CB Base Station Antenna

CPSC Recall #87-017 - March 11, 1987

Recall Summary

Recall Number87-017
Recall DateMarch 11, 1987
Remedy TypeRefund

Product

CB Base Station Antenna

Description

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Antron Antenna Research t Electronics, Holland, Ohio is voluntarily recalling its Antron Model,"99" omnidirectional CB base station antennas. If contact is made by the antennas with an electrical power line while being installed or taken down, the antennas have the potential for severe or fatal shock.The CPSC stated that in tests conducted on the Model "99", it failed to comply with the agency's mandatory safety standard. The standard is intended to reduce the electrocution hazard if the antenna should accidentally contact a power line while being removed or installed.The CPSC is not aware of any injuries or deaths involving the Antron "99" omnidirectional CB base station antennas. However, during the 5 year period prior to the CPSC's safety standard, and estimated 450 CB antenna related electrocutions occurred as a result of the antennas being put up or taken down. Electrocution deaths continue to occur each year from CB antennas which fail to comply with the standard.Antron Antenna Research of Electronics distributed approximately 100 of the affected antennas nationwide. The Model, and Company name appear on the shipping carton, instruction sheet and antenna. Retailers who still have these antennas in stock should return them to Antron Antenna Research & Electronics immediately for refund. Consumers owning any of these antennas which have not been installed should return them to the dealer for a full refund. Consumers who have already installed antennas should leave them alone. These persons can obtain a warning sticker label/hang tag to be placed in a conspicuous location on the product to warn future users about the potential hazard. The sticker label/hang tag can be obtained by calling Antron Antenna Research & Electronics at 419-865-5877 or writing the firm at 7134 Railroad St., Holland, Ohio 43528. As a normal practice, individuals planning to install or take down a CB antenna should first contact their local power company for advice if overhead-wires pass through the neighborhood.Additional information concerning this recall is also available to consumers by calling the CPSC toll-free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270.

Hazard

If contact is made by the antennas with an electrical power line while being installed or taken down, the antennas have the potential for severe or fatal shock.

Incidents & Injuries

The CPSC is not aware of any injuries or deaths involving the Antron "99" omnidirectional CB base station antennas. However, during the 5 year period prior to the CPSC's safety standard, and estimated 450 CB antenna related electrocutions occurred as a result of the antennas being put up or taken down. Electrocution deaths continue to occur each year from CB antennas which fail to comply with the standard.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers owning any of these antennas which have not been installed should return them to the dealer for a full refund.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund 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 (Refund) 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.