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Clarifying Statement

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Recall Date:
June 06, 2012

Recall Details

Clarifying Statement

 

Following the November 3, 2004, recall announcement of AFCI circuit breakers manufactured by the Schneider Electric North American Operating Division, some consumers, distributors and retailers expressed concern that these safety devices could cause a fire. This is not true. 

While these circuit breakers will continue to function normally, providing short-circuit and overload protection, a small percentage of the breakers may not function as an AFCI and detect a high-resistance, low-current arc faults. The unique role of an AFCI is its ability to detect an electrical arc and shut down a circuit before a fire can start or spread.

An arc fault hazard is not caused by an AFCI or circuit breaker. An electrical arc can be caused by cracked, broken or damaged electrical insulation on wiring, either within the walls or from a damaged cord. If combustible material is nearby, then the potential for an electrical fire exists.

Schneider Electric, in cooperation with CPSC, developed a corrective action plan to replace all circuit breakers involved in this recall. If distributors or consumers have any immediate questions, they can call toll-free 1-877-202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday or visit www.us.squared.com/recallafci for any additional information available.

View the Press Release

Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

If you are experiencing issues with a recall remedy or believe a company is being non-responsive to your remedy request, please use this form and explain the situation to CPSC.
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.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

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