WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the 3M Visual Systems
Division of Austin, Texas, is announcing the voluntary
recall of about 15,000 Series 4400 overhead projectors.
Heat generated from the lamp of a projector with a
dislocated reflector can potentially damage the projector's
power cord, creating an electric shock hazard.
Heat produced by the internal projection lamp can warp
the projector's reflector severely enough to cause the
reflector to slip from its securing bracket and fall into
the projector body. As a result, the bottom of the
projector could become very hot to the touch.
If the power cord is in contact with the bottom of the
projector, damage to the power cord insulation could expose
electric wires, creating an electric shock hazard.
3M is not aware of any injuries or property damage in
connection with the faulty projectors. The company has
received one report of a damaged electric cord.
Initially, about 30,000 projectors were manufactured.
Approximately half of the machine owners have been sent
retrofit reflector kits to repair the projectors. CPSC and
3M are asking that the remaining owners respond to the
product recall.
This product recall involves all 3M 4400 Series
projectors: model numbers 4405, 4406, 4407, 4410, and 4415,
with serial numbers ranging from 200,001 to 247,742. The
projectors are gray, have a projection stage that is 11.5
inches square, have the company name on the front cover, and
have the company name and model number on the dated
nameplate located on the bottom of the machine. 3M sold the
overhead projectors to schools and office supply stores
nationwide from April 1994 to November 1995 for about $299
to $389 each.
Consumers who own the recalled overhead projectors not
retrofitted with the reflector kit should unplug them
immediately, stop using the machines, and call 3M at (800)
328-1371. 3M will send consumers a retrofit kit for
installation, or instruct them on where to return
projectors for installation of the retrofit kit free of
charge. Consumers will also receive a free projection lamp
when the projector is repaired.
All projectors manufactured by 3M after November 10,
1995, with manufacturing Code C4 and Serial Number 247,742
or higher include the new reflector retaining clip. In
addition, all projectors repaired by 3M will have a round
red tag on the bottom of the projector with an "R" printed
on it.
NOTE: Please refer media inquires for 3M to Mary C.
Auvin at (612) 736-2597 or Matthew P. Fagan at (512)
984-3277.