"OnQ" Telephone Line-Sharing Devices

CPSC Recall #03-181 — September 9, 2003

Recall Summary

Recall Number03-181
Recall DateSeptember 9, 2003
Remedy TypeReplace
Units Affected3,000
ManufacturerOnQ Technologies, of Middletown, Pa.
Manufactured InUnited States

Where It Was Sold

Distributors of electrical devices and sold by professional installers nationwide and in Canada between November 2002 and June 2003 for about $80.

Product

"OnQ" Telephone Line-Sharing Devices

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), OnQ Technologies, of Middletown, Pa., is voluntarily recalling 3,000 "OnQ" Telephone Line-Sharing Devices. A security system connected to this device could be prevented from notifying emergency personnel of a hazard. The delay could cause consumers to suffer injuries.Name of product: "OnQ" Telephone Line-Sharing DevicesUnits: 3,000Manufacturer: OnQ Technologies, of Middletown, Pa.Hazard: A security system connected to this device could be prevented from notifying emergency personnel of a hazard. The delay could cause consumers to suffer injuries.Incidents/Injuries: None reported.Description: The recalled units are labeled "OnQ" and "1x8 ENHANCED TELECOM w/SURGE." The devices are professionally installed as part of a telephone line-sharing system in homes. One of the slots on the device is labeled, "SECURITY." The security line should get priority in an emergency. Part number 364551-01, written on the product label, and a date code (DC) of "2303" (meaning the 23rd week of 2003) or earlier are included in the recall. The date code is located on the edge of the device, above the mounting tabs.Sold at: Distributors of electrical devices and sold by professional installers nationwide and in Canada between November 2002 and June 2003 for about $80.Manufactured in: United StatesRemedy: Consumers should contact OnQ to receive free replacement of the telephone line-sharing device.Consumer Contact: Call OnQ at (800) 321-2343 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's website at www.onqtech.com.

Hazard

A security system connected to this device could be prevented from notifying emergency personnel of a hazard. The delay could cause consumers to suffer injuries.

Incidents & Injuries

None reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should contact OnQ to receive free replacement of the telephone line-sharing device.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a 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 (Replace) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

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.