Safety regulator, Fluke Corp. Announce Recall of Digital Multimeters
Recall 02231 · Aug 19, 2002 · Fluke Corp.
40,000
units affected
40,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 02231
- Date
- Aug 19, 2002
- Company
- Fluke Corp.
- Units affected
- 40,000
- Product
- Fluke Digital Multimeters
- Product type
- Electrical Testers
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
Multimeters are used to measure voltage, resistance and current. The recalled Fluke digital multimeters measure up to 1,000 volts alternating current (VAC) and direct current (VDC). "Fluke" and "175", "177" or "179" are written on the front of the unit. The tester body is yellow and black, and measures about 7.25 inches long by 3.5 inches wide. Recalled units have a serial number below 79000000. The serial number is written on the back of the instrument, under the hinged stand.
What can happen
The recalled units can take longer than normal, up to 18 seconds, to display readings of AC voltages above 500 volts. Users can misinterpret the delayed reading to mean that high voltage is not present. If high voltage is present, users could be exposed to a risk of shock, electrocution, and thermal burns.
The fix
Consumers should stop using these testers immediately and contact Fluke for information on returning the recalled unit for a free repair.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- Fluke has received four reports from Canada and Australia, in which users experienced a delayed response, while measuring high voltage, though no injuries were reported.
- Sold at
- Home and hardware stores and industrial distributors nationwide sold these testers, from January 2001 through October 2001, for between $170 and $215.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled fluke digital multimeters?
Consumers should stop using these testers immediately and contact Fluke for information on returning the recalled unit for a free repair.
What is the hazard?
The recalled units can take longer than normal, up to 18 seconds, to display readings of AC voltages above 500 volts. Users can misinterpret the delayed reading to mean that high voltage is not present. If high voltage is present, users could be exposed to a risk of shock, electrocution, and thermal burns.
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.