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Shakespeare Company omnidirectional CB base station antennas, Styles 176-S and 176-SU

CPSC Recall #84-022 - April 11, 1984

Recall Summary

Recall Number84-022
Recall DateApril 11, 1984
Remedy TypeLabel, Refund
Units Affected10,637

Product

Shakespeare Company omnidirectional CB base station antennas, Styles 176-S and 176-SU

Description

Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Shakespeare Company, Newberry, South Carolina, is voluntarily recalling two models of their omnidirectional CB base station antennas, Style 176-S and 176-SU. 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 two models, they failed to comply with the new mandatory standard enforced by CPSC. 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 any of the Shakespeare antennas. The agency estimated, however, that approximately 45-50 individuals were electrocuted each year through 1981 as a result of CB antennas coming into contact with electrical power lines while the antennas are being put up or taken down. Therefore, consumers should not take down any of the recalled Shakespeare antennas which are already installed.The Shakespeare Company distributed 10,637 of the affected antennas nationwide from May through November of 1983. Each of these recalled antennas bears a three letter code located on the bottom of its metal sleeve and on the identification label on the end of the packaging tube as follows: CHF, CHE, CHD, CHC, CHB, CHA, CHL, CHM.The affected antennas have already been removed from dealers and replaced. Retailers who still have those models in stock should return them to the Shakespeare Company immediately for replacement. Consumers owning any of the models affected which have not been installed should contact Shakespeare, toll-free (800-845-7750) to verify if the antenna is subject to the recall. If so, the consumer should return the antenna to the dealer for a full refund. Consumers who have already installed the affected models should leave them alone. These persons can obtain an additional warning label (or hang tag) to be placed in a conspicuous location on the product to warn future users about the potential hazard. The label (or hand tag) can be obtained by calling the Shakespeare Company at its toll free number (800-845-7750) or writing the firm at RFD #3, P.O. Box 733, Newberry, South Carolina, 29108. As a normal practice, individuals planning to install or take down a CB antenna should first contact their local power company for advice.Additional information concerning this recall is also available to consumers who call the CPSC toll-free Hotline 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 any of the Shakespeare antennas. The agency estimated, however, that approximately 45-50 individuals were electrocuted each year through 1981 as a result of CB antennas coming into contact with electrical power lines while the antennas are being put up or taken down. 

Remedy Instructions

Consumers owning any of the models affected which have not been installed should contact Shakespeare, toll-free (800-845-7750) to verify if the antenna is subject to the recall. If so, the consumer should return the antenna to the dealer for a full refund. 

What Should You Do?

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

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