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CPSC, Schneider Electric North American Division Announce Recall of AFCIs

Note: Web Site Deletion; recall no longer posted on firm web site. The Firm's Hotline number changed. 

  •  QOAFI CIRCUIT BREAKER- Test Button is BLUE on Recalled Circuit Breakers
  • HOM CIRCUIT BREAKER- Test Button is BLUE on Recalled Circuit Breakers
Name of Product:
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI)
Hazard:

An AFCI is an electrical circuit protection device (circuit breaker) that detects electrical arcs from cracked, broken or damaged electrical insulation and shuts off power to the circuit before the arcing leads to a fire. An electronic component failure inside the AFCIs can cause the devices to not detect an electrical arc. Although the AFCIs will function as regular circuit breakers, they may not detect an arc fault, posing a safety risk to consumers. Clarifying Statement

Remedy:
Refund
Replace
Recall Date:
November 03, 2004
Units:
About 700,000
Consumer Contact

Consumers should call the Customer Care Center Number “888 SQUARED” or 888-778-2733 to return the product for replacement or refund. Consumers can also call 1-800-634-8730 and ask for the Product Services Support Manager
 

Recall Details

Description:

The recalled Square D QO® and Homeline® Arc Fault Interrupter circuit breakers are used with 15- and 20-amp branch circuits. They are required to be installed in bedroom circuits in accordance with the 2002 National Electrical Code. The recalled units were manufactured after March 1, 2004, and have a blue test button. The AFCI circuit breakers have one of the following date codes - CN, DN, EN, FN, GN, HN, or JN - stamped in red on the breaker label located just above the wiring terminal. The recalled units also have one of the following catalog numbers printed on a label on the front of the breaker: QO115AFI, QO115AFIC, QO120AFI, QO120AFIC, QOB115AFI, QOB120AFI, HOM115AFI, HOM115AFIC, HOM120AFI, HOM120AFIC, QO115VHAFI, QO120VHAFI, QOB115VHAFI, or QOB120VHAFI.

Remedy:

 Installed AFCIs will be replaced free of charge through electrical contractors. Consumers can return uninstalled AFCIs to the retailers or distributor from whom the unit was purchased for a free replacement unit.

Incidents/Injuries:

Schneider Electric is investigating one reported fire during a new home construction that may be related to this problem. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At:
Electrical distributors and retailers sold the AFCIs between March 2004 and September 2004 for between $30 and $130.
Manufacturer(s):
Schneider Electric North American Division, of Palatine, Ill.
Manufactured In:
Mexico
Recall number:
05-035

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About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

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