The voltage detectors can give a false “no voltage” reading
of ConsumerAffairs
Southwire Company of Carrollton, Ga., is recalling about 1.2 million non-contact voltage detectors in the U.S and Canada. |
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.
The company is aware of one report of an incident of a false reading by the voltage detector in which the consumer received an electrical shock and fell off a ladder.
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.
The voltage detectors, manufactured in China, were 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.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled voltage detectors and contact Southwire for instructions on returning them for a free replacement voltage detector.
Consumers may 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 for more information.