Single Meter Sockets

CPSC Recall #10-012 — October 14, 2009

Recall Summary

Recall Number10-012
Recall DateOctober 14, 2009
Remedy TypeRefund, Replace
Units AffectedAbout 1,400
ManufacturerMilbank Manufacturing Co., of Kansas City, Mo.
Manufactured InUnited States

Where It Was Sold

Electrical supply distributors in N.Y.
Pa.
Vt. and Mass. and at local hardware stores in N.Y. from May 2009 through August 2009 for about $70.

Product

Single Meter Sockets

Description

The single meter 200 amp/4 terminal sockets are used for underground utility meter installations. The meter socket is 20 3/4 inches high by 9 inches wide and 4 1/2 inches deep with 1 meter position. It is used by the approving utility to mount their electric meter to measure how much electricity a residence uses. It can be used for an underground residential application. The recalled model number 9090 appears on the right or left side of the installed meter socket. If not installed, model numbers U9090-O or R9090-O will appear on the label on the outside of the box.

Hazard

A short may occur while in use due to an incorrect bridge installed in the product, to which the meter clips are attached. If the manufacturing defect exists, all metal parts of the meter could create a shock or burns can occur if the cover is off and the meter socket is energized.

Incidents & Injuries

Three incidents have been reported of the unit shorting out. No injuries were reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the recalled product immediately and contact the electrical supply contractor who installed the sockets. Contractors will contact Milbank Manufacturing for a replacement or reimbursement. Milbank will contact all distributors and stores where the recalled product was sold.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund, Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Refund, Replace) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.