and mail order catalogues since 1986. Consumers should immediately unplug the units and discontinue all use of these instant hot water or coffee makers. To receive a refund, consumers should cut off the plug end of the cord and send the plug in a soft pack envelope (available at local post offices) to Rowenta, Inc., 281 Albany Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139. Consumers should include their name and address with the cut-off plug, and Rowenta, Inc. will send each consumer a refund of $20. For information about the recall and refund -, call Rowenta toll-free at 1-800-769-3682. Consumers who wish Rowenta to supply a postage-paid, soft pack envelope for mailing the cut-off plug may also call the toll-free number.
Shock Hazard Prompts Recall Of Extension Power Strip NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 27, 1989 Release # 89-026 Shock Hazard Prompts Recall Of Extension Power Strip WASHINGTON -- Collins Company Ltd. of Mount Olive, N.J., is recalling some 6,700 three-wire extension power strips sold in 1987 and 1988 because the receptacles may not be grounded and could pose a severe electric shock or electrocution hazard to consumers. Imported from Taiwan, the power strip is a foot-long, beige colored power bar with six receptacles, an illuminated off/on switch, a resettable circuit breaker and a six-foot, three-wire power cord. The metal base is labeled "Temporary Power Tap; Model No. WP-002B, Made in Taiwan, UL 46K7, E95914". Retailing for $10 to $20, the power strips were sold exclusively by Trak Auto Stores, Landover, Md., Rose's Stores, Henderson, N.C., and Colonial Pottery, Morehead City, N.C. While there have been no known injuries to date associated with the product, Collins Company Ltd,. said consumers who bought the power strip at Trak Auto Stores, Rose's Stores or Colonial Pottery should return the unit to the store of purchase for a refund. Consumers may also call Collins toll-free at 1-800-645-7212, extension 207, or write the Collins Company, 450 Clark Drive, Mount Olive, N.J. 07828 for instructions on returning the unit for a refund.
Pelonis Portable Electrtc Heater Recalled NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 20, 1989 Release # 89-024 Pelonis Portable Electrtc Heater Recalled WASHINGTON -- Consumers having certain Pelonis Disc Furnace portable electric space heaters are being offered a repair program by Del-Rain Corporation through R.E. Chapin Manufacturing Works. Inc., Batavia, New York, to correct a possible fire hazard with the electric plug. Del-Rain and Chapin began the voluntary recall program in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) because they found that potentially defective plugs which could possibly cause a fire had been used in certain heaters. To date there have been no known fires and no known injuries. Nonetheless, the companies have initiated the repair program for all affected heaters sold nationwide since October of 1987. Any consumer having a Pelonis Disc Furnace, Model #P861-TC or Model #P861-TC/VHC, with serial number ranging from 10,001US through 119,000US, should discontinue using the heater and call Chapin toll-free at 1-800-444-3140 from 5-10 p.m. to arrange for the repair of the heater free of charge.
Holiday Brass Candle Lamp Recalled By Bradlees NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 19, 1989 Release # 89-006 Holiday Brass Candle Lamp Recalled By Discount Firm WASHINGTON---Some 320,000 imported electric brass candle lamps sold during last year's Christmas shopping season by Bradlees Department Stores are being voluntarily recalled by the Braintree, Mass., discount chain because of a potential electrocution hazard, shocks with the lamp. Recalled is the style #95062 brass candle lamp which sold for $4.99 at Bradlees east coast stores from Maine to North Carolina. Lamps were manufactured by Kobiiz in Taiwan. Consumers should retrieve the lamps from their Christmas holiday decorations and return them to the nearest Bradlees store for a full refund of the purchase price. For additional information, consumers may call Bradlees Consumer Affairs at 1-617-770-5377.
