Note: Phone number change.

CPSC And Square D Announce Recall Of Surge Arrester

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Square D Company of Palatine, Ill., is recalling approximately 4,200 secondary surge arresters used in circuit breaker panel boards. The surge protection device can degrade over time, which could result in fire. Square D is aware of five incidents in which arresters caught fire. Two of these fires caused property damage.

The secondary surge arrester, Cat. No. SDT1175SB, is installed to protect home electrical wiring systems from lightning or power surges. The recalled arresters were designed for use only in Square D Company "Trilliant" brand panel boards, SDT Series 1 Home Power Systems, 100-200 Amperes. The units were installed in circuit breaker panel boards in consumers' homes by electrical contractors. When viewed from a circuit breaker panel board, the gray plastic surge arrestor measures 2 1/2 inches wide by 3/4 inches high. A small green indicator light is visible on the side of the surge breaker. A label adjacent to the area states: "SURGEBREAKER. Light On (with unit properly installed) - unit is working. Light Off or Flashing - replace unit."

Consumers who own the suspect surgebreakers should immediately call: (877) 202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. A local Square D representative will assist consumers in arranging for replacement of the affected surgebreakers, at no additional cost. Square D offers two other lines of Secondary Surge Arresters that are not subject to this recall.