Battery chargers used in "Flotec" and "Sears" back-up sump pump systems
CPSC Recall #00-100 — April 23, 2000
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 00-100 |
| Recall Date | April 23, 2000 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 29,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| Large and small home centers |
| auto parts and plumbing supply stores |
| including Sears |
| W.W. Grainger |
| Advanced Auto Parts |
| Home Quarters |
| Home Depot |
| and Hechinger sold the sump pump systems nationwide from December 1994 through September 1997 for about $200. The battery chargers also were sold as a replacement part for the sump pump systems for about $130. |
Product
Battery chargers used in "Flotec" and "Sears" back-up sump pump systems
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sta-Rite Industries Inc., of Delavan, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 29,000 battery chargers used in battery back-up sump pump systems. The battery chargers can overheat and ignite, melting the charger housing and posing a fire hazard. Sta-Rite has received seven reports of battery chargers overheating or catching fire. Four incidents have involved smoke or fire damage to homes, confined to the immediate area of the charger. No injuries have been reported. The recalled battery chargers are used in the "Flotec" and "Sears" back-up sump pump systems. The sump pump system is used to remove water from homes that have basements. This recall involves the charger only, not the sump pump. Consumers can identify whether the sump pumps battery charger is being recalled by checking the sump pump system model number. The Flotec system is model number FP2000DCC-02 or 2P667B and the Sears system is model number 390.306062. The brand name and model number can be found on the pump model plate located on the pump. The part number on the charger is PS17-77 and can be found below the meter on the charger. Sta-Rite will help consumers determine if the battery charger is part of this recall. Large and small home centers, auto parts and plumbing supply stores, including Sears, W.W. Grainger, Advanced Auto Parts, Home Quarters, Home Depot, and Hechinger sold the sump pump systems nationwide from December 1994 through September 1997 for about $200. The battery chargers also were sold as a replacement part for the sump pump systems for about $130. Consumers should stop using the sump pumps with the recalled battery charger immediately. Consumers can receive a free replacement battery charger by calling for assistance at (262) 728-5551.
Hazard
The battery chargers can overheat and ignite, melting the charger housing and posing a fire hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
Sta-Rite has received seven reports of battery chargers overheating or catching fire. Four incidents have involved smoke or fire damage to homes, confined to the immediate area of the charger. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using the sump pumps with the recalled battery charger immediately. Consumers can receive a free replacement battery charger by calling for assistance at (262) 728-5551.
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.