"Jackrabbitpack" high capacity DC-DC voltage converters

CPSC Recall #96-111 — April 24, 1996

Recall Summary

Recall Number96-111
Recall DateApril 24, 1996
Remedy TypeRepair
Units Affected1,600

Where It Was Sold

Photography supply stores sold the "Jackrabbitpack" nationwide from January 1990 through March 19
1996. A "Jackrabbitpack" packaged with a five hour charger sold for $259. A "Jackrabbitpack" packaged with a Dyna-lite self contained 400 watt second flash unit (UNI400JR) as part of the UNIJR-PS1 kit sold for $899. A "Jackrabbitpack" sold with an additional "Jackrabbitpack" and two UNI400JRs as well as light stands and umbrellas as part of the UNIJR-LW2 package system sold for $2
199.

Product

"Jackrabbitpack" high capacity DC-DC voltage converters

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C.- CPSC, Comet World, Inc. of Hillside, N.J., is recalling about 1,600 "Jackrabbitpack" high capacity DC-DC voltage converters. The power packs are used by professional photographers to rapidly charge electronic camera flash lamps. If the cord that connects the power pack to the flash system is incorrectly inserted into the power pack, consumers could receive an electric shock. Comet World, Inc. has received four reports of photographers who received electrical shocks when using the "Jackrabbitpack" with the connecting cord incorrectly inserted. The company and CPSC are not aware of any serious injuries associated with this product. The black power pack measures two inches high, five inches wide, and 3.5 inches deep. A drawing of a white rabbit and an orange circle appear on the front of the pack, along with labelling that reads, "Dyna-lite Flash Equipment ... Jackrabbitpack (TM) ... Manufactured by DYNA-LITE, U.S.A. ..." An on/off switch is located in the bottom left corner, next to two small indicator lights. Consumers insert the connecting cord into receptacles located in the lower right front corner of the power pack. Consumers can carry the power pack by attaching a strap to two small metal D-shaped rings on the sides of the power pack. Photography supply stores sold the "Jackrabbitpack" nationwide from January 1990 through March 19, 1996. A "Jackrabbitpack" packaged with a five hour charger sold for $259. A "Jackrabbitpack" packaged with a Dyna-lite self contained 400 watt second flash unit (UNI400JR) as part of the UNIJR-PS1 kit sold for $899. A "Jackrabbitpack" sold with an additional "Jackrabbitpack" and two UNI400JRs as well as light stands and umbrellas as part of the UNIJR-LW2 package system sold for $2,199. Consumers should check the "Jackrabbitpack's" serial number located on a black and silver label on the back of the power pack and call Comet World, Inc. at (800) 722-6638, ext. 215. The company will help consumers determine whether their "Jackrabbitpack" is subject to this recall. Consumers should stop using the recalled "Jackrabbitpack" immediately and return the "Jackrabbitpack," all AC chargers, and connecting cables used with the unit to the store where purchased for repair. Consumers can also mail the "Jackrabbitpack," charger and cables to Comet World, Inc., 311-319 Long Avenue, Hillside, N.J. 07205. The company will repair the "Jackrabbitpacks" and connecting cables free of charge and return them to the consumer within one week after the repair is completed.

Hazard

 If the cord that connects the power pack to the flash system is incorrectly inserted into the power pack, consumers could receive an electric shock.

Incidents & Injuries

Comet World, Inc. has received four reports of photographers who received electrical shocks when using the "Jackrabbitpack" with the connecting cord incorrectly inserted. The company and CPSC are not aware of any serious injuries associated with this product.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the recalled "Jackrabbitpack" immediately and return the "Jackrabbitpack," all AC chargers, and connecting cables used with the unit to the store where purchased for repair. Consumers can also mail the "Jackrabbitpack," charger and cables to Comet World, Inc., 311-319 Long Avenue, Hillside, N.J. 07205. The company will repair the "Jackrabbitpacks" and connecting cables free of charge and return them to the consumer within one week after the repair is completed.

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.