Counterfeit Circuit Breakers Recalled By Specialty Lamp International Due to Fire Hazard
Recall 08286 · May 27, 2008 · Specialty Lamp International Inc.
371,000
units affected
371,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 08286
- Date
- May 27, 2008
- Company
- Specialty Lamp International Inc.
- Units affected
- 371,000
- Product
- Counterfeit Circuit Breakers labeled as "Square D"
- Product type
- Circuit Breakers
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
The counterfeit circuit breakers are black and are labeled as Square D QO-series models 115, 120, 130, 215, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260 and 2020 and Square D QOB-series models 115, 120, 130, 220, 230, 250, 260 and 1515. Actual Square D circuit breakers have (a) the amp rating written on the handle in white paint on the front of the breaker (authentic Square D circuit breakers manufactured prior to 2003 did not have white paint on the amperage numbers); (b) the Square D insignia molded onto the breaker side, and; (c) a yellow chromate mounting clip with half of the top of the clip visible. If your breaker, labeled as Square D, does not match this description, it could be counterfeit.
What can happen
The recalled circuit breakers labeled "Square D" have been determined by Square D to be counterfeit and can fail to trip when they are overloaded, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
The fix
Consumers should contact Specialty to determine if the breaker they have is counterfeit and to arrange for a free inspection and replacement or refund if necessary.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- None reported.
- Sold at
- Electrical product distributors nationwide from May 2005 through June 2006 for between $3 and $23.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled counterfeit circuit breakers labeled as "square d"?
Consumers should contact Specialty to determine if the breaker they have is counterfeit and to arrange for a free inspection and replacement or refund if necessary.
What is the hazard?
The recalled circuit breakers labeled "Square D" have been determined by Square D to be counterfeit and can fail to trip when they are overloaded, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.