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Wire feed welders

CPSC Recall #10-298 — July 12, 2010

Recall Summary

Recall Number10-298
Recall DateJuly 12, 2010
Remedy TypeNew Instructions, Refund
Units AffectedAbout 9,000
ImporterStar Asia USA, LLC d.b.a Titan, of Kent, Wash.
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Pep Boys
Auto Zone and various other auto parts and tool centers nationwide from October 2006 through March 2010 for about $170.

Product

Wire feed welders

Description

The recall involves the Vaper 90 amp flux wire feed welders with model number 41181. The wire welders are red and black. "Vaper" and "90 amp flux wire welder" can be found on the product's operation panel. The model number can be found on the top right hand corner of the package and on the first page of the users manual.

Hazard

The wire welder's torch does not have a cold contactor as erroneously stated on the packaging and instruction manual. Without this feature, the welder generates an electrical arc immediately upon contact with the welding material, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents & Injuries

None.

Remedy Instructions

Consumer should immediately stop using the wire welders and contact Star Asia to obtain a corrected instructions manual and packaging or for instructions on returning the product for a full refund.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a New Instructions, 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 (New Instructions, 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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