Ritchie Immersion Heaters Recalled By Springfield Wire Due to Shock Hazard

Recalled March 4, 2009 · CPSC recall 09141 · Ritchie

Hazard

The outer cover of the immersion heater can crack and expose the heating element to water, posing a shock hazard to consumers.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled immersion heater and return it to the place of purchase for a free replacement heater.

Units

About 13,000

Incidents / injuries

SWI has received 44 reports of covers cracking. No injuries have been reported.

Description

This recall involves the Ritchie Immersion Heaters with model numbers 17863 (120v/250w), 17939 (240v/250w or 240v/325w), and 17940 (240v/325w). The immersion heater is designed to be submerged in a cattle trough to keep the water from freezing. The model number along with "SWI" is printed on one side of the heating element and a sticker reading "Ritchie Specialty Products" is found on the other side.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled immersion heater and return it to the place of purchase for a free replacement heater.

Contact

For additional information, contact Ritchie Industries at (800) 747-0222 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, visit the firms' Web sites at www.springfield-wire.com or www.ritchiefount.com, or contact the dealer from which the heater was purchased.

Product

Ritchie Immersion Heaters

Manufacturer(s)

Springfield Wire Inc. (SWI), of Springfield, Mass.

Distributed by

Ritchie Industries, of Conrad, Iowa

Retailers

Ritchie distributors nationwide from February 2007 through March 2009 for about $60 to $70.

Made in

United States · Mexico

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