Vision II Series Irrigation Controller
CPSC Recall #91097 - July 23, 1991
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 91097 |
| Recall Date | July 23, 1991 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | 7,500 |
Where It Was Sold
| The Vision II Series Irrigation Controller was sold and installed nationwide for home and light commercial use |
| from September 1989 through December 1990. |
Product
Vision II Series Irrigation Controller
Description
WASHINGTON, DC--In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Toro Company, Minneapolis, MN is modifying an estimated 7,500 Vision II Series Irrigation Controllers housed in metal cabinets to ensure proper electrical grounding. The three models being modified include 189-66-01, 189-96-01, and 189-06-01. According to Toro, the metal cabinets of these controllers may not have been electrically grounded when installed. Under certain conditions, the non-insulated metal parts of the cabinet, including the key lock, could become electrically energized and present a severe electric shock or an electrocution hazard. No electric shock incidents have been reported. However, the company warns that incidents could still occur if metal cabinets are not properly grounded. The Vision II Series Irrigation Controller was sold and installed nationwide for home and light commercial use, from September 1989 through December 1990. These irrigation controllers are designed to program a multiple station sprinkler system. The controller is usually installed on the inside wall of a garage, or on a pedestal outside. The Toro Company began its modification program in January 1991. As a result, more than 30 percent of the estimated 7,500 installed irrigation controllers have already been corrected. The Toro Vision II Series metal controller cabinets being reworked can be identified by the painted white cabinet with a red "Toro" logo and a key lock on the door. A "Vision II Series" paper label can be found inside the door. Owners should note that all "Vision Series" irrigation controllers having gray or tan plastic cabinets are not part of this modification program. Toro requests all owners of Vision II Series Irrigation Controllers with metal cabinets who have not been contacted by Toro or their contractor about this modification program to immediately call Toro at 1-800-367-8676. In California call 1-800-255-8676. Correspondence should be sent to: Vision II Series Controller Kit, The Toro Company, Irrigation Division, P.O. Box 489, Riverside, CA 92502. Also, all unidentified contractors who know the location of installed, unmodified (not grounded) Vision II Series Irrigation Controllers should contact Toro. Once contacted, Toro will arrange for the free installation of a modification kit to electrically ground the metal cabinet of each controller, as needed. Toro warns owners of unmodified or ungrounded irrigation controllers not to touch the key lock or the cabinet until the modification has been completed. Owners who have already had their controller corrected need not contact Toro. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing this recall as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for product safety. Some 15,000 types of consumer products fall within the Commission's jurisdiction and each year these products are involved in an estimated 28.5 million injuries and 21,600 deaths.
Hazard
According to Toro, the metal cabinets of these controllers may not have been electrically grounded when installed. Under certain conditions, the non-insulated metal parts of the cabinet, including the key lock, could become electrically energized and present a severe electric shock or an electrocution hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
No electric shock incidents have been reported. However, the company warns that incidents could still occur if metal cabinets are not properly grounded.
Remedy Instructions
Toro requests all owners of Vision II Series Irrigation Controllers with metal cabinets who have not been contacted by Toro or their contractor about this modification program to immediately call Toro. Also, all unidentified contractors who know the location of installed, unmodified (not grounded) Vision II Series Irrigation Controllers should contact Toro. Once contacted, Toro will arrange for the free installation of a modification kit to electrically ground the metal cabinet of each controller, as needed.
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.