FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 1999
Release # 00-014
Company Phone Number: (800) 753-8646 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052
CPSC, Fluke Corp. Announce Second Recall of Electrical Testers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Fluke Corp., of Everett, Wash., is voluntarily
recalling about 58,000 model T-2 hand-held electrical voltage and
continuity testers. The batteries in the tester could fail to maintain
proper contact due to corrosion within the battery compartment, causing
the device to lose power. Consumers testing electrical sources could
fail to be warned of the presence of live current if the tester is not
powered, posing a risk of shock, electrocution, and thermal burns.
Fluke conducted a previous recall in November 1998 on T2
Electrical Testers because of a different electrical connection problem.
Even if consumers had their testers repaired previously, their testers
are part of this new recall and need to be repaired again.
Fluke is aware of two incidents involving these testers where
consumers received a mild electric shock.
These testers measure 24 to 600 volts alternating current (VAC),
and 6 to 220 volts direct current (VDC). "Fluke" and "T2" are written on
the front of the unit. The tester body is yellow and black, and
measures about 6.25 inches long by 1.75 inches wide and 1.25 inches
thick. The wire leads are black and have one black and one red probe.
Recalled units have a serial number lower than 74165430. The serial
number is located on the back of the unit above the wire leads.
Home centers, hardware stores and industrial distributors
nationwide sold these testers between December 1997 and September 1999
for about $45.
Consumers should stop using these voltage and continuity testers
immediately, and contact Fluke to obtain a free repair kit or arrange to
send your unit to Fluke for repair. For information on returning your
unit to Fluke or obtaining a repair kit, consumers should call Fluke
toll-free at (800) 753-8646 between between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday
through Friday. Consumers can access Fluke's web site at
www.fluke.com/whatsnew/ProductNotices/notices_99-10-01.asp.