Coleman Offers Repair Kit For Powermate Generator NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 3, 1989 Release # 89-001 Coleman Offers Repair Kit For Powermate Generator WASHINGTON -- Repair kits for some 1700 Powermate Model PM 3000 electric generators sold over the past five years are being offered by Coleman Powermate, Inc. of Kearney, Nebraska to correct a possible fuel line leak which could trigger a fire. In the voluntary recall undertaken in cooperation with the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Coleman Powermate said that vibration from use of the generator can cause the fuel hose to rub against the edge of the engine shroud. If the fuel line ruptures, gasoline will spill and could cause a fire. The firm has received two reports of fuel line rupture, neither of which resulted in fire or personal injury. Coleman Powermate, which is the successor company to Ag-Tronic, Inc., said suspect Model PM 3000 generators were manufactured between December 1983 and September 1988. Model PM 3000 generators bearing serial number 193180 and higher have been corrected at the factory and do not pose the safety problem. Consumers with Model PM 3000 electric generators will receive a repair kit with step-by-step instructions for replacing the existing fuel line hose and engine shroud with a new fuel hose and newly designed engine shroud which will correct the problem. Consumers should call the company at 1-800-445-1805 for a free repair kit or write Coleman Powermate, Inc., 125 Airport Road, Kearney, Nebraska 68848.
November 17, 1988 Release # 88-102 Pollenex Announces Retrofit Program For Whirlpool Hot Spa WASHINGTON, D.C.-The makers of the Pollenex Whirlpool Hot Spa and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced a safety program designed to protect spa users against electrocution that could result from immersion of a spa in a bathtub. The spa maker urges use of its product with specially protected outlets and is offering spa owners plug-in shock protectors at a price below cost. To date, with about 420,000 units shipped since the summer of 1987, CPSC and the company know of no injuries. The spas consist of a triangular shaped motor, a plastic mat for the bottom of the tub and a flexible hose to connect the two. The name "Pollenex Whirlpool Hot Spa" appears on the top of the motor. The company said that the product is UL listed and, in light of the product's strong warnings, immersion is unlikely. To protect against electrocution if the spa motor is immersed in the tub, owners of the Pollenex Whirlpool Hot Spa are urged to take the following steps: If Ground Fault Circuit interrupters (GFCIs) protect the bathroom, plug theses portable appliances into protected outlets only. If your outlets are not GFCI protected, order a plug-in GFCI from Pollenex. All Pollenex spa owners may receive the plug-in GFCI, a $20.00 retail value, for $5.00 plus shipping. This GFCI helps protect against other electrical risks around the home as well. To order a plug-in GFCI, Pollenex spa owners should contact the company by calling toll-free 1-800-621-0786
Release # 88-095 WASHINGTON, DC- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Challenger Electrical Equipment Corp. of Malvern, Pennsylvania, voluntarily offered free replacement of its 15 and 20 ampere type HAGF single pole ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) circuit breakers.These type HAGF-15 and type HAGF-20 circuit breakers were manufactured between February 22, 1988 and April 29, 1988, and most were sold nationwide to electrical product distributors during this period. Some may have been sold to consumers by retail hardware or lumber outlets. Approximately 9000 of these devices have not been located, some of which are believed to have been installed in residences. Type HAGF ground fault circuit breakers are devices, which provide protection to consumers against severe electric shock and electrocution as well as providing the normal circuit breaker functions of interrupting short circuits and electrical overloads.Although no electric shock incidents have been reported by Challenger, the firm recalled this product because is has determined, by quality control testing, that a mechanical part may become detached and prevent the ground fault feature of the circuit breaker from functioning. (The normal circuit breaker functions are not affected by this problem.)They protect residential 15 ampere and 20 ampere circuits including receptacle outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, garages and outdoors as required by the National Electrical Code. The code also requires GFCI protection for receptacles in hotel and motel bathrooms. The HAGF circuit breakers, which may require replacement, are located in the electrical service panel. If the name "Challenger" is embossed on the front of the panel (on the door handle) and/or on the label on the back of the panel/door, that panel may contain circuit breakers requiring replacement. Affected circuit breakers have a yellow button and the word "test" in raised letters on one side; on the other side, the number 15 or 20 is printed on the handle in white letters between the raised words "ON" and "OFF." If the number on the handle is black or if there is a label it with white lettering next to the word "test , then the HAGF circuit breaker will not need to be replaced. Consumers should note that the HAGF circuit breakers which require replacement will only be found in dwellings which have been constructed since February 1988 or in which electrical work has been done since February 1988. Consumers who believe that they have installed HAGF circuit breakers requiring replacement should contact a licensed electrician to perform this work. Power to the panel should be shut off before inspecting and removing breakers.) The company is no longer able to be contacted at the phone numbers provided in the original press release.The Consumer Product Safety Commission believes that GFCI's provide a significant level of electrical safety. The Commission recommends that all GFCI's (whether circuit breaker or receptacle type) be tested frequently, at least monthly, using the test button on each unit
