Electric blower/vacuum/mulchers
CPSC Recall #16-261 — September 13, 2016
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 16-261 |
| Recall Date | September 13, 2016 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 560,000 (in addition, about 20,000 were sold in Canada) |
| Importer | BLACK+DECKER (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md. |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Lowes and other stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com and other websites from May 2013 through September 2016 for between $70 and $90. |
Product
Electric blower/vacuum/mulchers
Description
This recall involves BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 electric blower/vacuum/mulchers with model numbers BV5600, BV6000 and BV6600. The model number and “Type 1” are printed on the name plate on the right side of the motor housing. Only “Type 1” blower/vacuum/mulchers are included in this recall. They are orange with black accents, a black fan cover and a two-speed switch. They were sold with a blower tube, a vacuum tube and a reusable collection bag. Model BV6600 also has a rake attachment.
Hazard
The fan cover of the electric blower/vacuum/mulchers can unlatch unexpectedly, posing a laceration hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
BLACK+DECKER has received four reports of the fan covers unexpectedly coming off and consumers receiving finger lacerations from contact with the fan.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact BLACK+DECKER for a free repair kit, which includes a replacement fan cover.
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.