Associated Electrics Inc. Recall of Battery Chargers for Radio Control Race Cars

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2004
Release # 04-160
AE Recall Hotline: (800) 518-7339
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Associated Electrics Inc. Announce Recall of Battery Chargers for Radio Control Race Cars

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Reedy Quasar Pro Battery Chargers (charges batteries used to power remote control race cars)

Units: 4,900

Manufacturer: Associated Electrics Inc., of Costa Mesa, Calif.

Hazard: A defective fuse and program error in the charger can cause the battery packs being charged to overheat and explode, posing a risk of serious injury to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Associated Electrics has received three reports of incidents involving exploding battery cells. One consumer sustained a bruised hand, while another received an eye injury from flying debris.

Description: The recalled #611 Quasar Pro Chargers were manufactured from February 2002 through February 2004. The grey charger box has words "Quasar Pro" printed in yellow on the front and shows a display of "QUASAR PRO VERSION 1.0" when first turned on. The recalled chargers either have no barcode label on the underside or a barcode label with the numbers "611" or "611A".

Sold at: Hobby dealers nationwide from February 2002 through February 2004 for about $200.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the charger immediately and contact Associated Electrics to receive a free repair.

Consumer Contact: Call Associated Electrics at (800) 518-7339 between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Website at www.teamassociated.com

Picture of Recalled Battery Charger