Miter Saws Made Since '82 Recalled By Black & Decker NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 1988 Release # 88-71 Black & Decker Recalls Miter Saws Made Since '82 WASHINGTON - Twelve models of electric-powered miter saws manufactured since 1982 are being voluntarily retrofitted by Black and Decker (U.S.), Inc. of Towson, MD to assure the proper return of the guard assembly after cutting operations. Undertaken in cooperation with the U.S, Consumer Product Safety Commission, the recall involves the following Black and Decker miter saws: model 1703 (Type 1), model 1703-1, model 3090 (Type 2 & 11), model 3091 (Type 1), model 3417 (Type 11), 3417-04 (Type3), model 7715-1 (Types 1, 2 and 3), model 7715-04 (Type 2), model 7716 (Types 1A1, 2 and 11), model 7716-04 (Type 1), model 7717 (Types 3, 11 and 21), model 7718 (Type 2), and Sears model 901.23470 sold by Sears, Roebuck and Co. The model number and type will be found on the decal of the nameplate on the saw. Black and Decker said that, under certain circumstances, the lower guard may not return to its original safety position, thereby leaving the blade exposed. There have been two reported injuries as a result of this problem. To protect the consumer, the company has developed a spacer, which is attached to the upper guard to assure the return of the moveable lower guard to its proper safety position. The company has also modified the design of the saw guard to prevent the problem from happening on future model saws. Consumers having any of the recalled miter saws should stop using them immediately, then call Black and Decker toll-free at 1-800-541-7136, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT, so that a retrofit kit may be sent. The kit contains the spacer and screw with appropriate installation instructions. A screwdriver is the only tool required. The company will mail kits directly to consumers who completed and sent in product registration cards at the time of purchase. Sears' consumers needing further assistance should contact their nearest Sears Service Center. Other consumers needing further assistance may take their recalled miter saw to the nearest Black and Decker service center where the new spacer will be installed.
August 25, 1988 Release # 88-070 Radio Shack Recalls Adapters for Travel Voltage Converters WASHINGTON, D. C. - Tandy Corporation of Ft. Worth, Texas in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced it is voluntarily recalling its outlet adapter sets sold since November, 1987. Outlet adapters are used with voltage converters by consumers to operate electrical appliances while traveling abroad. The housing on some adapters could separate from the base when the user tries to remove the adapter from the outlet, exposing the consumer to an electrocution or shock hazard from the live contacts. The product was sold under the "Archer" brand for $7.95 in Radio Shack stores nationwide. The four adapter kit matches the voltage converter with the foreign outlet so portable hairdryers, irons, shavers and other convenience products may be used. Owners of the kits are urged to immediately return the kits to the nearest Radio Shack store for a refund
Showmate 2 Video Presentation System Recalled By Bell & Howell NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 17, 1988 Release # 88-69 Bell & Howell Recalls Showmate 2 Video Presentation System WASHINGTON, DC - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Bell & Howell Company, Skokie, Illinois, today announced that it is seeking to contact remaining owners of the company's Showmate 2 Video Presentation System, model No. 6427, as part of a voluntary recall of the product. To date, the company has contacted 4,400 owners and has replaced switches on 3,000 returned units. Bell & Howell previously attempted to contact all owners to alert them that the product may present an electric shock hazard if the main power switch became defective. There have been not reports of any customers experiencing a shock. However, if a switch fails during use and short circuits to the metal chassis, the potential for electric shock and bodily injury exists. More than 200 Showmate 2 units were returned to Bell & Howell due to switch failure. For those 400 customers who have not yet responded to the recall, Bell & Howell is offering to replace the defective switch with a new switch. Bell & Howell advises those owners to discontinue use of their machine until the switch is replaced. These owners are requested to call Bell & Howell toll-free at 800-522-8969 to make arrangements for free shipment of their unit back to the company, replacement of the switch, and return of their unit. (Within Illinois, owners may call 312-470-7656 collect.) The Showmate 2 is a combination seven-inch screen color video monitor/receiver and VHS format video tape recorder. The product weighs about thirty pounds, has a carrying handle and an eight and one-half foot long three-wire power cord. It was sold nationwide from April 1985 to December 1986, for about $500 per unit. Approximately 3,000 units were sold by one cable television shopping service. Audiovisual dealers sold most of the other 1,800 units.
