Product Recall Number: 84-064
Why was Fimco Electric Pressure Washers recalled?
The metal handle or other exposed metal part could become electrically charged if the machine is not properly grounded and a fault occurs. Such fault could occur if an improper or faulty extension cord is used, if the connection between the power cord and an extension cord becomes wet or if a fault exists within the pressure washer's electrical system. Under these circumstances, a severe or fatal electric shock could result when the user touches the metal handle or other exposed metal part of the machine.
Product Recall Number: 84-064
Product Safety Warning Number:
Date: 1984-10-31
Product Safety Warning Date:
Name Of Product: Fimco Electric Pressure Washers
Description: WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fimco, Inc., of Sioux City, Iowa, today announced that it will voluntarily provide safety kits to modify the handles of its approximately 14,150 electric pressure washers purchased before January 1984. The affected washers, which pump water under high pressure to clean porches, houses, motor vehicles, outdoor power equipment or farm equipment, were sold nationally under the "Big Butch" trade name by various retailers and under the Sears brand name through Sears catalogs.There have been no injuries or deaths involving the Fimco machines; however; the Commission is aware of 10 electrocutions associated with other electric pressure washers.The washer does not present a hazard if operated according to instructions, according to Fimco. However, the metal handle or other exposed metal part could become electrically charged if the machine is not properly grounded and a fault occurs. Such fault could occur if an improper or faulty extension cord is used, if the connection between the power cord and an extension cord becomes wet or if a fault exists within the pressure washer's electrical system. Under these circumstances, a severe or fatal electric shock could result when the user touches the metal handle or other exposed metal part of the machine.The safety kit being offered consists of four easy to install insulated bolts that replace existing bolts.Consumers should call FIMCO toll-free at 800-831-0027 (in Iowa call 800-352-0016) to obtain the free kit and complete instructions. Consumers may also call the CPSC toll-free Hotline for information or assistance at 800-638-CPSC. The Commission's teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (800) 638-8270.
Hazard Description: The metal handle or other exposed metal part could become electrically charged if the machine is not properly grounded and a fault occurs. Such fault could occur if an improper or faulty extension cord is used, if the connection between the power cord and an extension cord becomes wet or if a fault exists within the pressure washer's electrical system. Under these circumstances, a severe or fatal electric shock could result when the user touches the metal handle or other exposed metal part of the machine.
Consumer Action: None Listed
Original Product Safety Warning Announcement: None Listed
Remedy Type: New Instructions, Repair
Units: Approximately 14,150
Incidents: There have been no injuries or deaths involving the Fimco machines; however; the Commission is aware of 10 electrocutions associated with other electric pressure washers.
Remedy: The safety kit being offered consists of four easy to install insulated bolts that replace existing bolts. Consumers should call FIMCO toll-free at 800-831-0027 (in Iowa call 800-352-0016) to obtain the free kit and complete instructions.
Sold At: The affected washers were sold nationally under the "Big Butch" trade name by various retailers and under the Sears brand name through Sears catalogs.
Importers: None Listed
Manufacturers: None Listed
Distributors: None Listed
Manufactured In: None Listed
Custom Label: None Listed
Custom Field: None Listed