Faulty Installation Instructions Prompt RadioShack Corp. Recall of Electrical Switches; Shock Hazard to Consumers
CPSC recall 09180 · announced April 2, 2009 · Radioshack · 18,000 units affected
The product
This recall involves the RadioShack Illuminated Round Rocker Switch, catalog number 275-0021 and a date code of 01P09, or January 2009, and earlier. The switches are used as replacement on/off switches for electronics or for use in hobby projects. The wiring diagram, the catalog number, and manufacturing dates are located on the back of the product's packaging. In the date code MMPYY, MM is the month and YY is the year.
The hazard
The wiring diagram on the switch's package is incorrect. The Neutral and Line notation is reversed, posing a shock hazard to consumers.
What to do (per CPSC)
Consumers should immediately stop using the switch and check their installation to make sure the Line or Hot conductor is connected to the switch rather than following the original instructions on the back of the package. A corrected wiring diagram is shown in the picture. New wiring instructions are available at www.radioshack.com/recalls, or by contacting Radio Shack.
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): None reported.
Sold at: RadioShack stores nationwide and online at www.radioshack.com from June 2008 through January 2009 for about $4.
Consumer contact: For additional information, contact RadioShack at (800) 843-7422 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.radioshack.com
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.