Amprobe Digital Clamp Meters used for electrical testing
CPSC Recall #07-130 — March 14, 2007
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 07-130 |
| Recall Date | March 14, 2007 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 70,000 |
| Manufacturer | Amprobe Test Tools, of Everett, Wash. |
| Manufactured In | Taiwan |
Where It Was Sold
| Industrial distributors |
| electrical wholesalers and hardware stores nationwide from January 2002 through December 2006 for about $100. |
Product
Amprobe Digital Clamp Meters used for electrical testing
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Amprobe Test Tools, of Everett, Wash., is voluntarily recalling about 70,000 Amprobe Digital Clamp Meters used for electrical testing. The meters can fail to give an appropriate voltage reading, resulting in the operator believing the electrical power is off, which can pose a risk of shock, electrocution, or thermal burn hazard.Name of product: Amprobe Digital Clamp Meters used for electrical testingUnits: About 70,000Manufacturer: Amprobe Test Tools, of Everett, Wash.Hazard: The meters can fail to give an appropriate voltage reading, resulting in the operator believing the electrical power is off, which can pose a risk of shock, electrocution, or thermal burn hazard.Incidents/Injuries: Amprobe is aware of one report of a clamp meter displaying an incorrect voltage reading. No injuries have been reported.Description: Only Amprobe brand digital clamp meter models ACD-10PRO, ACD-10 TRMS-PRO, ACD-14 and ACD-14TRMS, except those model numbers followed by "FX" or "PLUS," are included in the recall. "Amprobe" and the model numbers are printed on the front of the units. These clamp meters measure 0 to 600 volts alternating current (VAC), and 0 to 600 volts direct current (VDC). In addition, they measure 0 to 400 amps alternating current. The tester body is red and grey and measures 7-1/2 inches in length by 2-1/2 inches in width by 1-1/4 inches thick.Sold at: Industrial distributors, electrical wholesalers and hardware stores nationwide from January 2002 through December 2006 for about $100.Manufactured in: TaiwanRemedy: Consumers should stop using these recalled clamp meters immediately and contact Amprobe for a free replacement clamp meter.Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Amprobe at (800) 350-8661 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.amprobe.com/recall.
Hazard
The meters can fail to give an appropriate voltage reading, resulting in the operator believing the electrical power is off, which can pose a risk of shock, electrocution, or thermal burn hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
Amprobe is aware of one report of a clamp meter displaying an incorrect voltage reading. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using these recalled clamp meters immediately and contact Amprobe for a free replacement clamp meter.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a 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 (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.