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Wire Feed Welders Recalled by Star Asia USA Due to Burn Hazard

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Hazard:
"The wire welder's torch does not have a cold contactor as erroneously stated on the packaging and instruction manual. Without this feature, the welder generates an electrical arc immediately upon contact with the welding material, posing a burn hazard to consumers."
Remedy:
Refund
New Instructions
Recall Date:
July 13, 2010
Units:
"About 9,000"

Recall Details

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2010
Release #10-298
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 386-0191

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Wire feed welders

Units: About 9,000

Importer: Star Asia USA, LLC d.b.a Titan, of Kent, Wash.

Hazard: The wire welder's torch does not have a cold contactor as erroneously stated on the packaging and instruction manual. Without this feature, the welder generates an electrical arc immediately upon contact with the welding material, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None.

Description: The recall involves the Vaper 90 amp flux wire feed welders with model number 41181. The wire welders are red and black. "Vaper" and "90 amp flux wire welder" can be found on the product's operation panel. The model number can be found on the top right hand corner of the package and on the first page of the users manual.

Sold by: Pep Boys, Auto Zone and various other auto parts and tool centers nationwide from October 2006 through March 2010 for about $170.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumer should immediately stop using the wire welders and contact Star Asia to obtain a corrected instructions manual and packaging or for instructions on returning the product for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Customer Service at (800) 386-0191 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT.

Picture of recalled welder

Model number on recalled welder package

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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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