Recall: Ritchie Immersion Heaters Recalled By Springfield Wire Due to Shock Hazard
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2009 Release # 09-141 |
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 747-0222 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 |
Ritchie Immersion Heaters Recalled By Springfield Wire Due to Shock Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.Name of product: Ritchie Immersion Heaters
Units: About 13,000
Manufacturer: Springfield Wire Inc. (SWI), of Springfield, Mass.
Distributor: Ritchie Industries, of Conrad, Iowa
Hazard: The outer cover of the immersion heater can crack and expose the heating element to water, posing a shock hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: SWI has received 44 reports of covers cracking. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves the Ritchie Immersion Heaters with model numbers 17863 (120v/250w), 17939 (240v/250w or 240v/325w), and 17940 (240v/325w). The immersion heater is designed to be submerged in a cattle trough to keep the water from freezing. The model number along with “SWI” is printed on one side of the heating element and a sticker reading “Ritchie Specialty Products” is found on the other side.
Sold by: Ritchie distributors nationwide from February 2007 through March 2009 for about $60 to $70.
Manufactured in: United States (2007) and Mexico (2008)
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled immersion heater and return it to the place of purchase for a free replacement heater.
Contact: For additional information, contact Ritchie Industries at (800) 747-0222 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, visit the firms’ Web sites at www.springfield-wire.com or www.ritchiefount.com, or contact the dealer from which the heater was purchased.
