Barnett of the Caribbean Announce of Showerhead Hot Water
Heaters
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2003
Release # 04-044
Company Phone Number: (800) 368-0809
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
CPSC, Barnett of the Caribbean Announce Recall of Showerhead Hot Water
Heaters
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces
the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers
should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of product: Showerhead Hot Water Heaters
Units:17,400
Manufacturer: Sintex of Brazil, distributed by Barnett of the Caribbean,
of Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Hazard: The showerhead hot water heaters are attached to the shower's
water supply piping and connected to a household's electrical supply
source when central hot water is not available. Undersized wiring
prevents this unit from being suitable in wet locations, the rotary
switch is not waterproof and the installation instructions fail to
recommend an electrical junction box, but instead recommends tape.
Another hazard is the plastic enclosure which poses an electrocution and
fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: Showerhead heaters involved in the recall include model
numbers 194310 and 192033. The model numbers are printed on the front of
the unit. The heaters are packaged in a clear, plastic bag with card, or
in a printed box that reads in part, "Sintex Super Ducha," "Sintex
Electronic," and "Made in Brazil."
Sold at: Hardware stores and home improvement centers in Puerto Rico
from March 2001 through August 2003 for about $20.
Manufactured in: Brazil.
Remedy: Consumers should contact the retailer where the product was
purchased or Barnett of the Caribbean for more information on returning
the product for a refund.
Consumer Contact: Call Barnett of the Caribbean toll-free at (800) 368-
0809 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the
firm's Web site at www.e-barnett.com
