Safety regulator, Fluke Corp. Announce Recall of Electrical Testing Components
Recall 04131 · May 3, 2004 · Fluke Corporation
110,000
units affected
110,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 04131
- Date
- May 3, 2004
- Company
- Fluke Corporation
- Units affected
- 110,000
- Product
- Modular Test Leads used for Electrical Testing Multimeters
- Product type
- Electrical Testers
- Hazard
- Electric shock
The product
The recalled test leads are red and black with no permanent probes attached. They have the Fluke logo on the connector ends. They were sold individually, as well as with a variety of Fluke multimeters and accessory kits. The recall includes only Fluke Model TL221, TL222 and TL224 test leads. The model numbers are not written on the test leads, but are written on the packaging or on product documents. The recall does not include Fluke test leads with permanently attached test probes, and does not include test leads with a SureGrip™ symbol, shown below, either on a tag around the silicon wire or molded onto the connector end. Fluke test leads with a SureGrip™ symbol are not included in the recall.
What can happen
The leads, which are used to connect probes to handheld digital multimeters when testing for the presence and amount of voltage present in electrical circuitry, can result in incorrect multimeter readings. This poses a serious shock or electrocution hazard, if the consumer touches live wires that the meter has read as having no electrical current.
The fix
Consumers should stop using the recalled modular test leads immediately and contact Fluke for information on getting free replacement components.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- Fluke has received 29 reports of the leads for Fluke multimeters operating improperly, though no injuries have been reported.
- Sold at
- Home and hardware stores and electrical distributors nationwide, from December 2002 through March 2004. The leads sold individually for about $18. Fluke multimeters and accessory kits containing these leads sold for between $45 and $450.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled modular test leads used for electrical testing multimeters?
Consumers should stop using the recalled modular test leads immediately and contact Fluke for information on getting free replacement components.
What is the hazard?
The leads, which are used to connect probes to handheld digital multimeters when testing for the presence and amount of voltage present in electrical circuitry, can result in incorrect multimeter readings. This poses a serious shock or electrocution hazard, if the consumer touches live wires that the meter has read as.
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.