Intermatic Model ST01 and EI600 In-wall Electronic Timers

CPSC Recall #09-259 — June 30, 2009

Recall Summary

Recall Number09-259
Recall DateJune 30, 2009
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 240,000
ManufacturerIntermatic Inc., of Spring Grove, Ill.
Manufactured InMexico

Where It Was Sold

Retailers and electrical distributors nationwide from March 2007 through June 2009 for between $25 and $45.

Product

Intermatic Model ST01 and EI600 In-wall Electronic Timers

Description

This recall involves the Intermatic in-wall electronic timers with model numbers ST01, ST01C, ST01AC, ST01AC70, ST01C70, ST01CL, EI600C, EI600LAC, EI600LAC8, EI600WC, and EI600WC8. This product is a lamp and appliance timer and typically takes the place of a standard wall switch. The timer is white, off-white, or almond and measures 2 1/2 inches high by 1 3/4 inches wide. Model numbers can be found on the packaging and on the instruction. In-Wall timers are included in this recall if (1) the brand name "Intermatic" is molded on the front of the timer cover door, (2) the timer has only four keypad buttons, and (3) there is no 3-digit date code (e.g. "04C") stamped on the inside of the timer cover door. Timers with a 3-digit date code (e.g. "04C") stamped on the inside of the timer cover door are not included in this recall.

Hazard

When consumers trying to replace the timer's battery place a metal object through the battery tray slot, the object can reach internal metal contacts, posing a shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents & Injuries

The firm has received twelve reports of consumers receiving a minor shock while changing the timer's battery.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should not attempt to change the in-wall timer's battery until they receive the repair kit. Consumers should contact Intermatic to obtain a free repair kit with installation instructions.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair 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 (Repair) at no cost to you.

No — you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.

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.