Electric Mouse Traps Recalled by Hanover House NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 15, 1988 Release # 88-040 Hanover House Voluntarily Recalls Electric Mouse Traps WASHINGTON, D.C. --In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Hanover House Industries, Inc. 340 Poplar Street, Hanover, Pennsylvania today announced the voluntary recall of approximately 24,000 Electric Mouse Traps. Although no incidents of electric shock or injuries have been reported, under certain circumstances these units might pose a possible risk of electric shock hazard. The Commission learned of the problem from the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection. The product was imported from Hong Kong by Etna Products Co., New York, New York and was distributed to catalog companies including Hanover House. The Electric Mouse Traps are plastic cylinders with coils inside connected to 110 volt household electric supply. The primary source of a possible electrical shock hazard is associated with the bait container. The bait container is situated on the frame directly above the electrodes which are exposed and may be accessible when the bait container is removed to insert the bait. These units were sold nationwide by catalog for $9.95 each. Consumers should stop the use of these items immediately. Hanover House is providing a $10 credit to mousetrap purchasers for the return of the device to Hanover House. The credit can be applied to the purchase price of merchandise from Hanover House. Consumers will also be refunded the cost of postage. If consumers have any questions, they can call Hanover House directly at 800-621-5800. Electric Mousetrap Recalled For your safety, immediately unplug any of these electric mousetraps and do not use them.
Black and Decker Weed Trimmers Recall/Warning NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 13, 1988 Release # 88-039 Recall Warning For Black and Decker Weed Trimmers Washington, D.C. -- More than half a million -Black and Decker weed trimmers that present a potential electrocution hazard are still in consumers' hands, despite an earlier recall in November, 1987, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced today. A lower than expected return rate has caused the Commission to take the unusual step of re-issuing the warning. The recall includes approximately 500,000 Black and Decker Model 82209 (Type 1 and 2) and Model 82210 (Type 1 and 2) Bump- Feed Grass/Weed String Trimmers. Due to improper assembly, the wiring in some of these units may be cut by the end of the handle tube, resulting in an electric shock hazard. This hazard can occur while the units are being operated or when they are simply plugged in but not in use. Four consumers were reportedly shocked in separate incidents in 1986 and 1987, when they grabbed the metal handle tube of their string trimmers. Though none of these incidents was fatal, the Commission staff believes that a defective trimmer would present a severe electric shock or an electrocution hazard. These Black and Decker brand string trimmers have been sold since October, 1985, by a variety of retailers for about $24.00 to $29.00. The affected trimmers can be identified by a label decal located near the top of the handle, which states "No. 82209 Grass/Weed Trimmer, Type 1 or Type 2" or "No. 82210 Grass/Weed Trimmer, Type 1 or Type 2" and "Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., Easton, MD 21601 U.S.A." Also, the motor housings of the 82209 and 82210 units are labeled 9" cut and 10" cut, respectively. Owners who identify their trimmers as recalled should stop using them immediately and return them to a Black & Decker Service Center listed in the Yellow Pages under (Tool- Electric). Owners who cannot take their trimmers to a Black and Decker Service Center will be able to obtain further assistance by calling Black & Decker toll-free on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, at 800-533-4395, or they may write to Black 61 Decker (U.S.) Inc., P.O. Box 857, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030, Attention: User Services. Black & Decker will inspect all string trimmers subject to this recall, and will repair or replace, at no cost to the owner, any trimmer which is found to have been incorrectly assembled. The Black and Decker contacts for the news media are Barbara Lucas at 301-583-2980 and John Atwood at 301-583-2939. 500,000 Black and Decker Grass/Weed String Trimmers Recalled Do you have either of these Black and Decker grass/weed trimmers? Due to improper assembly, the wiring in some of these units may be cut by the end of the handle tube, resulting in a severe electric shock hazard. Electric shock could occur if the user grabs the metal handle tube.
