Recall: Remote Control Switch Recalled by Bandwagon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Media Relations
April 16, 1996	(301) 504-7908
Release # 96-103

CPSC, BANDWAGON INC. ANNOUNCE REMOTE CONTROL SWITCH RECALL

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bandwagon Inc. of Wilmington, Mass., is recalling about 25,450 remote control, hand-operated switches used to turn on and off electrical appliances, such as lights, televisions, radios, fans, and Christmas tree lights.

To operate this switch, an appliance is plugged into the plug of the remote switch, which is plugged into the wall outlet. From a remote location, a consumer can operate an appliance with the remote control switch, which functions as a kind of on/off extension cord. If the switch's cover detaches exposing electrical wires, consumers can receive an electrical burn, a shock, or possibly an electrocution.

Bandwagon is aware of a woman who received an electrical shock while operating a bedroom fan. The shock resulted in burn injuries to her right shoulder area, right forearm and biceps, left thumb, left forefinger, and to her left middle finger which was subsequently removed. The remote control switch is a white, rounded ceramic disc with a flat plastic base, measuring about one inch high and two inches in diameter. A black plastic button in the center of the disc turns the switch on and off. A 12-foot white cord runs from the disc to the end of a two-sided plug. One side accepts a plug from an appliance, and the other side plugs into an outlet.

Mail-order catalogs sold the remote control hand operated switches in the United States and Canada between December 1993 and 1996 for about $9. The switch is packaged in a white cardboard box labeled in part, "Item No. E8810 ... Made in Taiwan."

Consumers should stop using the recalled remote control switch immediately and call Bandwagon at (888) 814-3600 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. eastern time to arrange for free delivery of a replacement switch.