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Hair Dryer Recall

CPSC Recall #96-119 — May 6, 1996

Recall Summary

Recall Number96-119
Recall DateMay 6, 1996
Remedy TypeRefund
Units Affected1,160

Where It Was Sold

Retail stores in the New York Metropolitan area sold the dryers from January 1994 to April 1å996 for about $10.

Product

Hair Dryer Recall

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C.- CPSC, Sprint International of Brooklyn, N.Y., is recalling approximately 1,160 hair dryers. Since these dryers do not have a full immersion protection plug, they present a risk of electrocution if dropped in water while the dryer is in the "on" position. The hair dryers also present a fire hazard due to inadequate wiring. Before the use of immersion protection devices, there were an average of 18 electrocutions involving hand-held hair dryers each year. Since the introduction of immersion protection devices for hand-held hair dryers the number decreased to two electrocution deaths in 1992. The current voluntary industry standard, which has been in effect since January 1, 1991, requires hand-held hair dryers to provide full immersion protection when either in the "on" or "off" position. The recalled dryers do not have this protection. CPSC and Sprint International are not aware of any injuries involving these hair dryers. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The hair dryers bear the Sprint name and are labeled in part, "HD-150 1250W... AC-110V 60HZ." The dryers were packaged in boxes labeled in part, "SPRINT...COMPACT PRO HD-150...MADE IN CHINA." Retail stores in the New York Metropolitan area sold the dryers from January 1994 to April 1å996 for about $10. Consumers who own these hair dryers should stop using them immediately and return them to the stores where purchased for a full refund. Consumers in the New York area should call (718) 499-5511 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. eastern time for additional information. Consumers outside the New York Metropolitan area should call (800) 955-3115 for more information. When buying a hair dryer, consumers should look for a large, rectangular-shaped plug at the end of the cord. The certification mark of a recognized testing laboratory should also be visible on the hair dryer or on the hair dryer's packaging. However, even with this improved protection, under no circumstances should consumers use a hair dryer where it could come in contact with water. Electricity and water are a potentially deadly combination.

Hazard

Since these dryers do not have a full immersion protection plug, they present a risk of electrocution if dropped in water while the dryer is in the "on" position. The hair dryers also present a fire hazard due to inadequate wiring.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and Sprint International are not aware of any injuries involving these hair dryers. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers who own these hair dryers should stop using them immediately and return them to the stores where purchased for a full refund.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund 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 (Refund) 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.

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