CPSC Alerts Consumers To Potential Hazard In Electric Arc Welder
WASHINGTON, D.C.(Feb. 22)--The U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission today warned that approximately 200,000
"Wel-Dex" arc welders purchased by consumers over the past
four to six years may contain defects capable of causing
fatal electric shock.
Consumers should immediately cease use of the product
and take extreme care when disconnecting it from an electrical
outlet.
The terminals on the welder are exposed, creating a
potential hazard of electric shock, and, in addition, poor
connection of the line cord to the welder could render the
entire outer frame electrically alive.
The welders were manufactured by Wel-Dex Manufacturing
Company, a subsidiary of Relco Industries, 2210 West 34th
Street, Houston, Texas.
Both the names of the welder and the manufacturer appear
on a nameplate on the welder.
The product was advertised through various media
including organic gardening and farming magazines. All sales
were made by mail order.
The Commission learned about the potential hazard as a
result of a consumer complaint from an electrical engineer.
The Commission is investigating alternatives open to it
to insure that the product is corrected or removed from the
market. Further information will be released to consumers
as soon as it is available.