FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2002
Release # 02-250
Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 453-4135 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076
CPSC, Chargetek Announce Recall of Battery Chargers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Chargetek Inc., of Oxnard, Calif., is voluntarily
recalling about 200 CT-2000 battery chargers used with recreational
vehicles, such as boats. A manufacturing defect inside the charger can
cause overheating of internal connections or external wiring, presenting
a fire hazard.
Chargetek has received three reports of fires involving the CT-
2000. The fires were contained to the charger with minor soot damage to
nearby materials. No injuries have been reported.
The chargers were made in the USA and the words "Chargetek CT2000"
are printed across the front of the charger's black housing. Indicator
lights for charge mode, battery polarity and charge current are also
located on the front. Wires for the AC power and three batteries extend
from the bottom of the unit. Only models with a serial number in the
range of 030260 to 030603 and/or a day code between "Jan 01 2001" and
"June 30 2002" are included in the recall. The serial number is written
on the top of the charger and the day code is stamped on the bottom.
Specialty product dealers sold these chargers nationwide from January 2001 to June 2002 for between $220 and $260.
Consumers should stop using and disconnect the AC power and the
batteries from the chargers immediately. To arrange for a free
replacement, consumers should contact Chargetek at (888) 453-4135
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. For more
information, consumers can visit the firm's web site at www.chargetek.com
