What was recalled
In April of 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving adjustable bed frames manufactured by Customatic Beds. This action was taken to address safety concerns regarding a specific line of power foundations that had been distributed widely to consumers across the United States. The core issue lies within the electrical infrastructure of these beds, specifically focusing on the AC outlets located on the side panels. While these outlets are designed for convenience, allowing users to plug in lamps or other bedside electronics directly into the bed frame, a manufacturing defect meant they were incorrectly wired in certain instances. This recall encompasses the bases of Customatic adjustable beds that were marketed as versatile sleep solutions, capable of adjusting the head and foot of the mattress via handheld remote controls.
The affected products are not limited to a single configuration but rather span multiple models and sizes. These power foundations were offered in all standard bed sizes, making them a popular choice for many households seeking adjustable comfort. Each unit came equipped with handheld remote controls that allowed users to raise or lower the head and/or foot of the bed mattress to their desired position. Despite the variety in size, every recalled model shared the same critical design flaw: a side-mounted AC outlet that posed a potential electric shock hazard due to incorrect wiring during the assembly process.
To help consumers identify if they own one of the affected units, Customatic Beds and the CPSC provided a detailed list of model numbers. These identifiers can be found on a metal frame located near the foot of the bed. The specific models included in this recall are: RI-AB52-A18-WWM-L-U-H-CCBH4-AC, RI-AB52-A18-WWM-L-U-H-CCBH2-AC, RI-ABF-A18-WWM-N6SL-106-L-U-AC-H-CC4B, RI-ABF-A18-WWM-ESF-107-L-U-AC-LM-CC4B, RI-ABC-A18-WWM-N8SL-107-L-U-AC-LM-CC4B, RI-ABC-A18-WWM-N8SL-107-L-U-AC-LM-CC2B, Reflexion 7 CM-ABDS-A18-WWM-U-S-AC-PLBS-DR-LM, PB-ABL-A18-WWM-DR-AC, CM-ABD-A18-WWM-AC, CM-ABF-A18-WWM-U-AC-W8-SR, CM-ABT-A18-WWM-U-AC-SR, CM-ABF-A18-WWM-U-AC-W-SR-H, and F04-00004. If your bed frame bears any of these codes, it is part of the recall.
The recall notice does not specify the exact number of units sold or the specific retail stores where they were available, but it confirms that these beds were widely distributed. The primary concern was the potential for electric shock if the side-mounted AC outlet was used while incorrectly wired. Consumers who purchased these beds before April 12, 2017, are urged to check their model numbers and take immediate steps to ensure their safety.
The hazard, explained
When we talk about an "electric shock hazard" in the context of furniture, it can sometimes feel like abstract terminology. However, the specific issue with these Customatic Beds involves a very physical and tangible failure point: the electrical wiring that powers the side-mounted AC outlet. In a properly functioning adjustable bed frame, the electrical components are designed to keep high-voltage power (which comes from your home’s wall outlet) completely separated from the parts of the bed you touch while getting in or out. This separation is critical for safety.
In this particular recall, the manufacturing defect lies in how those internal wires were connected during assembly. Specifically, the side-mounted AC outlet has been incorrectly wired. Under normal circumstances, if a wire inside the frame becomes loose or damaged, it should either not cause any issue at all or trigger a safety break (like a fuse blowing) to stop the flow of electricity. However, because of this incorrect wiring configuration, there is a risk that live electrical current could come into contact with the metal frame or other conductive parts of the bed base. Essentially, the insulation or separation that should protect you has failed.
Why does this matter when you are using the bed? Consider the typical scenario: you are lying in bed, perhaps wearing pajamas that might be damp from a shower, or you have bare skin against the sheets and the bed frame. If you reach out to plug in a lamp, a phone charger, or a CPAP machine into that side outlet, your hand is in close proximity to the electrical components. If the wiring is faulty, the metal casing of the outlet or the nearby frame could become energized. This means that instead of electricity flowing safely through the cord of your device, it could flow through you if you touch the bed frame at the same time, creating a path for current to travel through your body.
The potential for harm is not theoretical. Electric shocks can range from a startling but harmless tingling sensation to severe muscle contractions that prevent you from letting go of the source, and in rare cases, can cause cardiac arrest or serious burns. The danger is heightened because beds are places where we often let our guard down. We are relaxed, sometimes half-asleep, and not expecting the furniture we sleep on to be a source of electrical danger. Unlike a power strip on a desk, which you look at before plugging something in, a bed frame outlet blends into the background of your bedroom environment.
