Baccus Recalls Stanley Workbench LED Light and Power Stations Due to Shock and Electrocution Hazards (Recall Alert)

What was recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall alert concerning specific Stanley-branded workbench LED light and power stations manufactured by Baccus. This is not a broad recall of every Stanley tool or light, but a targeted action focusing on a particular model that was sold several years ago. If you have been using this unit as a portable power source for your shop tools, garage projects, or outdoor activities, it is important to verify whether your specific device falls under this notice. The product in question is the Stanley LED workbench light and power station, which combines a bright lighting solution with electrical outlets to provide power for other devices simultaneously.

The primary identifier for the recalled items is the model number WLB40PS. This number is critical because it distinguishes the affected units from other similar-looking products that may have been sold by Baccus or under the Stanley brand at different times. The recall specifically targets units that were finished in a black and yellow color scheme, which is a common industrial aesthetic for work tools. Physically, these power stations are compact but substantial, measuring approximately 19.75 inches in length, 3.75 inches in width, and 5 inches in height. This size makes them designed to sit securely on a workbench or be carried easily to different job sites.

To help you identify if you own one of these units, look for the distinctive features that define this model. The device is equipped with a 40-chip LED shop light that allows for adjustable angles, enabling users to direct light exactly where it is needed. Alongside the lighting component, the unit includes four standard power outlets and an on/off switch mounted directly on the body of the station. A key visual marker is the word "Stanley," which is printed in yellow lettering located right next to the power outlets. Additionally, you should check the back of the lighting panel for a sticker; the model number WLB40PS will be clearly printed there. If your unit matches these physical descriptions and bears this model number, it is part of this recall.

Regarding the scope of the issue, Baccus Global has been identified as the responsible firm. They have stated that they are contacting all known purchasers directly to inform them of the situation. While the recall facts provided do not specify the exact total number of units sold or the specific retail stores where this was purchased, it is clear that these units were distributed widely enough to warrant a formal CPSC alert. The recall date for this action is June 26, 2018. If you purchased this item around that time or have had it in your possession since then without knowing it was part of a safety notice, you need to take immediate steps to verify and address the issue. The focus here is on precise identification: if you have a Stanley LED workbench light with model WLB40PS, black and yellow casing, and four outlets, this recall applies to you.

The hazard, explained

When you look at the Stanley LED workbench and power station recalled by Baccus, it is easy to see just a convenient tool for your garage or workshop. However, the core issue lies in something invisible to the naked eye: the internal wiring. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), these units were manufactured with incorrect wiring configurations. This manufacturing error results in a condition known as "reverse polarity." While this might sound like technical jargon, it fundamentally changes how electricity flows through the device, turning a safety feature into a potential danger.

To understand why reverse polarity is dangerous, it helps to know how standard electrical circuits work. In a properly wired outlet or power station, there are two main paths for electricity: the "hot" wire and the "neutral" wire. The hot wire carries the current that powers your tools and lights, while the neutral wire provides the return path for that current back to the source. They are designed to work in harmony, with the metal parts of your devices kept at a safe voltage level. When wiring is reversed, this balance is disrupted. The hot and neutral connections get swapped inside the device.

This swap creates a specific type of risk. Even when you turn the power off using the on/off switch mounted on the unit, the internal components may still remain energized because the switch is now controlling the neutral side rather than the hot side. This means that if you were to open the casing to change a bulb or inspect the outlets, you could come into contact with live electrical parts. More broadly, reverse polarity can cause metal casings or exposed conductive parts to become "live" or energized when they should be safe to touch. If you are grounded—perhaps by standing on a concrete floor in a damp garage or touching a water pipe—and you touch an energized part of the device, your body can become the path for the electricity to return to ground.

This is what leads to electric shock or electrocution. The sensation can range from a painful jolt to severe muscle contractions that might prevent you from letting go of the hazard. While the CPSC notes that no injuries have been reported with this specific batch of Baccus Stanley workbenches, the physical mechanism remains a serious risk. The three reports of units being wired incorrectly confirm that the defect is present in the field. Because the error is internal and not visible from the outside, you cannot rely on how the device feels or looks to determine if it is safe. The only way to ensure the polarity is correct is through professional testing, which is why the remedy involves replacing the entire unit rather than attempting a DIY fix.

Who is most at risk

At first glance, the Baccus Stanley Workbench LED Light and Power Station might seem like a neutral tool, simply adding light and power to your workspace. However, the specific nature of this recall—incorrect wiring leading to reverse polarity—means that the risk is not distributed evenly. It is most acute for anyone who interacts with the electrical outlets on the unit while it is plugged in, particularly those who may be less aware of their surroundings or more physically vulnerable to sudden shocks.

The primary group at risk includes DIY enthusiasts, professional tradespeople, and homeowners who use this workbench as a central hub for charging tools, running small appliances, or powering other electronics. Because the device features four power outlets and is marketed with the prominent "Stanley" branding, it is likely being used in garages, workshops, or basements where people are actively engaged in hands-on tasks. These users often have their hands wet, sweaty, or covered in conductive materials like metal shavings or dust, which significantly lowers the body's resistance to electricity. If a user plugs in a tool with a damaged cord while standing on a concrete floor or touching a grounded metal surface, the potential for a severe shock increases dramatically compared to someone simply looking at the device.

