CPSCJune 1, 2016

Southwire Voltage Detectors recall: Shock and Burn Hazards

Southwire Recalls Voltage Detectors Due to Shock and Burn Hazards

Why was Southwire Voltage Detectors recalled?

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.

What should I do if I have this product?

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

What to do with a recalled product: refunds, receipts, safe disposal and how to report a problem.

Is my product affected?

Compare the item in your hand with every identifier below from the official CPSC record. Only products that match the listed product and identifiers are part of this recall.

Product
Non-contact voltage detectors
Company
Southwire Company LLC, of Carrollton, Ga.
Quantity
About 1.2 million (in addition, 3,640 were sold in Canada)
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.
Recall date
June 1, 2016
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.
Agency
CPSC

Product 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.

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