The Toro Company Modifies Vision II Series Irrigation Controller With Metal Cabinet To Prevent Shock Hazard

WASHINGTON, DC--In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Toro Company, Minneapolis, MN is modifying an estimated 7,500 Vision II Series Irrigation Controllers housed in metal cabinets to ensure proper electrical grounding. The three models being modified include 189-66-01, 189-96-01, and 189-06-01.

According to Toro, the metal cabinets of these controllers may not have been electrically grounded when installed. Under certain conditions, the non-insulated metal parts of the cabinet, including the key lock, could become electrically energized and present a severe electric shock or an electrocution hazard.

No electric shock incidents have been reported. However, the company warns that incidents could still occur if metal cabinets are not properly grounded. The Vision II Series Irrigation Controller was sold and installed nationwide for home and light commercial use, from September 1989 through December 1990. These irrigation controllers are designed to program a multiple station sprinkler system. The controller is usually installed on the inside wall of a garage, or on a pedestal outside.

The Toro Company began its modification program in January 1991. As a result, more than 30 percent of the estimated 7,500 installed irrigation controllers have already been corrected.

The Toro Vision II Series metal controller cabinets being reworked can be identified by the painted white cabinet with a red "Toro" logo and a key lock on the door. A "Vision II Series" paper label can be found inside the door. Owners should note that all "Vision Series" irrigation controllers having gray or tan plastic cabinets are not part of this modification program.

Toro requests all owners of Vision II Series Irrigation Controllers with metal cabinets who have not been contacted by Toro or their contractor about this modification program to immediately call Toro at 1-800-367-8676. In California call 1-800-255-8676. Correspondence should be sent to: Vision II Series Controller Kit, The Toro Company, Irrigation Division, P.O. Box 489, Riverside, CA 92502. Also, all unidentified contractors who know the location of installed, unmodified (not grounded) Vision II Series Irrigation Controllers should contact Toro. Once contacted, Toro will arrange for the free installation of a modification kit to electrically ground the metal cabinet of each controller, as needed.

Toro warns owners of unmodified or ungrounded irrigation controllers not to touch the key lock or the cabinet until the modification has been completed. Owners who have already had their controller corrected need not contact Toro.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing this recall as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for product safety. Some 15,000 types of consumer products fall within the Commission's jurisdiction and each year these products are involved in an estimated 28.5 million injuries and 21,600 deaths.

Toro requests all owners of Vision II Series Irrigation Controllers with metal cabinets who have not been contacted by Toro or their contractor about this modification program to immediately call Toro.  Also, all unidentified contractors who know the location of installed, unmodified (not grounded) Vision II Series Irrigation Controllers should contact Toro. Once contacted, Toro will arrange for the free installation of a modification kit to electrically ground the metal cabinet of each controller, as needed.

No electric shock incidents have been reported. However, the company warns that incidents could still occur if metal cabinets are not properly grounded.