Children and teenagers who frequent these workspaces are also at heightened risk. While the recall notice does not mention child-specific incidents, the physical design of the unit—measuring roughly 19.75 inches long by 3.75 inches wide and 5 inches tall—places the power outlets at a height that is easily accessible to younger individuals. A child might plug in a toy charger or attempt to touch the outlets with wet fingers out of curiosity, unaware that the internal wiring is faulty. The "reverse polarity" issue means that parts of the device that should be safe to touch could carry a live electrical charge, turning a harmless-looking power strip into a danger zone for those who are smaller and less able to react quickly to a shock.

Elderly individuals or those with certain medical conditions, such as heart arrhythmias or pacemakers, face disproportionate consequences from even minor electrical shocks. A standard household shock that might cause a startled jump in a healthy adult could be catastrophic for someone with pre-existing cardiac issues. Furthermore, older adults may have slower reflexes, making it harder to break contact with the source of electricity once a shock begins. Since Baccus has received three reports of units being wired incorrectly but no injuries yet, it is crucial to recognize that the absence of reported harm does not mean the risk is low; it means we are lucky so far. The combination of accessible outlets, potential for conductive environments, and the silent nature of electrical faults makes every user of this specific model vulnerable until the unit is replaced or refunded.

• Active Users: Those charging power tools or running equipment during projects are at highest risk due to frequent plugging and unplugging.
• Children in Workspaces: Anyone under 18 who has access to the garage or workshop where this item is stored.
• Vulnerable Health Groups: Individuals with heart conditions or pacemakers, for whom even a mild shock can trigger serious medical events.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you own a Stanley-branded workbench light and power station, it is important to verify whether your specific unit is part of this recall before taking any further action. Because these tools are often used in garages, workshops, or job sites, they can blend in with other equipment. However, the recalled items have very distinct physical characteristics that make them easy to identify once you know exactly where to look. The primary suspect is a workbench LED light and power station manufactured by Baccus under the Stanley brand name. To confirm if your device is affected, you need to examine several specific details on the unit itself.

First, check the overall design and color scheme. The recalled units are sold in a distinctive black and yellow color combination. They measure approximately 19.75 inches in length, 3.75 inches in width, and 5 inches in height. Visually, the unit features a 40-chip LED shop light that is capable of adjusting its angle. Alongside the lighting component, the device includes four power outlets and an on/off switch that is mounted directly onto the body of the unit. A key visual identifier is the branding: the word "Stanley" is printed in yellow lettering located specifically by the power outlets.

The most critical piece of information for determining if your item is part of this recall is the model number. You must locate a sticker on the back of the lighting panel to find this detail. The specific model number for the recalled units is WLB40PS. If your device has a different model number, it may not be included in this specific alert, but you should always double-check with the manufacturer if there is any doubt. It is worth noting that while the recall announcement does not specify exactly when or where these items were sold, nor does it list a price range, the physical description and model number are the definitive markers used by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to identify the dangerous products.

If you have found a unit that matches all of the above criteria—specifically the Stanley branding in yellow near the outlets, the black and yellow casing, the approximate dimensions, and the model number WLB40PS on the back sticker—you should treat it as part of the recall. Do not rely on memory or general descriptions. The incorrect wiring that causes the shock hazard is internal and cannot be seen from the outside, so visual identification of the model number is your only reliable way to confirm if you are at risk.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have identified your unit as part of this recall, the good news is that the remedy offered by the manufacturer is straightforward and fully covers your financial loss. Baccus Global has committed to providing two distinct paths for resolution: a free replacement of the defective unit or a full refund of the purchase price. This is an important distinction because it puts you in control of the outcome. You are not forced to accept a repaired item, which can sometimes feel less reliable than a brand-new piece of equipment. Instead, you have the choice between getting a fresh, safe Stanley Workbench LED Light and Power Station sent to your door or having your money returned to you so you can shop elsewhere if you prefer.

To initiate this process, you do not need to wait for a letter in the mail, although Baccus is proactively contacting all known purchasers directly. If you have not heard from them yet, or if you simply want to handle this on your own timeline, you can reach out through several convenient channels. The most direct method is to call their dedicated toll-free line at 877-571-2391. It is helpful to know that customer service representatives are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. This window allows you to plan your call during standard business hours if that fits your schedule better than evenings or weekends.

If you prefer written communication or want to document the interaction for your records, you may email Baccus Global directly at customerservice@baccusllc.com. When writing to them, it is wise to have your proof of purchase ready, along with the model number WLB40PS clearly visible. You can also find additional guidance by visiting their website at www.baccusglobal.com and clicking on the “FAQ” section. This online resource may provide step-by-step instructions on how to package the item for return or what specific information they need from you to process your refund or replacement quickly.

