Siemens has recalled 2.2 million circuit breakers, load centers, and meter combos after an installer reported a spring clip that broke during installation creating a fire hazard, the
Consumer Product Safety Commission announced today.
While no incidents have been reported, the CPSC warns that the broken spring clips can lead to a loss of force to maintain a proper electrical connection in the panel board. This can, in turn, lead to excessive temperature, arcing or thermal damage at the connection point, and damage to the panel board's electrical insulation posing the threat of fire, property damage or personal injury.
The recall involves Siemens and Murray 15 through 50 AMP single and double pole circuit breakers, load centers (circuit breakers that come with an electrical panel), and meter combos (contain a load center and a meter socket). "Siemens" or "Murray," date codes 0610 or 0710 and the catalog number are printed on a label on the side of the circuit breakers. Date codes between June 2010 through August 2010 are stamped on the inside of the metal box of the load centers and meter combos. The catalog number for the load centers and meter combos is printed on a label inside the metal box door and on the packaging. (Check the recall notice for date codes and catalog numbers.)
The items were sold at Home Depot, Lowe's, other hardware and building-supply stores and numerous electrical distributors nationwide from June through August 2010 for between $2.50 to $235. Because it's difficult to identify the recalled items, Siemens recommends that you contact the company at (800) 756-6996 or via its website
www.usa.siemens.com to arrange for a free inspection by an electrician and a free replacement product.
For more on these and other recalls, visit our
Safety Blog.
