Southwire Recalls Electrical Outlet Boxes Due to Fire Hazard

What was recalled

In August 2019, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving electrical outlet boxes manufactured by Southwire under its Garvin brand. This action was taken to address safety concerns related to specific models of pop-up floor box kits that were designed for residential and commercial installations. The products in question are part of the Garvin line, known for integrating power and data access into flooring systems, but this particular batch has been identified as unsafe for continued use.

The recalled items are specifically the Garvin Pop-Up Floor Box Kits available in two distinct finishes: stainless steel and brushed brass. Each kit is engineered to be installed directly into floors, featuring a metal lid that mechanically opens and closes to reveal the internal components when needed. Inside each box, consumers will find two electrical receptacles for plugging in standard devices, as well as two USB ports for charging smaller electronics like phones or tablets. These units are designed to sit flush with the floor surface, providing a sleek and unobtrusive way to access power without visible cords running across rooms.

While the provided recall announcement does not specify the exact number of units sold or the specific retail locations where these kits were distributed, it is important for consumers to carefully inspect their existing installations. If you have recently had flooring installed or upgraded and notice pop-up electrical boxes with either a shiny stainless steel or a matte brushed brass finish, there is a possibility they may be part of this recall. The presence of two electrical outlets and two USB ports within a single floor-mounted unit is the key identifier for these specific kits.

The scope of this recall highlights the importance of verifying product details even for items that are built into your home’s infrastructure. Because these boxes are installed into the floor, they are not easily visible during daily life, making it crucial to rely on records from contractors or personal knowledge of the installation date and brand. If you are unsure whether your unit is among those affected, checking the specifications against the details provided by Southwire is the first step in ensuring your home’s electrical safety.

This recall serves as a reminder that even high-quality brands can have manufacturing defects that lead to serious hazards. By identifying exactly what product is involved—Garvin Pop-Up Floor Box Kits with stainless steel or brushed brass finishes, each containing two electrical receptacles and two USB ports—consumers can take immediate action to protect their homes. The focus here is on precise identification, ensuring that no one mistakenly assumes their non-recalled products are unsafe, while also preventing those with the affected units from overlooking the risk.

The hazard, explained

When you look at the Garvin Pop-Up Floor Box Kits that Southwire is recalling, it is easy to assume they are just a convenient way to access power in your home or office. After all, they feature stainless steel or brushed brass finishes and include both electrical receptacles and USB ports, designed to blend seamlessly into floors with a lid that opens and closes. However, the core issue lies not in the aesthetics or the convenience, but in the internal electrical engineering of the device itself. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) identifies a critical flaw: the electrical receptacles within these units can overheat when they are in use.

To understand why this is dangerous, it helps to look at what happens inside an electrical connection during normal operation. Every time you plug a device into an outlet, electricity flows through metal contacts. Under ideal conditions, these contacts are tight and clean, allowing current to pass with minimal resistance. However, in the recalled Garvin units, something is going wrong with this flow. When an electrical circuit experiences high resistance—often due to loose connections, poor contact pressure, or internal component failure—the energy that should be powering your device instead turns into heat. This is a physical principle known as Joule heating. As the current struggles to move through a tight or faulty spot, friction at the molecular level generates significant thermal energy.

In a standard wall outlet, this heat is usually dissipated into the air and the surrounding drywall, which can handle minor temperature increases without issue. But floor boxes are different. They are enclosed within a floor cavity, often surrounded by carpet, rugs, or other flooring materials that act as insulators rather than conductors. If the receptacles in these Garvin kits are generating excess heat due to the identified defect, that heat becomes trapped. The metal lid and the surrounding housing may not be designed to dissipate this specific type of thermal buildup effectively. As the temperature rises, it can damage the internal wiring insulation, degrade the plastic components of the outlet itself, and eventually ignite nearby combustible materials.

This is why the hazard is classified as a fire risk rather than just an electrical shock risk. The overheating does not necessarily cause a spark or an immediate short circuit that trips your breaker right away. Instead, it creates a smoldering condition that can escalate into a flame over time, especially if high-wattage appliances are plugged in and drawing significant power. Southwire has already received three reports of these floor boxes overheating. While no injuries have been reported to date, the potential for property damage is real. The mechanism is subtle but potent: a faulty connection turns your outlet into a hidden heat source, compromising the safety of the floor structure and the room around it.