The "why" behind this generous remedy is rooted in safety and trust. Because the issue involves incorrect wiring that can lead to reverse polarity, a simple repair might not address the root cause of the electrical fault as reliably as a complete replacement. By offering a full refund, Baccus also acknowledges that some customers may no longer wish to use their products at all after such a significant safety warning. Whether you choose to keep using Stanley tools or switch brands, the company is ensuring that you do not bear the financial burden of their manufacturing error. Please act promptly to secure your chosen option before processing times change.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might want to keep using a tool that works perfectly well on the surface. The Stanley Workbench LED Light and Power Station by Baccus looks functional, provides light, and offers power outlets just like any other unit in your garage or workshop. However, ignoring this recall is not merely an inconvenience; it is a decision that leaves you unprotected against a serious electrical fault. The core issue here is not that the device has stopped working, but that it is wired incorrectly. This specific defect creates a condition known as reverse polarity. In plain terms, this means the flow of electricity within the unit is reversed from what standard safety designs expect. While the lights may turn on and the outlets may provide power, the internal pathways are unsafe.

The primary danger of reverse polarity in a device like this is that it bypasses many of the built-in safeguards designed to protect you. Normally, electrical devices are engineered so that if a fault occurs, the current is directed safely away from you or trips a breaker. With reverse polarity, that safety net is compromised. The most immediate and severe consequence is the risk of electric shock. If you touch any part of the metal casing, the plug prongs, or even just the outlets while your hands are wet or standing on a conductive surface, you could complete an electrical circuit through your body. This is not a theoretical risk; it is the specific hazard that prompted the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue this alert.

Beyond the immediate jolt of shock, there is the lingering threat of electrocution. In environments like garages, basements, or workshops where these workbenches are typically used, conditions are often less than ideal for electrical safety. You might be working with power tools that draw significant current, or you might be handling damp materials. If a short circuit occurs in your other equipment while plugged into this recalled unit, the incorrect wiring can exacerbate the fault, potentially leading to arcing, sparks, or even a fire. While Baccus Global has reported three instances of units being wired incorrectly and stated that no injuries have been reported so far, the absence of injury does not mean the risk is absent. It simply means you have been lucky so far. Electrical faults can be unpredictable; one moment the device may seem fine, and the next, a minor change in how you use it could trigger a dangerous event.

Continuing to use this product also exposes your other belongings to risk. An electrical fault in the power station could damage the sensitive electronics of any devices plugged into it, such as phones, laptops, or battery chargers. More importantly, it puts your household at risk if a fire were to start. Ignoring the recall means you are gambling with your safety and your property based on the hope that nothing will go wrong. Given that the remedy is free and straightforward, there is no logical reason to accept that gamble when a safe, fully functional replacement or refund is waiting for you.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing defect in a particular model of workbench power station, the underlying issue—electrical wiring errors that can lead to shock or electrocution—is a concern that extends far beyond one brand’s inventory. Power stations and multi-outlet workbenches are powerful tools that bring high-voltage electricity into close proximity with your hands, tools, and often damp environments like garages or workshops. Because these devices manage significant energy loads in compact spaces, understanding general electrical safety principles can help you prevent accidents regardless of the specific product you own.

First and foremost, always respect the limits of your equipment. Every power station has a rated capacity, usually measured in watts or amps, which indicates the maximum amount of electricity it can safely handle at one time. Exceeding this limit does not just risk tripping a breaker; it can cause internal components to overheat rapidly, potentially melting insulation and creating short circuits that mimic the wiring faults seen in this recall. To avoid this, calculate the total wattage of all devices plugged into the station before turning them on. A good rule of thumb is to leave a buffer; if your workbench is rated for 20 amps, try not to draw more than 16 amps continuously to allow for thermal relief and longevity of the internal wiring.

Regular visual inspections are your best defense against hidden defects. Even new products can suffer damage during shipping or setup. Before plugging in any power station, check the cord for fraying, cracks, or exposed wires. Inspect the outlets themselves for signs of scorching, discoloration, or loose plugs that do not seat firmly. If you notice any unusual warmth from the unit’s casing while it is in use, unplug it immediately and let it cool down. Heat is often the first sign that internal connections are failing or that a component is under excessive stress.

Furthermore, consider the environment where you place your electrical equipment. Workbenches are frequently used in garages, basements, or construction sites where moisture, dust, and physical impact are common. Always ensure that power stations are placed on dry, stable surfaces away from potential water sources like sinks or outdoor hoses. If you are working outdoors or in a wet environment, use only equipment specifically rated for outdoor use (look for UL Listed or ETL Certified labels with an "W" or "Outdoor" designation). Indoor-rated electronics lack the sealed enclosures necessary to prevent moisture ingress, which can quickly lead to short circuits.

Finally, stay informed about product safety through official channels. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and manufacturer websites regularly issue alerts that may not always reach consumers through social media or news feeds. Periodically checking these resources can alert you to defects in products you already own but haven’t yet noticed are problematic. Additionally, keep your purchase receipts and warranty information in a safe place. This documentation is essential for processing refunds or replacements quickly if a safety issue arises, ensuring that you are not left with a potentially hazardous device while navigating customer service delays.