Furthermore, this hazard is persistent. It does not wear out over time or happen only under specific weather conditions; it exists as long as the incorrect wiring remains in place. The fact that no incidents have been reported so far is fortunate, but it does not mean the risk is zero. Electrical faults can be unpredictable, often activating only when a specific condition is met—such as plugging in a high-draw appliance or touching the frame while standing on a conductive surface like a tile floor. Understanding this mechanism helps explain why the remedy is not just "be careful," but rather to stop using that specific power source immediately until a professional can inspect and correct the internal wiring.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about who is most at risk from this specific recall involving Customatic Beds, we are looking at two distinct groups: the people who own and use these adjustable bed frames, and the individuals who might be physically more vulnerable to the consequences of an electrical fault. The primary group affected here is anyone who purchased one of the power foundations sold under the Customatic brand or its associated line, Reflexion 7. These are not simple wooden frames; they are complex motorized systems designed to adjust the head and foot of the mattress via handheld remotes. Because these bases were offered in all bed sizes, the potential pool of affected consumers is quite broad, spanning single users, couples, and families who rely on these beds for comfort, mobility assistance, or general preference.
The specific hazard here is an electric shock caused by incorrectly wired side-mounted AC outlets. This creates a situation where anyone who plugs a device into that side panel—whether it be a lamp, a phone charger, a CPAP machine, or a reading light—is potentially exposing themselves to danger. The risk is not limited to the person plugging in the device. If the internal wiring is faulty, the metal frame of the bed itself could become energized. This means that any person lying in the bed, touching the frame, or even just standing next to it while interacting with the controls could be at risk of an electric shock.
Certain demographics may face heightened vulnerability due to this type of hazard. Elderly individuals, who are a significant portion of the market for adjustable beds due to their utility in managing back pain, arthritis, or breathing difficulties, may have reduced physical reaction times or thinner skin, making them more susceptible to injury from electrical current. Furthermore, many users rely on these beds for medical devices such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines or oxygen concentrators. If the power foundation fails while a user is sleeping and dependent on such equipment, the risk extends beyond electric shock to potential life-threatening interruptions in care.
Children are also a consideration, though less direct in this context. While children may not typically use adjustable beds for sleep, they might interact with the side-mounted outlets if accessible, or touch exposed parts of the bed frame if the unit is placed in a shared room. The unpredictability of an electrical fault means that no one in the household is entirely safe until the issue is resolved. Even though the CPSC notes that no incidents have been reported to date, the nature of electric shock hazards is that they often occur without warning. Therefore, the "risk" is not just about who has been hurt, but who *could* be hurt if the wiring remains uncorrected. The most at-risk individuals are those who continue to use the side outlets or who sleep on the bed frame while it remains in its current state.
It is important to note that this risk is not dependent on how frequently you use the bed. Even occasional use of the affected AC outlets poses a threat because the fault is in the wiring itself, not in the usage pattern. The vulnerability lies in the design flaw: a side-mounted outlet that looks safe but may deliver a dangerous jolt. For anyone relying on their bedroom environment for rest and recovery, this uncertainty can also create significant psychological stress, adding a layer of non-physical risk to the physical danger.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your adjustable bed falls under this specific recall requires a careful physical inspection of the product itself. Because Customatic Beds offered these power foundations in all standard bed sizes, you cannot rely on the width or length of the mattress to determine safety. Instead, you must look for the unique identification labels attached directly to the metal frame of the bed base. The most critical information is located near the foot of the bed, where manufacturers typically affix a metal plate containing the model number and other technical specifications.
To verify if your unit is included in this recall, locate that metal frame near the footboard and read the model number printed on it. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has listed specific model numbers that are affected by this safety notice. Your bed is part of this recall if its model number matches one of the following exactly:
- RI-AB52-A18-WWM-L-U-H-CCBH4-AC
- RI-AB52-A18-WWM-L-U-H-CCBH2-AC
- RI-ABF-A18-WWM-N6SL-106-L-U-AC-H-CC4B
- RI-ABF-A18-WWM-ESF-107-L-U-AC-LM-CC4B
- RI-ABC-A18-WWM-N8SL-107-L-U-AC-LM-CC4B
- RI-ABC-A18-WWM-N8SL-107-L-U-AC-LM-CC2B
- Reflexion 7 CM-ABDS-A18-WWM-U-S-AC-PLBS-DR-LM
- PB-ABL-A18-WWM-DR-AC
- CM-ABD-A18-WWM-AC
- CM-ABF-A18-WWM-U-AC-W8-SR
- CM-ABT-A18-WWM-U-AC-SR
- CM-ABF-A18-WWM-U-AC-W-SR-H
- F04-00004
While the recall notice does not specify exactly when or where these beds were sold, it is important to note that these units were marketed as power foundations equipped with handheld remote controls. If your bed allows you to move the head and/or foot of the mattress up and down via a remote, and it features a side-mounted AC outlet, it matches the description of the recalled product. The presence of this side outlet is a key identifier, as the hazard stems specifically from incorrect wiring within that particular component.
