Safety regulator, Ingersoll-Rand Co. Announce Recall of Portable Air Compressors Sold Between 1983 and 1991
Recall 02108 · Feb 26, 2002 · Ingersoll-Rand Company
458,000
units affected
458,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 02108
- Date
- Feb 26, 2002
- Company
- Ingersoll-Rand Company
- Units affected
- 458,000
- Product
- Portable Air Compressor
- Product type
- Air Compressors
- Hazard
- Injury
The product
The recalled portable compressors have single-phase electric motors up to 3hp or gasoline engines up to 8hp with tank sizes up to 30 gallons. The compressors were marketed under various brand names, including Ajax, Charge Air Pro, Energair, Guardian Power, MacTool, Power Force, Rallye, Rand 4000, and Steel Driver. The compressors have serial numbers beginning with the prefix "C" or "DC". The model numbers begin with the following prefixes - 1B, 1D, 1E, 1I, 2B, 2D, 2E, 3B, 3D, 3E, 4B, 4E, 5E, 5G, 15E, 23HP, 75, 75E, 250E, AB, AIR, AJ, C, CAP, CB, CL, CO, CP, CR, CS, CT, EA, GC, GP, HP, HPC, IR, IRC, LTD, MT, OI, PF, RA, RL, RP, RY, SC, SDS, SE, THP, and WB. Model and serial numbers are located on a plate or sticker attached to the outside housing of the air compressor. On some oil-less models, the model and serial numbers are affixed to an internal floor baffle, beneath a removable plastic cabinet. Air compressor receiver tanks do not have an infinite life. Tank life is dependent upon several factors, some of which include operating conditions, ambient conditions, proper installations, field modifications, and the level of maintenance. The exact effect of these factors on air receiver life is difficult to predict. Due to the current age of these products, Ingersoll-Rand is voluntarily undertaking this action to take these products out of service.
What can happen
Internal corrosion to the inner wall of the air receiver tank can cause the air tank to unexpectedly rupture, allowing pressurized air to suddenly and forcefully escape, posing risk of injury to consumers.
The fix
Consumers should stop using the air compressors immediately and contact Ingersoll-Rand for instructions on returning the compressor, freight paid. Consumers will have the option of being sent a check for $100.00 or receiving a $200.00 credit towards the purchase of a new DD2T2 air compressor.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- Ingersoll-Rand has received 11 reports of sudden tank failure in these portable air compressors. No injuries have been reported.
- Sold at
- Hardware and construction supply stores nationwide sold the air compressors, from 1983 through 1991, for between $150 and $400.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled portable air compressor?
Consumers should stop using the air compressors immediately and contact Ingersoll-Rand for instructions on returning the compressor, freight paid. Consumers will have the option of being sent a check for $100.00 or receiving a $200.00 credit towards the purchase of a new DD2T2 air compressor.
What is the hazard?
Internal corrosion to the inner wall of the air receiver tank can cause the air tank to unexpectedly rupture, allowing pressurized air to suddenly and forcefully escape, posing risk of injury 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.