"Monica" and "Turbo 1200" Hand-Held Hair Dryers

CPSC Recall #06-217 — July 18, 2006

Recall Summary

Recall Number06-217
Recall DateJuly 18, 2006
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 19,300
ManufacturerStyle Tronics Inc., of Vernon, Calif.
ImporterStyle Tronics Inc., of Vernon, Calif.
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Independent discount stores nationwide from April 2004 through June 2005 for between $3 and $5.

Product

"Monica" and "Turbo 1200" Hand-Held Hair Dryers

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Style Tronics Inc., of Vernon, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 19,300 "Monica" and "Turbo 1200" Hand-Held Hair Dryers. These electric hair dryers are not equipped with an immersion protection plug to prevent electrocution if the hair dryer falls into water. Such electric shock protection devices are required by industry standards for all electric hand-held hair dryers.Name of Product: "Monica" and "Turbo 1200" Hand-Held Hair DryersUnits: About 19,300Manufacturer/Importer: Style Tronics Inc., of Vernon, Calif.Hazard: These electric hair dryers are not equipped with an immersion protection plug to prevent electrocution if the hair dryer falls into water. Such electric shock protection devices are required by industry standards for all electric hand-held hair dryers.Incidents/Injuries: None reportedDescription: The recall involves two models of pistol-type hair dryers: The Monica hair dryer has its model name and number, SW-117, written on the handle. It is made of black plastic and chrome, and the handle folds up. The Turbo 1200 model has model number DS-507 written on the back of the handle. The model name is written on the blower nozzle. They are green and white and green.Sold at: Independent discount stores nationwide from April 2004 through June 2005 for between $3 and $5.Manufactured In: ChinaRemedy: Consumers should stop using these hair dryers, and contact Style Tronics Inc. for a full refund.Consumer Contact: Call Style Tronics Inc. toll-free at (888) 266-9272 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's web site at www.styletronic.net.

Hazard

These electric hair dryers are not equipped with an immersion protection plug to prevent electrocution if the hair dryer falls into water. Such electric shock protection devices are required by industry standards for all electric hand-held hair dryers.

Incidents & Injuries

None reported

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using these hair dryers, and contact Style Tronics Inc. for a full refund.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund 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) 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.