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Bostitch electric pencil sharpeners

CPSC Recall #16-041 - November 19, 2015

Recall Summary

Recall Number16-041
Recall DateNovember 19, 2015
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 44,000
ImporterAmax Inc., of East Greenwich, R.I.
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Office Depot
Staples and other office supply stores and distributors nationwide and online at Amazon.com from April 2012 through August 2015 for between $70 and $155.

Product

Bostitch electric pencil sharpeners

Description

The electrical components inside can energize the pencil sharpener and shock consumers.

Hazard

The electric components inside can energize the pencil sharpener, posing a shock hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

Amax has received one report of a consumer who received a shock from the recalled electric pencil sharpener.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled electric pencil sharpeners, unplug them from the outlet and contact Amax for a free replacement unit. 

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.

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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