Who is most at risk

When we talk about who is "most at risk" in this specific recall, it is helpful to look at two different groups: the people who physically own and interact with these units daily, and the individuals who might be physically vulnerable if a malfunction were to occur. The recalled Garvin Pop-Up Floor Box Kits are not typical wall outlets found in every home. They are specialized architectural fixtures designed for installation directly into floors, typically in high-traffic areas like conference rooms, lecture halls, or modern living spaces where aesthetic minimalism is prized. Therefore, the primary group at risk consists of building owners, facility managers, and homeowners who have specifically chosen these stainless steel or brushed brass units to hide electrical connections beneath their flooring.

These floor boxes are engineered to be unobtrusive, with a metal lid that pops up only when needed. This design means they are often installed in areas where furniture might rest nearby or where foot traffic is heavy. The individuals most exposed to the hazard are those who frequently plug and unplug devices into these units. Because the reported issue involves the electrical receptacles overheating during use, anyone relying on this power source for high-draw appliances—such as space heaters, large monitors, or multiple charging stations simultaneously—is putting themselves in a more precarious position than someone using it solely for a low-power phone charger. The risk is not just about who owns the box, but how heavily they load it.

In terms of physical vulnerability, we must consider who might be present in the room when an overheating event occurs. While the CPSC has reported no injuries to date, the nature of a fire hazard means that the consequences could be severe for those closest to the source. Children are often at higher risk in any home environment because they may not recognize the early signs of electrical trouble, such as a warm casing or a strange smell, until it is too late. They might also be curious enough to touch the metal lid or the exposed ports, increasing the chance of burns if the unit has become hot. Similarly, elderly individuals or those with mobility issues might have less dexterity to quickly unplug devices or evacuate a room in the event of smoke or flames.

Furthermore, because these units are installed in floors, they can be difficult to inspect regularly. A homeowner who has not looked closely at their floor boxes for years might be unaware that one is malfunctioning until it is visibly damaged. This lack of immediate visibility means that the risk is compounded by time; the longer a faulty unit remains in use, the greater the chance that a minor overheating issue could escalate into a significant fire hazard. Therefore, anyone who has installed these specific Garvin kits—particularly those with young children, elderly residents, or frequent guests relying on floor power—should treat this recall with urgency. The safety of your household depends not just on having the right equipment, but on removing potentially compromised equipment before it can cause harm.

It is also important to note that while the hazard is electrical, the location makes it unique. Unlike a wall outlet where you can see the plug and the socket clearly, a floor box can be obscured by rugs, furniture legs, or debris. This means that the people most at risk are those who may not notice subtle changes in the unit’s temperature or appearance. If you have installed these units in areas with heavy foot traffic or under carpets, you are in a higher-risk category because the heat generated by an overheating receptacle can be trapped, potentially igniting nearby combustible materials without immediate visual warning.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Identifying whether your home contains the specific electrical outlet boxes involved in this recall requires a careful look at both the physical product and its packaging or documentation. Because these are specialized floor-mounted units rather than standard wall plates, they can be easy to overlook if you aren’t actively thinking about them. The first and most critical step is to locate the unit itself. These are not your typical surface-mounted outlets; they are designed to sit flush within a floor, featuring a metal lid that pops up or folds open to reveal the electrical receptacles and USB ports when needed. If you have installed such a device in your home, likely in a living room, office, or conference area where hidden wiring is preferred for aesthetic reasons, this is the type of product to inspect.

Once you have located the floor box, you need to verify two key details: the brand and the finish. The recall specifically targets products manufactured under the Garvin brand. Look closely at the metal lid or the surrounding frame for any embossed or printed logos. If you see "Garvin," you are on the right track. Next, examine the visual appearance of the unit. This recall affects units with a finish of either stainless steel or brushed brass. These finishes have distinct metallic sheens that differ from standard plastic covers or painted metal. If your floor box has a shiny, silver-like stainless steel look or a softer, matte gold-toned brushed brass appearance, it matches the description of the recalled items.

It is also important to confirm the configuration of the unit. The recall applies specifically to Garvin Pop-Up Floor Box Kits. These kits are designed to include exactly two electrical receptacles and two USB ports. If your unit has a different number of ports, or if it is a single-unit box rather than part of a kit configuration, it may not be covered, though verifying the brand remains essential. While the recall facts do not list specific serial numbers or model numbers for this particular batch, the combination of the Garvin brand, the pop-up floor box design, and the stainless steel or brushed brass finish is the primary identifier.

