Recall: Motion-sensing light switches—electrical shock hazard

HeathCo has recalled about 75,000 Heath-Zenith and Wireless Command motion-sensing wall switches, because of a risk of electrical shock to consumers, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported today.

The light switch replaces a standard household wall switch, and is designed to turn off the attached light when motion is no longer detected in the room.

When the switches are in the auto mode and the light is off, a small amount of current leaks through the electric circuit, including the socket. If consumers fail to disconnect the power at the circuit breaker and make contact with both terminals inside the socket while replacing the bulbs, there is a risk of an electric shock. No injuries have been reported in relation to this recall.

The electrical wall switches were sold for $20 to $25 at mass merchants, electrical distributors, hardware retailers and online retailers from August 2007 through August 2011. The products come in white or ivory. The brand name and model number are on a label on the side of the switch. If your switch matches the description of the recalled product, HeathCo says to take the following steps to see if the markings on the back or side of the switch match those of the switches included in the recall: Turn off power to the circuit for the switch at the circuit breaker or fuse panel, check to see that the power is off by attempting to turn on the light, remove the faceplate from the switch.

The following brands and corresponding model numbers are included in the recall:

Heath-Zenith
SL-6106-IV
SL-6106-IV-A
SL-6106-WH
SL-6106-WH-A
SL-6108-IV
SL-6108-IV-A
SL-6108-WH
SL-6108-WH-A

Wireless Command
WC-6106-IV
WC-6106-WH
WC-6108-IV
WC-6108-WH

Consumers can call Heathco at 855-704-5438 for a free wall switch replacement, or e-mail hzproductnotice@heathcollc.com, or visit www.heath-zenith.com/hzproductnotice.

Motion Sensing Wall Switches Recalled by HeathCo due to Electrical Shock Hazard [CPSC]

—Maggie Shader