Philips stereo turntables, models 22AF685/44B and 22AF685/94B

CPSC Recall #80-031 - August 24, 1980

Recall Summary

Recall Number80-031
Recall DateAugust 24, 1980
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedApproximately 5,600
ManufacturerPhilips High Fidelity Laboratories, Ltd., of Knoxville, Tennessee

Where It Was Sold

The turntables have been sold nationwide since March 1979
for approximately $140 in stereo-equipment retail outlets.

Product

Philips stereo turntables, models 22AF685/44B and 22AF685/94B

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 25) -- Approximately 5,600 stereo turntables are being recalled by their manufacturer, Philips High Fidelity Laboratories, Ltd., of Knoxville, Tennessee, because they may pose a shock hazard to consumers. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Philips is a subsidiary of Magnavox Consumer Electronics Co., of Knoxville, Tennessee. The turntables were wired improperly so that "safety fuses," which serve as circuit breakers, do not operate. In the event of a short circuit, consumers could receive a severe electrical shock by touching any metal part on the turntable or any metal components connected to the turntable. No injuries or deaths have been reported to the company or to CPSC. The recall includes Philips turntable models 22AF685/44B and 22AF685/94B. The turntables have been sold nationwide since March, 1979, for approximately $140 in stereo-equipment retail outlets. The model numbers are printed on a label affixed to the bottom of the turntable base. Owners should contact the dealer from whom the unit was purchased or the Philips Consumers Affairs Department to make arrangements for free repairs. The company's toll-free number is 800-251-9104; in Tennessee, call 615-521-4460, and ask for Consumer Affairs. Anyone wishing to verify the model numbers should contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.

Hazard

The turntables were wired improperly so that "safety fuses," which serve as circuit breakers, do not operate. In the event of a short circuit, consumers could receive a severe electrical shock by touching any metal part on the turntable or any metal components connected to the turntable.

Incidents & Injuries

No injuries or deaths have been reported to the company or to CPSC.

Remedy Instructions

Owners should contact the dealer from whom the unit was purchased or the Philips Consumers Affairs Department to make arrangements for free repairs. The company's toll-free number is 800-251-9104; in Tennessee, call 615-521-4460, and ask for Consumer Affairs.

What Should You Do?

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