CPSC and 3M Announce Overhead Projector Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. - 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.

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.

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.