Fluke T-2 hand-held electrical voltage and continuity testers
CPSC Recall #01-515 — June 18, 2001
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 01-515 |
| Recall Date | June 18, 2001 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | Approximately 33,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| Home centers |
| hardware stores and industrial distributors nationwide sold these testers between June 1999 and March 2001 for about $49. |
Product
Fluke T-2 hand-held electrical voltage and continuity testers
Description
PRODUCT: - Electrical Testers - Fluke Corp., of Everett, Wash., is voluntarily recalling approximately 33,000 model T-2 hand-held electrical voltage and continuity testers. These testers measure 24 to 600 volts alternating current (VAC), and 6 to 220 volts direct current (VDC). "Fluke" and "T2" are written on the front of the unit. The tester body is yellow and black, and measures about 6.25 inches long by 1.75 inches wide and 1.25 inches thick. The wire leads are black and have one black and one red probe. Recalled units have a serial number higher than 73510000. The serial number is located on the back of the unit above the wire leads. Home centers, hardware stores and industrial distributors nationwide sold these testers between June 1999 and March 2001 for about $49.PROBLEM: The recalled units can "lock-up" and stop working. When the tester "locks-up" it stops working for approximately 8 minutes without warning. Consumers testing electrical sources could fail to be warned of the presence of live current if the tester is not properly operating, posing a risk of shock, electrocution, and thermal burns. Fluke conducted two previous recalls in November 1998 and 1999 on T2 Electrical Testers because of different electrical connection problems. Even if consumers had their testers repaired previously (serial numbers below 74165430), their testers could be part of this new recall and the serial number must be checked to determine if it is included in this recall program.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Fluke has received one report of a tester that "locked-up" and stopped working. No injuries have been reported.WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using these voltage and continuity testers immediately, and contact Fluke for information on returning the recalled unit to Fluke for a free repair. Consumers should call Fluke toll-free at (800) 753-8646 between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Consumers can access Fluke's website at www.fluke.com/t2recall. Fluke has sent direct notice to known purchasers.
Hazard
When the tester "locks-up" it stops working for approximately 8 minutes without warning. Consumers testing electrical sources could fail to be warned of the presence of live current if the tester is not properly operating, posing a risk of shock, electrocution, and thermal burns.
Incidents & Injuries
Fluke has received one report of a tester that "locked-up" and stopped working. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using these voltage and continuity testers immediately, and contact Fluke for information on returning the recalled unit to Fluke for a free repair.
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.
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.