If you cannot find the metal frame near the foot of the bed, or if the label has fallen off, check your original purchase records, order confirmations, or user manuals for the model number. If you are still unsure after checking these sources, do not guess. The safest approach is to contact Customatic Beds directly using the toll-free number provided in the recall notice to confirm whether your specific serial or model number is part of this group.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the Customatic adjustable beds subject to this recall, the most important thing you can do right now is prioritize your safety over convenience. The CPSC has identified a serious electric shock hazard due to potentially incorrect wiring in the side-mounted AC outlets. While the bed may still function perfectly well for raising and lowering the mattress, that electrical risk does not go away on its own. Here is exactly what you need to do, broken down into clear, actionable steps.
Step 1: Immediately stop using the side-mounted AC outlet. This is your first and most critical action. Do not plug any lamps, phone chargers, medical devices, or other electronics into the power outlet located on the side of the bed frame. Even if it has never sparked or felt warm before, the internal wiring may be faulty. Treat this outlet as if it were live and dangerous until a professional confirms otherwise. You can still use the remote control to adjust the position of your mattress head and foot; the hazard is specifically tied to the electrical current flowing through that side outlet, not the motor mechanism itself.
Step 2: Contact Customatic Beds to arrange for service. Once you have unplugged any devices from the affected outlet, reach out to the manufacturer directly. You have two convenient options for making contact. You can call their dedicated toll-free number at 844-815-9023. Their customer service team is available from 9 a.m. through 9 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Saturday. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.customaticbeds.com and click on the "Recall Notice" link to initiate the process online. When you contact them, be ready to provide the model number of your bed base, which you can find printed on a label attached to the metal frame near the foot of the bed.
Step 3: Schedule and complete the free inspection and repair. Customatic Beds has committed to providing a free inspection and repair for this issue. Do not attempt to fix the wiring yourself, as this involves high-voltage components and could void warranties or create additional hazards. Wait for instructions from their team on how to proceed with the repair. They will guide you through the next phase, which may involve shipping parts or scheduling a technician visit depending on your location and the specific model.
Step 4: Confirm completion and document your interaction. After the repair is completed, ensure you receive confirmation that the outlet has been safely rewired. Keep a record of your communication with Customatic Beds, including dates, times, and the names of representatives you spoke with. This documentation can be helpful if any questions arise later about the status of your specific unit’s compliance with safety standards.
Step 5: Monitor for updates. While no incidents have been reported as of the recall date in April 2017, safety protocols evolve. Stay informed by checking the CPSC website or Customatic Beds’ recall page periodically to ensure there are no additional instructions or changes to the remedy process.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own a Customatic adjustable bed that falls under this recall, the good news is that the company has established a clear and accessible remedy to address the safety issue without requiring you to bear any financial burden. The core of the resolution process involves a free inspection and subsequent repair of the affected unit. It is important to understand that this is not a partial fix or a coupon for future purchases; Customatic Beds has committed to covering all costs associated with diagnosing and correcting the wiring defect in your bed’s side-mounted AC outlets. This approach prioritizes your safety and allows you to continue using your furniture as intended, once it has been verified to be electrically safe.
To initiate this process, you will need to contact Customatic Beds directly. The company has set up a dedicated toll-free hotline for recall inquiries, which you can reach at 844-815-9023. For your convenience, their customer service representatives are available from 9 a.m. through 9 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Saturday. This wide window of availability is designed to accommodate various schedules, ensuring that you can get assistance without having to take time off work or wait for standard business hours to begin. When you call, have your model number ready, as this will help them quickly identify your specific unit and confirm its eligibility for the remedy.
Alternatively, if you prefer to handle matters online, you can visit www.customaticbeds.com and navigate to the Recall Notice section. This digital portal serves as a central hub for all recall-related information and likely provides further instructions or forms that may streamline the repair arrangement process. Whether you choose to call or visit the website, the goal is the same: to arrange for the free inspection and repair service. Please note that the recall facts do not mention any option for a full refund or a replacement unit as a standard remedy. The specified path is strictly an inspection followed by a repair. If your specific situation feels more complex than a simple wiring fix, it is best to discuss those nuances directly with a representative during your contact, but do not assume a replacement is automatically offered.
