Combination Service Entrance Devices (CSEDs)

CPSC Recall #99-100a — April 21, 1999

Recall Summary

Recall Number99-100a
Recall DateApril 21, 1999
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 12,200

Where It Was Sold

These products were sold nationwide primarily to electrical contractors through distributors. A small percentage were sold to contractors and possibly consumers through home improvement stores. They were sold from October 1997 through July 1998 for between $130 and $300.

Product

Combination Service Entrance Devices (CSEDs)

Description

PRODUCT: Combination Service Entrance Devices (CSEDs) - Square D Co., of Palatine, Ill., is recalling about 12,200 CSEDs, which are metal boxes mounted on the outside of homes and contain the electric meter and the main electrical breaker panel. These CSEDs are gray, and have catalog numbers C125RB, C200RB, C2M200RB, C4L200RB (Series M01), CQRB100CP (Series M01, E1, and E01) and CQRB200RB (Series M01, E3, and E03). "Square D" and the catalog number can be found on the wiring diagram located on the inside of the left-hand hinge cover. The CQRB100CP measures 12.8 inches high by 13.6 inches wide by 4.6 inches deep, and the other models measure 18.3 inches high by 19.5 inches wide by 4.6 inches deep. These products were sold nationwide primarily to electrical contractors through distributors. A small percentage were sold to contractors and possibly consumers through home improvement stores. They were sold from October 1997 through July 1998 for between $130 and $300. PROBLEM: When these CSEDs are installed and electrical power supplied, electrical arcing can occur, posing a risk of shock, electrocution and electric burn. INJURIES/INCIDENTS: CPSC and Square D are aware of one report of a unit arcing during installation. No injuries have been reported. WHAT TO DO: If you have one of these devices that has not been installed, do not attempt to install or connect power to the device. If your CSED is installed and operating properly, it does not require replacement. The electrical arcing would be apparent on a defective CSED with sparks or fire emanating from the box. For a free replacement CSED, call Square D toll-free at (877) 202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Recorded messages can be left during other times.

Hazard

When these CSEDs are installed and electrical power supplied, electrical arcing can occur, posing a risk of shock, electrocution and electric burn.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and Square D are aware of one report of a unit arcing during installation. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

If you have one of these devices that has not been installed, do not attempt to install or connect power to the device. For a free replacement CSED, call Square D toll-free at (877) 202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

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.

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.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

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.