Approximately 8,000 Chain Saws Recalled

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 5) -- The McCulloch Corporation, of Los Angeles, California, is voluntarily recalling approximately 8,000 "Electramac" electric chain saws imported to the U.S. from Canada since April, 1981.

The firm is conducting the recall in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recall applies to "Electramac" EM 10, EM 12A and EM 14A chain saws, which include an electric cord connected to the back of the unit. The saws have been sold nationwide for approximately $70 to $110. No other McCulloch products with electric or gasoline engines are involved.

The firm initiated the recall after it learned of four incidents of spontaneous restarting among units manufactured by Black and Decker of Canada, Inc. McCulloch and Black and Decker of Canada are subsidiaries of the Black and Decker Manufacturing Company, of Towson, Maryland.

The saw's "on/off" switch may fail to function properly, causing the chain saw to continue to run after release of the trigger or to start spontaneously when put down after use. No injuries have been reported, although these conditions pose a potential safety hazard. In the one occurrence reported in the U.S., the electric chain saw restarted after being switched off and put down.

Black and Decker of Canada has produced an improved '"on/off" switch that will eliminate the restarting problem, according to McCulloch. Consumers should immediately stop using their "Electramac" chain saws and bring them to a Black and Decker Service Center for repair. New "on/off" switches will be incorporated into their saws free-of-charge. Units with new switches, which will now be on sale, will be designated "Type 2" on the label on the saw.

To learn the location of the nearest Black and Decker Service Center, consumers should look in the Yellow Pages section of the telephone directory under the heading, "Tools."

McCulloch, which informed CPSC of the potential hazard on September 8, has mailed certified letters providing recall instructions to all consumers who returned the registration card packed with the chain saws.

Consumers who require additional information about this recall or are too far from a Black and Decker Service Center to return their saws should call McCulloch toll-free at 800-423-6302; in California, 213-822-9724.

Black and Decker of Canada has produced an improved '"on/off" switch that will eliminate the restarting problem, according to McCulloch. Consumers should immediately stop using their "Electramac" chain saws and bring them to a Black and Decker Service Center for repair. New "on/off" switches will be incorporated into their saws free-of-charge. Units with new switches, which will now be on sale, will be designated "Type 2" on the label on the saw.

No injuries have been reported, although these conditions pose a potential safety hazard. In the one occurrence reported in the U.S., the electric chain saw restarted after being switched off and put down.