Nevco electric ceramic hot pots
CPSC Recall #78-017 - March 16, 1978
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 78-017 |
| Recall Date | March 16, 1978 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | 217,000 |
| Manufacturer | Nevco, of Lyndhurst, New Jersey |
Product
Nevco electric ceramic hot pots
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 17) -- Nevco, of Lyndhurst, N.J. in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, today announced the voluntary recall of 217,000 electric ceramic hot pots. The pots, intended for heating up to 4 cups of liquid such as water or soup, may pose a potential shock hazard to the user. According to CPSC staff, if the heating coil at the bottom of the pot is heated while not immersed in liquid, the coil will be damaged. If a user, while grounded, should subsequently stir the liquid in the pot using a metal article, the user could receive a potentially severe electrical shock. These hot pots come in various color combinations and are decorated with several different types of decals. The box in which the unit is packaged is clearly marked with the Nevco name. On the bottom of each unit are imprinted the words "120V-350W JAPAN." They have been sold nationwide under the Nevco name since January 1975, and have retailed from $2.99 to $4.99. Because these same unbranded pots have been imported and distributed by other yet unidentified firms, consumers who do not have the box are asked to contact the dealer from whom they purchased the pot or Nevco to confirm that this is one of the pots on which refund can be given. If so, the consumer should return the hot pot to Nevco, Page & Schuyler Avenues, Lyndhurst, N.J. 07071, with a statement of where the pot was purchased and the amount of the purchase price (and if available, a copy of the sales receipt, the box in which the unit was packed, or other documentation of purchase) for a refund, including postage. If a consumer determines that his or her hot pot is not a Nevco pot but otherwise matches the description given above, the consumer is urged to discontinue use and to notify the Commission of the name of the importer or distributor using the toll-free number listed below. For further information, consumers may call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC.
Hazard
According to CPSC staff, if the heating coil at the bottom of the pot is heated while not immersed in liquid, the coil will be damaged. If a user, while grounded, should subsequently stir the liquid in the pot using a metal article, the user could receive a potentially severe electrical shock.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should return the hot pot to Nevco, Page & Schuyler Avenues, Lyndhurst, N.J. 07071, with a statement of where the pot was purchased and the amount of the purchase price (and if available, a copy of the sales receipt, the box in which the unit was packed, or other documentation of purchase) for a refund, including postage.
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.