Recall: Battery Chargers Recalled by Sta-Rite

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued April 24, 2000, Revised April 24, 2002 Release # 00-100

Sta-Rite: (262) 728-5551 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052

Note: Telephone number change.

CPSC, Sta-Rite Industries Inc. Announce Recall of Battery Chargers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sta-Rite Industries Inc., of Delavan, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 29,000 battery chargers used in battery back-up sump pump systems. The battery chargers can overheat and ignite, melting the charger housing and posing a fire hazard.

Sta-Rite has received seven reports of battery chargers overheating or catching fire. Four incidents have involved smoke or fire damage to homes, confined to the immediate area of the charger. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled battery chargers are used in the "Flotec" and "Sears" back- up sump pump systems. The sump pump system is used to remove water from homes that have basements. This recall involves the charger only, not the sump pump. Consumers can identify whether the sump pumps battery charger is being recalled by checking the sump pump system model number. The Flotec system is model number FP2000DCC-02 or 2P667B and the Sears system is model number 390.306062. The brand name and model number can be found on the pump model plate located on the pump. The part number on the charger is PS17-77 and can be found below the meter on the charger. Sta-Rite will help consumers determine if the battery charger is part of this recall.

Large and small home centers, auto parts and plumbing supply stores, including Sears, W.W. Grainger, Advanced Auto Parts, Home Quarters, Home Depot, and Hechinger sold the sump pump systems nationwide from December 1994 through September 1997 for about $200. The battery chargers also were sold as a replacement part for the sump pump systems for about $130.

Consumers should stop using the sump pumps with the recalled battery charger immediately. Consumers can receive a free replacement battery charger by calling for assistance at (262) 728-5551.