Southwire Recalls Voltage Detectors Due to Shock and Burn Hazards

WASHINGTON, June 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2016/Southwire-Recalls-Voltage-Detectors/

Recall Summary

Name of Product: Non-contact voltage detectors

Hazard: The voltage detectors can give a false "no voltage" reading when being used to test live wires for electric current, posing shock, electrocution and burn hazards to consumers.

Remedy: Replace

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled voltage detectors and contact Southwire for instructions on returning them for a free replacement voltage detector.

Consumer Contact: Southwire toll-free at 855-798-6657 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.southwire.com and click on Product Recall for more information.

Recall Details

Units: About 1.2 million (in addition, 3,640 were sold in Canada)

Description: This recall involves Southwire non-contact voltage detectors with model numbers 40110N and 40120N. Voltage detectors alert users to the presence of electric current running through electrical wires. The recalled voltage detectors are cylindrical shaped, about six inches long and about two inches in circumference. They are brownish gold in color with a black center insert. "Southwire," the model number and the CE and UL listing symbols are printed on the voltage detectors.  They have red LED lights to indicate the presence of live electric current. Model 40110N detects voltage from 100 to 1,000 VAC. Model 40120N detects voltage from 24 to 1,000 VAC.

Incidents/Injuries: Southwire is aware of one report of an incident of a false reading by the voltage detector. The consumer received an electrical shock and fell off a ladder.

Sold at: Lowe's and other home and hardware stores nationwide and online at lowes.com and other websites from June 2013 through February 2016 for about $15.

Manufacturer: Southwire Company LLC, of Carrollton, Ga.

Manufactured in: China

Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2016/58634r-eng.php

About U.S. CPSC:
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.  Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.

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To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @USCPSC or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.

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SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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