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Remote Control Hand-Operated Switches

CPSC Recall #96-103 — April 15, 1996

Recall Summary

Recall Number96-103
Recall DateApril 15, 1996
Remedy TypeReplace
Units Affected25,450

Where It Was Sold

Mail-order catalogs sold the remote control hand operated switches in the United States and Canada between December 1993 and 1996 for about $9. The switch is packaged in a white cardboard box labeled in part
"Item No. E8810 ... Made in Taiwan."

Product

Remote Control Hand-Operated Switches

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C.- CPSC, Bandwagon Inc. of Wilmington, Mass., is recalling about 25,450 remote control, hand-operated switches used to turn on and off electrical appliances, such as lights, televisions, radios, fans, and Christmas tree lights. To operate this switch, an appliance is plugged into the plug of the remote switch, which is plugged into the wall outlet. From a remote location, a consumer can operate an appliance with the remote control switch, which functions as a kind of on/off extension cord. If the switch's cover detaches exposing electrical wires, consumers can receive an electrical burn, a shock, or possibly an electrocution. Bandwagon is aware of a woman who received an electrical shock while operating a bedroom fan. The shock resulted in burn injuries to her right shoulder area, right forearm and biceps, left thumb, left forefinger, and to her left middle finger which was subsequently removed. The remote control switch is a white, rounded ceramic disc with a flat plastic base, measuring about one inch high and two inches in diameter. A black plastic button in the center of the disc turns the switch on and off. A 12-foot white cord runs from the disc to the end of a two-sided plug. One side accepts a plug from an appliance, and the other side plugs into an outlet. Mail-order catalogs sold the remote control hand operated switches in the United States and Canada between December 1993 and 1996 for about $9. The switch is packaged in a white cardboard box labeled in part, "Item No. E8810 ... Made in Taiwan." Consumers should stop using the recalled remote control switch immediately and call Bandwagon at (888) 814-3600 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. eastern time to arrange for free delivery of a replacement switch.

Hazard

 If the switch's cover detaches exposing electrical wires, consumers can receive an electrical burn, a shock, or possibly an electrocution.

Incidents & Injuries

Bandwagon is aware of a woman who received an electrical shock while operating a bedroom fan. The shock resulted in burn injuries to her right shoulder area, right forearm and biceps, left thumb, left forefinger, and to her left middle finger which was subsequently removed.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the recalled remote control switch immediately and call Bandwagon at (888) 814-3600 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. eastern time to arrange for free delivery of a replacement switch.

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.

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.

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