Modular Test Leads used for Electrical Testing Multimeters
CPSC Recall #04-131 — May 2, 2004
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 04-131 |
| Recall Date | May 2, 2004 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 110,000 |
| Manufacturer | Fluke Corporation, of Everett, Wash. |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Home and hardware stores and electrical distributors nationwide from December 2002 through March 2004. The leads sold individually for about $18. Fluke multimeters and accessory kits containing these leads sold for between $45 and $450. |
Product
Modular Test Leads used for Electrical Testing Multimeters
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fluke Corporation, of Everett, Wash., is voluntarily recalling about 110,000 Modular Test Leads used for Electrical Testing Multimeters. The leads, which are used to connect probes to handheld digital multimeters when testing for the presence and amount of voltage present in electrical circuitry, can result in incorrect multimeter readings. This poses a serious shock or electrocution hazard if the consumer touches live wires that the meter has read as having no electrical current.Name of product: Modular Test Leads used for Electrical Testing MultimetersUnits: About 110,000Manufacturer: Fluke Corporation, of Everett, Wash.Hazard: The leads, which are used to connect probes to handheld digital multimeters when testing for the presence and amount of voltage present in electrical circuitry, can result in incorrect multimeter readings. This poses a serious shock or electrocution hazard if the consumer touches live wires that the meter has read as having no electrical current. Fluke has received 29 reports of the leads for Fluke multimeters operating improperly, though no injuries have been reported.Incidents/Injuries: Fluke has received 29 reports of the leads for Fluke multimeters operating improperly, though no injuries have been reported.Description: The recalled test leads are red and black with no permanent probes attached. They have the Fluke logo on the connector ends. They were sold individually, as well as with a variety of Fluke multimeters and accessory kits. The recall includes only Fluke Model TL221, TL222 and TL224 test leads. The model numbers are not written on the test leads, but are written on the packaging or on product documents. The recall does not include Fluke test leads with permanently attached test probes, and does not include test leads with a SureGrip™ symbol, shown below, either on a tag around the silicon wire or molded onto the connector end. Fluke test leads with a SureGrip™ symbol are not included in the recall.Sold at: Home and hardware stores and electrical distributors nationwide from December 2002 through March 2004. The leads sold individually for about $18. Fluke multimeters and accessory kits containing these leads sold for between $45 and $450.Manufactured in: ChinaRemedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled modular test leads immediately and contact Fluke for information on getting free replacement components.Consumer Contact: Consumers should call Fluke toll-free at (888) 401-9940 between 5 a.m. and 4 pm PT Monday through Friday. Consumers also can access Fluke's website at www.fluke.com. Fluke has sent direct notice to known purchasers.
Hazard
The leads, which are used to connect probes to handheld digital multimeters when testing for the presence and amount of voltage present in electrical circuitry, can result in incorrect multimeter readings. This poses a serious shock or electrocution hazard if the consumer touches live wires that the meter has read as having no electrical current. Fluke has received 29 reports of the leads for Fluke multimeters operating improperly, though no injuries have been reported.
Incidents & Injuries
Fluke has received 29 reports of the leads for Fluke multimeters operating improperly, though no injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using the recalled modular test leads immediately and contact Fluke for information on getting free replacement components.
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.