Series 1 GFCI Circuit Breakers Replacement by Square D NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued April 13, 1988, Revised June 26, 2006 Release # 88-022 Note: Phone Number Change. Square D Company Offers Free Replacement Program WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Square D Company of Palatine, Illinois is voluntarily offering free replacement of its 15 through 30 ampere size Series 1 two-pole ground fault interrupting (GFCI) circuit breakers. Ground fault circuit breakers tire safety devices which provide protection against electrocution in addition to the normal circuit breaker overload protection function. Two-pole GFCI circuit breakers are often used on 240 volt circuits serving hot tubs/spas, swimming pool equipment, pumps and fountain equipment, and other applications where electrical failure of the protected equipment could pose a risk of electrocution. Square D Company is taking this action because it has discovered that early failure of an electronic component may disable the electric shock protection provided by this product. The involved Square D GFCI circuit breakers have a yellow "Push-To-Test" button and are two-pole units which are physically twice the size of most branch circuit breakers. Persons who believe they may have such a unit or who have questions should telephone Square D Company at (877) 202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for information concerning Square D's free replacement program. Square D GFCI circuit breakers which display the Square D trademark near the circuit breaker handle are not subject to this problem. Also, circuit breakers without the yellow "Push-To-Test" button are not GFCI devices and are not subject to this problem. Approximately 80,000 of the involved units have been sold and installed nationwide since 1982. Square D Company is not aware of any injuries resulting from the problem with its product. The normal circuit breaker function is not affected by this problem. The Consumer Product Safety Commission believes GFCI's provide a significant level of electrical safety. The Commission recommends that all GFCI's, both circuit-breaker type and outlet type, be tested frequently, at least monthly, using the test button on each unit.
Surge Suppressors Recalled by GE NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 21, 1988 Release # 88-018 GE Recalls 45,000 Surge Suppressors WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, General Electric Company, Warwick, Rhode Island, is recalling an estimated 45,000 GE and RCA brand Electronic Protection Center surge suppressors, sold nationally by a variety of retailers from October, 19S6 to December 4, 1987. Four GE surge suppressor models, EPC-6S, EPC6NS, EPC-4NS, and EPC-CPU and two RCA surge suppressors, models SK416 and SKF416, are being recalled. Some of these surge suppressor- c are defective and may present a severe electric shock hazard. A defective product's metal housing and the metal housing of any 3-wire appliance connected to it could be electrified. Although neither shock incidents nor injuries have been reported, four defective units have been returned to GE after their internal circuit breakers reportedly tripped in separate incidents. The product, which sells for about $4O-$60, resembles a power strip with four or six electrical outlets in a light gray colored metal housing. Each unit has an on/off switch, a power indicator light, a resettable circuit breaker, and a 6-foot power cord. The label on top of each unit includes (1) the GE or RCA brand and logo, (2) the words "Electronic Protection Center Surge Suppressor", "Electronic Protection Center Surge and Noise Suppressor", or "Computer Protector" and (3) one of the above-listed model numbers. The product was designed for use with personal computers, stereos, TVs and VCRs. Owners who have a surge suppressor subject to this recall should disconnect the product from the wall outlet, without touching the metal housing, and mail it to: General Electric Company Attn: EPC Recall PO Box 8203 Beaverton, OR 97076 A new product will be returned to the consumer along with reimbursement of the postage cost. For additional information, consumers may call the GE Answer Center toll free at 800-626-2000. To report an unsafe consumer product or to receive safety information, consumers may call the CPSC toll free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.
True Value Portable Electric Heaters Recalled NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 16, 1987 Release # 87-079 350 True Value Portable Electric Heaters Recalled WASHINGTON, DC - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the General Power Equipment Company, Harvard, Illinois, today announced the recall of approximately 350 model MH21F and MH22F True Value brand portable electric heaters, manufacured after September 22, 1987. Although no incidents have been reported, many of these heaters will present a severe electric shock hazard after a limited period of use. The company learned that a fan motor failure in these heaters could cause the element coils to overheat, sag, and contact the metal housing. The warning signs of heater failure include a clattering, clanking, or other unusual sound from the fan, failure of the heater to blow air, element coils changing color from black to red, and sagging coils. Suspect model MH21F and MH22F True Value brand heaters have been sold nationally only at True Value Hardware Stores since September 23, 1987, for about $30 to $45. The heaters are brown rectangular upright metal space heaters, and are rated at 1500 watts. The recalled heaters are date coded as 13F and 15F for the MH21F model, and as 11F and 17F for the MH22F model. The model number and date code are labeled on the back of each heater in the lower left corner. Owners who identify their heater as recalled should immediately discontinue use and return it to the nearest True Value Hardware store for a full refund. Owners who are unable to return their heater should contact the nearest True Value Hardware store for further instructions.