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Product Recall Number: 02-231

Why was Fluke Digital Multimeters recalled?

The recalled units can take longer than normal, up to 18 seconds, to display readings of AC voltages above 500 volts. Users can misinterpret the delayed reading to mean that high voltage is not present. If high voltage is present, users could be exposed to a risk of shock, electrocution, and thermal burns.

Fluke Digital Multimeters
Here's product recall specific data for Fluke Digital Multimeters.

  • Product Recall Number: 02-231

  • Product Safety Warning Number:

  • Date: 2002-08-18

  • Product Safety Warning Date:

  • Name Of Product: Fluke Digital Multimeters

  • Description: WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Fluke Corp., of Everett, Wash., is voluntarily recalling about 40,000 digital multimeters. About 17,200 were sold in the U.S. Multimeters are used to measure voltage, resistance and current. The recalled units can take longer than normal, up to 18 seconds, to display readings of AC voltages above 500 volts. Users can misinterpret the delayed reading to mean that high voltage is not present. If high voltage is present, users could be exposed to a risk of shock, electrocution, and thermal burns.Fluke has received four reports from Canada and Australia, in which users experienced a delayed response while measuring high voltage, though no injuries were reported.The recalled Fluke digital multimeters measure up to 1,000 volts alternating current (VAC) and direct current (VDC). "Fluke" and "175", "177" or "179" are written on the front of the unit. The tester body is yellow and black, and measures about 7.25 inches long by 3.5 inches wide. Recalled units have a serial number below 79000000. The serial number is written on the back of the instrument under the hinged stand. Home and hardware stores and industrial distributors nationwide sold these testers from January 2001 through October 2001 for between $170 and $215.Consumers should stop using these testers immediately and contact Fluke for information on returning the recalled unit for a free repair. Consumers should call Fluke at (800) 260-4819 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or at the Fluke website www.fluke.com/170recall.

  • Hazard Description: The recalled units can take longer than normal, up to 18 seconds, to display readings of AC voltages above 500 volts. Users can misinterpret the delayed reading to mean that high voltage is not present. If high voltage is present, users could be exposed to a risk of shock, electrocution, and thermal burns.

  • Consumer Action: None Listed

  • Original Product Safety Warning Announcement: None Listed

  • Remedy Type: Repair

  • Units: About 40,000

  • Incidents: Fluke has received four reports from Canada and Australia, in which users experienced a delayed response while measuring high voltage, though no injuries were reported.

  • Remedy: Consumers should stop using these testers immediately and contact Fluke for information on returning the recalled unit for a free repair.

  • Sold At: Home and hardware stores and industrial distributors nationwide sold these testers from January 2001 through October 2001 for between $170 and $215.

  • Importers: None Listed

  • Manufacturers: None Listed

  • Distributors: None Listed

  • Manufactured In: None Listed

  • Custom Label: None Listed

  • Custom Field: None Listed

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