Schneider Electric has recalled more than a million safety switches because the power can stay on when the safety switch handle is in the off position, posing an electric shock or electrocution hazard.
Called the Square D General Duty Safety Switch 30/60A, the switches may be installed in homes with hot tubs or central air conditioners.
"The switches are usually installed by an electrician near a big piece of equipment," says John Galeotafiore, who oversees Consumer Reports' tests of outdoor power gear and other products. "If you have one in your home, call an electrician to have it replaced. It's not a do-it-yourself project."
The switches are a dark gray metal box with a black handle on the side that can be moved to an on or off position. The switches may be used in or around commercial buildings, outbuildings, apartments, and homes.
Schneider recalled models from 20 different catalog numbers, which can be found on the recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
To help identify the recalled switches, Schneider Electric is offering detailed inspection procedures on its website.
Recall Details
The recall: 1,079,000 Square D brand General Duty 30 & 60A, 120/240-volt, 2-phase and 3-phase NEMA 3R safety switches. They measure about 10x7x4 inches. Brand name Square D, the ampere of the safety switch, and the 120/240-volt or 240-volt marking is printed on a label on the front of the safety switch. The recalled switches were manufactured between Jan. 1, 2014, through Jan. 18, 2018, and have date codes 1401 through 1803. The date codes are in the YYWW format (example: 1401 is year 2014, week 1).
The risk: The power can stay on when the safety switch handle is in the off position, posing an electrical shock or electrocution hazard to consumers.
Incidents/injuries: None reported.
Where and when sold: At authorized Schneider Electric distributors, Home Depot, Lowe's, original equipment manufacturers, and other stores nationwide, and online at amazon.com, homedepot.com, and lowes.com from January 2014 through January 2018 for $40 to $500.
The remedy: Consumers should work with an electrician to inspect any installed safety switches by moving the handle to the off position. If the power stays on when the handle is in the off position, contact Schneider Electric for a free replacement safety switch and free service support to install the replacement switch. Instructions on how to safely inspect the switch can be found at schneider-electric.us/gdss-safetyalert.
Contact information: Call Schneider Electric at 877-672-1953 or go to its website, at schneider-electric.us/gdss-safetyalert or schneider-electric.com, and click on Square D (found under Quick Links) for more information.
Report a defective product: Call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 or go to saferproducts.gov.
