CPSC2004-11-03

CPSC, Schneider Electric North American Division Announce Recall of AFCIs

Schneider Electric North American Division, of Palatine, Ill.
Hazard

An AFCI is an electrical circuit protection device (circuit breaker) that detects electrical arcs from cracked, broken or damaged electrical insulation and shuts off power to the circuit before the arcing leads to a fire. An electronic component failure inside the AFCIs can cause the devices to not detect an electrical arc. Although the AFCIs will function as regular circuit breakers, they may not detect an arc fault, posing a safety risk to consumers.

Remedy
Installed AFCIs will be replaced free of charge through electrical contractors. Consumers can return uninstalled AFCIs to the retailers or distributor from whom the unit was purchased for a free replacement unit.
Sold at
Electrical distributors and retailers sold the AFCIs between March 2004 and September 2004 for between $30 and $130.
Affected count
About 700,000
Injuries reported
Schneider Electric is investigating one reported fire during a new home construction that may be related to this problem. No injuries have been reported.
Manufactured in
Mexico
Products
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI)
Consumer contact
Consumers should call the Customer Care Center Number “888 SQUARED” or 888-778-2733 to return the product for replacement or refund. Consumers can also call 1-800-634-8730 and ask for the Product Services Support Manager.

Official notice

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2005/CPSC-Schneider-Electric-North-American-Division-Announce-Recall-of-AFCIs

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