Recall: Barnett of the Caribbean Announce of Showerhead Hot Water Heaters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 2, 2003 Release # 04-044

Company Phone Number: (800) 368-0809 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Barnett of the Caribbean Announce Recall of Showerhead Hot Water Heaters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Showerhead Hot Water Heaters

Units:17,400

Manufacturer: Sintex of Brazil, distributed by Barnett of the Caribbean, of Bayamon, Puerto Rico

Hazard: The showerhead hot water heaters are attached to the shower's water supply piping and connected to a household's electrical supply source when central hot water is not available. Undersized wiring prevents this unit from being suitable in wet locations, the rotary switch is not waterproof and the installation instructions fail to recommend an electrical junction box, but instead recommends tape. Another hazard is the plastic enclosure which poses an electrocution and fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: Showerhead heaters involved in the recall include model numbers 194310 and 192033. The model numbers are printed on the front of the unit. The heaters are packaged in a clear, plastic bag with card, or in a printed box that reads in part, "Sintex Super Ducha," "Sintex Electronic," and "Made in Brazil."

Sold at: Hardware stores and home improvement centers in Puerto Rico from March 2001 through August 2003 for about $20.

Manufactured in: Brazil.

Remedy: Consumers should contact the retailer where the product was purchased or Barnett of the Caribbean for more information on returning the product for a refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Barnett of the Caribbean toll-free at (800) 368- 0809 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.e-barnett.com