Updated Recall: Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI)
On 2012-05-16, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published an updated recall regarding Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) due to a potential fire & burn hazard. This product sold new beginning in March 2004 for about $30.00 to $130.00. It was originally recalled on 2004-11-03.
Learn more and find out what to do if you own this product below.
See other recalled Circuit Breakers / Interrupters.
Company Contact Information:
Phone: (877) 202-9046
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What is the problem?
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. Clarifying Statement can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml05/05035c.html
How can I tell if I own this product?
The recalled Square D QO and Homeline Arc Fault Interrupter circuit breakers are used with 15- and 20-amp branch circuits. They are required to be installed in bedroom circuits in accordance with the 2002 National Electrical Code. The recalled units were manufactured after March 1, 2004, and have a blue test button. The AFCI circuit breakers have one of the following date codes CN, DN, EN, FN, GN, HN, or JN stamped in red on the breaker label located just above the wiring terminal. The recalled units also have one of the following catalog numbers printed on a label on the front of the breaker: QO115AFI, QO115AFIC, QO120AFI, QO120AFIC, QOB115AFI, QOB120AFI, HOM115AFI, HOM115AFIC, HOM120AFI, HOM120AFIC, QO115VHAFI, QO120VHAFI, QOB115VHAFI, or QOB120VHAFI.
Information on where these items sold new+: Electrical distributors and retailers sold the AFCIs between March 2004 and September 2004 for between $30 and $130.
What should I do if I own this recalled product?
First, stop using the item.
Then, add the item to a free, private Items I Own account. This will enable you to easily access the CPSC and recalling company's remedy instructions as well as track your progress toward getting the item returned or fixed. Click "I Own THIS Item" to continue.
The CPSC provides the following remedy information:
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.
Consumer should call Schneider Electric toll-free at (877)202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
UPDATE 05/16/2012: CPSC deleted the website. Recall is no longer posted on firm website.
+WeMakeItSafer cautions consumers that recalled items may have been acquired at different locations, prices and times than specified in the CPSC recall announcement. This is especially true for items purchased in online marketplaces, resale shops or yard sales. More information may be available in the CPSC recall announcement.
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Sources may include: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Health Canada and companies involved with this or a related recall.
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