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NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs |
Washington, DC 20207 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 23, 2002 Release #
02-086 |
Pressure Washer Recall Hotline: (800) 304-1316
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact:
Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051 |
CPSC, MCM International Announce Recall of Electric Pressure
Washers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC), MCM International of Eden Prairie, Minn., is
voluntarily recalling about 50,000 Black Cat electric pressure washers. MCM
International imported the pressure washers from a manufacturer in China who
installed counterfeit ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plugs on some of
the units, without MCM's approval. All of the plugs are labeled "WELLONG";
however, the pressure washers with counterfeit "WELLONG" GFCI plugs appear
virtually identical to those with genuine "WELLONG" GFCIs. It will require a
professional inspection to identify the counterfeit GFCIs. GFCIs are important
safety devices that are intended to protect consumers against shock or
electrocution.
CPSC and MCM International have not received any reports
of incidents in which the GFCI plugs failed to operate. This recall is being
conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
The recalled Black Cat
pressure washers have a sticker with a cat and the words "Black-Cat" on each
side of the unit. The model numbers - either BC-2000 or TW-1750 - can be found
on a label on the right side of the power station. The label also reads in part,
"Made in China," "High Pressure Cleaning Machines," and the "Production Date"
(which should fall between March 2001 and July 2001). The GFCI plugs have a
green "Reset" button and a blue "Test" button - some plugs also have a label
that reads "CONNECT TO INDIVIDUAL BRANCH CIRCUIT ONLY." On the back of the GFCI
plug near the electrical prongs are the words "WELLONG" and
"Rainproof."
Target and Menard's stores nationwide sold these pressure
washers from August 2001 to September 2001 for between $85 and $100.
Consumers should stop using these pressure washers and call MCM
International at (800) 304-1316 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through
Friday to arrange to have their unit inspected. If necessary, MCM International
will replace the installed GFCI plug with a genuine WELLONG GFCI
plug.
CPSC reminds consumers that any electrical product that is used
near water should contain a GFCI, in the plug or outlet. Prior to the
implementation of the voluntary standard calling for the inclusion of GFCI plugs
with high-pressure cleaning machines, there were several electrocution deaths
and injuries. These incidents did not involve the Black Cat pressure washer.