Over 1 million Square D brand General Duty 30 & 60A, 120/240-volt, 2-phase and 3-phase NEMA 3R safety switches have been recalled because the switch fails to cut off power when the handle is in the "OFF" position. This poses an electrical shock or electrocution hazard. Schneider Electric has not received any reports of injury, according to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall 18-140.
The recalled switches were manufactured and sold between January 1, 2014 through January 18, 2018 and have date codes 1401 through 1803. The code format indicates year and week of manufacture, such as 2014, week 1. However, the date code of the product can only be found on the inside of the cover and is not accessible if the product is installed and in-service.
A sticker on the outside side of the box indicates the catalog number, located above the barcode. Only the following catalog numbers are included in the recall:
CD321NRB
D211NRB
D211NRBCP
D221NRB
D221NRBCP
D221NRBUP
D321NRB
D321NRBCP
D321NRBUP
DU221RB
DU221RBUP
DU222RB
DU222RBUP
DU321RB
DU321RBUP
DU321RBCP
DU322RB
DU322RBCP
DU322RBUP
Facility managers affected by this recall are directed to inspect their installed safety switches to see if the power stays on after the handle is moved to the "OFF" position. Instructions on how to inspect the switch can be found at www.schneider-electric.us/gdss-safetyalert.
Affected facility managers can contact Schneider Electric for a free replacement safety switch, whether currently installed or not. Schneider Electric can be reached at 877-672-1953 at www.schneider-electric.us/gdss-safetyalert.
This Quick Read was submitted by Naomi Millán, senior editor, Building Operating Management. Go here for other recent recall notices.