While you are waiting for the repair to be scheduled or completed, the remedy comes with one critical condition: you must immediately stop using the AC plug located on the side of the bed. This is not a suggestion but a necessary step in your safety protocol until the inspection confirms the wiring has been corrected. The hazard stems from incorrect wiring that could lead to electric shock, so disconnecting this specific power source eliminates the risk entirely. Do not attempt to fix the wiring yourself or use any other electrical components on the bed frame until Customatic Beds professionals have addressed the issue. By following these steps and utilizing the provided contact methods, you ensure that your home remains safe while the company fulfills its responsibility to correct the defect.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a product recall cites an electric shock hazard, the stakes are fundamentally different from a minor cosmetic defect or a mechanical annoyance. In the case of the Customatic Beds recall, the danger is not theoretical; it is rooted in a specific electrical fault where the side-mounted AC outlets may be incorrectly wired. Ignoring this warning and continuing to use the plug on the side of your bed transforms your sleeping environment from a place of rest into a potential source of serious physical harm. While the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that no incidents have been recorded for this specific batch of products, the absence of reported injuries is not evidence of safety—it is simply evidence that the electrical fault has not yet triggered in a way that harmed a consumer. That silence can be misleading, as electrical failures are often unpredictable and depend on variables like humidity, the type of device plugged in, and the precise nature of the wiring error.
The primary consequence of ignoring this recall is the risk of severe electric shock. If the internal wiring of the AC outlet is flawed, electricity may travel where it should not, potentially energizing the outer casing or the plug itself. Should you plug a lamp, phone charger, or nightlight into that faulty outlet while touching the bed frame or standing on a conductive surface, you could complete an electrical circuit through your body. The severity of this shock can range from a painful jolt to life-threatening cardiac arrest, depending on the voltage and the path the current takes. Furthermore, faulty wiring is not limited to shocking the user; it generates excessive heat where it should not exist. This heat buildup can degrade insulation over time, significantly increasing the risk of an electrical fire within the bed’s power foundation or in items plugged directly into it.
There are also indirect but serious consequences to consider. Many individuals with mobility issues rely on adjustable beds for comfort and ease of movement. If the electrical system fails due to continued use of a known defect, it could lead to a sudden loss of power while you are adjusting your position, potentially leaving you in an awkward or unsafe posture. Additionally, attempting to "fix" the issue yourself by bypassing safety features or using extension cords can exacerbate the hazard, creating new points of failure. The only safe path forward is to adhere strictly to the remedy provided by Customatic Beds. By stopping use of the side plug and contacting them for a free inspection and repair, you eliminate the risk entirely. Do not wait for a spark to appear or a shock to occur; in electrical safety, prevention is the only reliable strategy.
Staying safe: broader tips
While specific product recalls are essential for addressing known manufacturing defects, true home safety relies on a proactive, layered approach to hazard prevention. Adjustable beds and similar motorized furniture pieces introduce electrical complexity into what is traditionally a static piece of furniture. To maintain a safe sleeping environment beyond the scope of any single recall, it is vital to understand how to manage electrical loads and equipment longevity in your bedroom.
One of the most effective ways to prevent electrical fires and shocks with any device featuring built-in outlets is to respect power limits. Many users plug high-wattage appliances, such as space heaters or heavy-duty hair dryers, into these side-mounted outlets without realizing the strain they place on the bed’s internal wiring. These outlets are typically rated for low-amperage devices like phone chargers or small lamps. Overloading them can cause wires to overheat, insulation to degrade, and connections to loosen over time—conditions that increase the risk of short circuits. Always check the wattage rating printed near the outlet or in your user manual before plugging in any device.
Regular visual inspections are another critical habit for long-term safety. Even if a product is not part of an active recall, wear and tear is inevitable. Periodically examine power cords for fraying, cracking, or discoloration, which can indicate overheating. Check that plug heads fit snugly into outlets; loose connections create arcing, which generates intense heat and sparks. If you notice any burning smells, unusual noises from the motor, or flickering lights when the bed is in use, unplug the device immediately and cease operation until it has been professionally evaluated.
Beyond individual product maintenance, staying informed about broader safety standards can protect your entire household. Registering all major appliances and furniture items with their manufacturers ensures you receive notifications directly if a defect is discovered later. Additionally, consider installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in or near your bedroom. While these devices do not prevent electrical faults, they provide an early warning system for fires that may start from any source, including faulty wiring in furniture. Finally, familiarize yourself with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website and sign up for their email alerts. This allows you to stay ahead of potential hazards across all product categories, turning passive consumption into active safety management.
- Avoid plugging high-wattage appliances into furniture-mounted outlets.
- Inspect cords and plugs monthly for physical damage or heat signs.
- Register new purchases to receive direct manufacturer updates.
- Monitor your bedroom environment with working smoke and CO detectors.