Motorola DCT2000 digital cable set-top boxes
CPSC Recall #02-226 — August 7, 2002
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 02-226 |
| Recall Date | August 7, 2002 |
| Remedy Type | Inspect, Replace |
| Units Affected | About 1 million |
Where It Was Sold
| Digital cable operators distributed these set-top boxes nationwide in conjunction with digital cable services from March 2002 through June 2002. |
Product
Motorola DCT2000 digital cable set-top boxes
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Motorola Inc. Broadband Communications Sector, of Horsham, Pa., is voluntarily recalling about 1 million DCT2000 digital cable set-top boxes installed earlier this year. Pins in the rear of the box that connect to the power cord could break, which could pose an electric shock hazard to consumers.CPSC and Motorola have not received any reports of these set-top boxes causing shock or injury.As previously announced, Motorola filed a preliminary report with CPSC about the DCT2000 set-top boxes in June 2002. Digital cable operators distributed these set-top boxes nationwide in conjunction with digital cable services from March 2002 through June 2002.These digital cable set-top boxes are black, about 17 inches wide and 2.5 inches high. "MOTOROLA" and "INTERACTIVE DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS" are written on the front of the units. The model number, "DCT2000" is written on the cover of the user guide that came with the box. Motorola's DCT2000 set-top box provides cable subscribers access to various digital, audio, and interactive TV services, including expanded channel counts; digital-quality video and audio; interactive program guides for viewing convenience and control; parental control; and virtual channels for community and local information.Consumers with these DCT2000 digital cable set-top boxes can continue to use them as normal, but they should not remove the power cord from the rear of the set-top box. If it is necessary to unplug the boxes, power cords should always be unplugged from the wall outlet or other energy source. Motorola estimates about 30,000 of these set-top boxes have power cord pins that could break. Cable operators are contacting their customers to determine if they have a set-top box included in the recall that needs to be replaced. For more information, contact your local cable provider or Motorola at (866) 281-1588 anytime, or visit their website at www.motorola.com.
Hazard
Pins in the rear of the box that connect to the power cord could break, which could pose an electric shock hazard to consumers.
Incidents & Injuries
CPSC and Motorola have not received any reports of these set-top boxes causing shock or injury.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers with these DCT2000 digital cable set-top boxes can continue to use them as normal, but they should not remove the power cord from the rear of the set-top box. If it is necessary to unplug the boxes, power cords should always be unplugged from the wall outlet or other energy source. Motorola estimates about 30,000 of these set-top boxes have power cord pins that could break. Cable operators are contacting their customers to determine if they have a set-top box included in the recall that needs to be replaced.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Inspect, Replace 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, Replace) 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.