DeWALT Model D55143 Three-Gallon Hand-Carry Oil Free Air Compressor
CPSC Recall #05-202 — June 20, 2005
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 05-202 |
| Recall Date | June 20, 2005 |
| Remedy Type | Inspect, Repair |
| Units Affected | About 3,840 units |
| Manufacturer | DeWALT Industrial Tool Company, Baltimore, Md. |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Home center and hardware stores nationwide from January 2005 through April 2005 for about $250. |
Product
DeWALT Model D55143 Three-Gallon Hand-Carry Oil Free Air Compressor
Description
Only DeWALT D55143 three-gallon hand-carry oil free air compressors with the following date codes: 200448, 200453, 200502 through 200505, 200508, and 200509 are included in the recall. The date code is printed on the name plate on the rear air tank of the unit. Units marked with an "R" on the end cap of the unit are not included in this recall.
Hazard
Due to a wiring insulation defect, the unit may pose a possible shock hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
No injuries reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using the compressors immediately and contact DeWALT for the location of the nearest service center to receive a free inspection or repair if necessary.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Inspect, 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 (Inspect, 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.