Siemens Recalls Electrical Breakers

This past week Siemens Company issued a recall in conjunction with the United States Consumer and Product Safety Commission for approximately 2.2 million electrical breaker units due to a potential fire hazard. Because we inspect breakers everyday and the units in the recall are for the months of June through August 2010, we felt it was very important to provide this information. Please call with any questions. More information can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10354.html

Siemens Recalls Circuit Breakers Due to Fire 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: Siemens and Murray Circuit Breakers, Load Centers and Meter Combos

Units: About 2.2 million

Importer: Siemens Industry Inc., of Alpharetta, Ga.

Hazard: The recalled circuit breakers have a spring clip that can break during normal use, leading to a loss of force to maintain a proper electrical connection in the panelboard. This can lead to excessive temperature, arcing or thermal damage at the connection point, and damage to the panelboard's electrical insulation and can result in a fire, property damage, or personal injury.

Incidents/Injuries: Siemens has received one report of a circuit breaker spring clip that broke during installation. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Siemens and Murray 15 through 50 AMP single and double pole circuit breakers, load centers (circuit breakers that come with an electrical panel), and meter combos (contain a load center and a meter socket). "Siemens" or "Murray," date codes 0610 or 0710 and the catalog number are printed on a label on the side of the circuit breakers. Date codes between June 2010 through August 2010 are stamped on the inside of the metal box of the load centers and meter combos. The catalog number for the load centers and meter combos is printed on a label inside the metal box door and on the packaging.

Sold at: The Home Depot, Lowes, other hardware and building supply stores and numerous electrical distributors nationwide from June 2010 through August 2010 for between $2.50 to $235.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact Siemens for a free inspection by an electrician and a free replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Siemens at (800) 756-6996 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.usa.siemens.com