Safety regulator, Barnett of the Caribbean Announce Recall of Showerhead Hot Water Heaters
Recall 04044 · Dec 2, 2003 · Sintex
17,400
units affected
17,400
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 04044
- Date
- Dec 2, 2003
- Company
- Sintex
- Units affected
- 17,400
- Product
- Showerhead Hot Water Heaters
- Product type
- Shower Items
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
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."
What can happen
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 recommend tape. Another hazard is the plastic enclosure, which poses an electrocution and fire hazard.
The fix
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.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- None reported.
- Sold at
- Hardware stores and home improvement centers in Puerto Rico, from March 2001 through August 2003, for about $20.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled showerhead hot water heaters?
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.
What is the 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.
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.