If you cannot find a label on the unit itself, check where you purchased it. These items were sold through various distributors and retailers specializing in electrical supplies and architectural hardware. If you have the original packaging or an installation manual, look for the Garvin logo and product specifications there. When in doubt, do not rely solely on memory or visual guesswork. The safest approach is to visit the consumer contact resources provided by Southwire. You can call their toll-free number at 888-803-0492 or visit www.garvinindustries.com and www.southwire.com, clicking on “Product Recall” for more information. Having photos of your unit ready when you contact them will help experts confirm whether your specific device is part of this safety notice.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have identified the recalled Garvin Pop-Up Floor Box Kit within your home or business, it is important to understand exactly how Southwire intends to resolve this issue. Unlike some recalls that offer free repair kits or replacements with updated safety features, the remedy for this specific fire hazard is straightforward and consumer-friendly: a full refund. This approach makes sense because the underlying issue involves the electrical receptacles overheating during use—a fundamental design or manufacturing flaw that cannot be easily fixed by a simple add-on part. Attempting to patch such a critical electrical component would likely compromise safety further, making a complete financial reversal the only responsible option for both the manufacturer and the consumer.

To initiate this process, you will need to reach out directly to Southwire. They have established a dedicated toll-free number specifically for recall inquiries: 888-803-0492. When you call, please be aware of their operating hours to ensure you can speak with a representative who is ready to help. The support team is available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Calling during these windows will prevent you from hitting an automated message that might not assist with refund processing, ensuring your time is spent efficiently resolving the issue.

If you prefer digital communication or wish to review the details of the recall before making a call, Southwire has also made this information accessible online. You can visit either www.garvinindustries.com or www.southwire.com. Once on the website, look for the “Product Recall” section. This area should contain all the necessary forms or instructions required to verify your eligibility and process your refund. It is a good idea to have your proof of purchase and the specific model details ready when you contact them, even though the recall notice does not explicitly list additional documentation requirements. Having this information on hand will streamline the conversation and help the customer service agent locate your record quickly.

It is worth noting that the remedy here is limited to a refund; there is no mention of repair services or replacement units being offered for this particular defect. This is not an oversight but rather a standard procedure when a product poses a significant fire risk. By taking a full refund, you are essentially removing the hazard entirely from your property. While losing the installed outlet box may be inconvenient, it is far preferable to the alternative of dealing with potential electrical fires or subsequent repairs caused by overheating components. Please do not delay in contacting Southwire, as acting promptly ensures you get your money back without unnecessary complications.

As you navigate this process, remember that the goal is safety first. The recall was issued after three reports of overheating, and while no injuries have been reported yet, the potential for harm is real. By securing a refund and discontinuing use immediately, you are protecting your home and peace of mind. If you encounter any difficulties with the online portals or the phone line, try contacting them during off-peak hours to reduce wait times. Your safety is the priority, and Southwire has provided clear, accessible channels to ensure you can resolve this issue smoothly.

What can happen if you ignore it

When you choose to continue using the recalled Garvin Pop-Up Floor Box Kits, you are effectively leaving a ticking time bomb hidden beneath your floorboards. The core issue here is not merely an inconvenience or a minor malfunction; it is a fundamental failure of thermal management within an electrical component that is designed to be in constant contact with combustible building materials. These units were engineered to be recessed into floors, meaning they are surrounded by wood, carpet padding, insulation, and other highly flammable substances. When the internal electrical receptacles overheat, that heat has nowhere to go but into the surrounding structure.

The CPSC reports indicate that Southwire has already received three confirmed incidents of these specific floor boxes overheating. While it is a relief that no injuries have been reported thus far, the absence of harm to date does not mean the risk is low—it means you are relying on luck rather than safety. Overheating in electrical components is rarely a sudden event; it typically begins with excessive resistance at connection points or internal short circuits that generate intense localized heat. If this unit remains plugged in and in use, the temperature inside the metal housing can escalate rapidly. Once the internal components reach critical temperatures, they can ignite the plastic insulation on wiring, the finish of the metal lid, or the floor material directly beneath it.

The most immediate danger is structural fire. Because these boxes are installed in floors, a fire starting within them can spread quickly unseen. You might not notice smoke until flames have already breached the surface or traveled through wall cavities and subflooring. Floor-level fires are particularly dangerous because they can cut off escape routes as smoke and heat rise, creating a life-threatening situation for occupants who may be sleeping or unaware of the danger below their feet. The stainless steel or brushed brass finish of the lid might remain cool to the touch initially, masking the violent thermal activity occurring inside the box.

Beyond the risk of house fires, there is the significant hazard of electrical shock and equipment damage. An overheating outlet often indicates failing internal wiring or compromised insulation. This degradation can lead to arcing—electrical sparks jumping across gaps—which can damage any plugged-in devices, potentially causing them to fail catastrophically. In severe cases, the failure can trip breakers repeatedly or cause power surges that destroy sensitive electronics connected to the USB ports or the standard outlets. Ignoring the recall means you are gambling with your home’s safety infrastructure and the integrity of your personal property, all for the sake of keeping a faulty device in place.

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