Recall: Voltage Testers Recalled by Woods Industries

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 25, 1999 Release # 99-087

Company Phone Number: (877) 221-4627 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058

CPSC, Woods Industries Inc. Announce Recall of Voltage Testers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Woods Industries Inc., of Carmel, Ind., is recalling about 14,000 voltage testers. These testers could short circuit, causing possible shock, electrocution or burns.

Woods Industries is aware of five reports of the tester short circuiting, including one serious injury to an electrician working with high voltage. He reportedly suffered second and third degree burns to his chest, hands, neck and face.

These voltage testers are rated for 120 to 600 volts. "Woods®" and "Taiwan" are molded into the tester's case. The body of the test meter is black, and measures about 6.25 inches long by 2.4 inches wide and about 1.2 inches thick. The wire leads are red and black. The testers have model number 1307, which could be found on the packaging and in the user's manual.

Home centers and hardware stores nationwide sold these voltage testers between January 1985 and December 1988 for $10 to $15.

Consumers with these recalled voltage testers should stop using them immediately, and return them to Woods Industries for a $20 refund and the price of postage. For information on returning recalled voltage testers, consumers should call Woods Industries toll-free at (877) 221-4627 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

These testers were manufactured by Test-Rite International Co., Ltd., of Bensenville, Ill., and distributed by a company Woods Industries later acquired. Woods Industries is taking the steps necessary to remove this product from circulation.