Springfield Wire Ritchie Immersion Heaters

Description: Ritchie Immersion Heaters Recalled By Springfield Wire Due to Shock Hazard News from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2009 Release # 09-141 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 747-0222 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 Ritchie Immersion Heaters Recalled By Springfield Wire Due to Shock Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of product: Ritchie Immersion Heaters Units: About 13,000 Manufacturer: Springfield Wire Inc. (SWI), of Springfield, Mass. Distributor: Ritchie Industries, of Conrad, Iowa Hazard: The outer cover of the immersion heater can crack and expose the heating element to water, posing a shock hazard to consumers. 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. Sold by: Ritchie distributors nationwide from February 2007 through March 2009 for about $60 to $70. Manufactured in: United States (2007) and Mexico (2008) Remedy: 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. [Learn More]