CPSC, Milwaukee Tool Corp. Announce Recall of Automotive Chargers

Recalled May 13, 2002 · CPSC recall 02156 · Milwaukee Tool

Hazard

The automotive chargers are often used on job sites to charge power tool batteries. When used under low voltage conditions, the chargers can overheat. This poses a fire hazard.

Remedy

Consumers should stop using the chargers immediately and return them to their nearest Milwaukee factory service center or authorized power tool service center. Consumers can choose from three options: an exchange for a 12, 14.4 or 18 volt battery pack, a replacement charger or a refund.

Units

About 18,000

Incidents / injuries

CPSC and Milwaukee Electric Tool have received six reports of the chargers overheating. No injuries or property damage have been reported involving these chargers.

Description

The recall includes Power Plus automotive chargers that plug into automotive cigarette lighters, and Impact wrench kits containing these chargers. A label on the front of the charger reads, "Milwaukee...POWER-PLUS 9.6 Volt - 18 Volt AUTOMOTIVE CHARGERS." A nameplate on the back of the charger lists the catalog number. Impact wrench kits containing these chargers have serial numbers within the range listed below. The serial number is located on the side of the Impact wrench kit. Catalog Numbers Serial Numbers Charger 48-59-0184 All Serial Range Charger 48-59-0184 All Serial Range Wrench Kit 9079-23 241A401520001 through 241A402080126

What to do

Contact

For further details about options, consumers can contact Milwaukee Electric Tool at (800) 414-6527 between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

Product

Power Plus automotive chargers

Manufacturer(s)

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., of Brookfield, Wis.

Retailers

Home centers, hardware stores and industrial distributors sold these chargers and wrench kits containing these chargers nationwide, from March 2000 through April 2002. The chargers sold for about $115. The Impact wrench kits containing these chargers sold for about $325.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Official recall notice on cpsc.gov →