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Power Inverters with Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) outlets

CPSC Recall #02-095 — January 30, 2002

Recall Summary

Recall Number02-095
Recall DateJanuary 30, 2002
Remedy TypeReplace
Units Affected1,600

Where It Was Sold

Automotive and marine stores nationwide
and mail-order catalogs sold these inverters from November 1999 through November 2001 for between $365 and $900.

Product

Power Inverters with Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) outlets

Description

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Vector Manufacturing Ltd., of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is voluntarily recalling about 1,600 power inverters with ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets. Power inverters convert DC voltage to AC voltage to allow the operation of household products using battery power. The recalled power inverters have a red, yellow or black rectangular- shaped body with white or gray electrical outlets on the side, next to the volt and amp meters. The outlets on the recalled inverters have "TEST" and "RESET" buttons. They include the following model numbers and names, located on a label on the top of the power inverters: Model Numbers Model Names VEC049GF MAXX Series 1000 Watt Power Inverter VEC049GM MAXX Series 1000 Watt Power Inverter for Marine Applications VEC050GF MAXX Series 1500 Watt Power Inverter VEC050GM MAXX Series 1500 Watt Power Inverter for Marine Applications VEC051GM MAXX Series 3000 Watt Power Inverter for Marine Applications VEC049GF Force Series 1000 Watt Power Inverter VEC050G Power Force Series 1500 Watt Power Inverter VEC049G Power Force Series 1000 Watt Power Inverter Power inverters with black electrical outlets are not included in the recall.  

Hazard

The GFCIs on the inverters, which are intended to protect consumers against shock and electrocution, could fail to operate correctly.

Incidents & Injuries

Vector Manufacturing has not received any reports of injuries or incidents associated with these power inverters. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the recalled power inverters immediately, disconnect them, and contact Vector Manufacturing to receive a free inspection. If needed, Vector Manufacturing will replace the GFCI outlet. Consumers participating in the recall program also will receive an extended warranty and an additional free gift when they send the units in for the free inspection.

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.

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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.

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