AquaPod 12-Gallon Aquariums
CPSC Recall #06-111 — March 12, 2006
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 06-111 |
| Recall Date | March 12, 2006 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 1,000 |
| Manufacturer | Current USA Inc., of Vista, Calif. |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Pet stores nationwide |
| pet merchandise catalogs |
| and by Web retailers from December 2005 through January 2006 for about $240. |
Product
AquaPod 12-Gallon Aquariums
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Current USA Inc., of Vista, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 1,000 AquaPod 12-Gallon Aquariums. These aquariums have three power cords, two for the aquarium lamps and one for the air pump. When only one of the two lamp cords is plugged in, the unplugged lamp cord can become energized, posing an electrical shock hazard to consumers.Name of Product: AquaPod 12-Gallon AquariumsUnits: About 1,000Manufacturer and Distributor: Current USA Inc., of Vista, Calif.Hazard: These aquariums have three power cords, two for the aquarium lamps and one for the air pump. When only one of the two lamp cords is plugged in, the unplugged lamp cord can become energized, posing an electrical shock hazard to consumers.Incidents/Injuries: Current USA Inc. has received nine reports of electrical problems with these aquariums, resulting in seven consumers suffering shocks by touching unplugged, energized lamp cords.Description: This recall affects AquaPod Aquariums with model number 7050. The model number is not written on the aquariums, but is on the owner's manual and the packaging. Only aquariums without a white label containing the manufacturer date and a bar code, which is attached to light reflector inside lid of the aquariums are included in this recall. To check if your unit has a white sticker, open the aquarium lid and look on the bottom left corner of the light reflector. If your AquaPod 12-Gallon System has a white label with a date in black letters and bar code, it is not included in the recall. Model numbers 7051 and 7052 aquariums also are not included in the recall.Sold in: Pet stores nationwide, pet merchandise catalogs, and by Web retailers from December 2005 through January 2006 for about $240.Manufactured in: ChinaRemedy: Consumers should stop using these aquariums immediately by turning off the power at the breaker switch and unplugging all the cords. Consumers should contact their local retailer or call the firm for information on receiving a free replacement aquarium.Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers should call Current USA Inc. toll-free at (866) 276-8872 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.current-usa.com.
Hazard
These aquariums have three power cords, two for the aquarium lamps and one for the air pump. When only one of the two lamp cords is plugged in, the unplugged lamp cord can become energized, posing an electrical shock hazard to consumers.
Incidents & Injuries
Current USA Inc. has received nine reports of electrical problems with these aquariums, resulting in seven consumers suffering shocks by touching unplugged, energized lamp cords.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using these aquariums immediately by turning off the power at the breaker switch and unplugging all the cords. Consumers should contact their local retailer or call the firm for information on receiving a free replacement aquarium.
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.
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.