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Berkeley Lab

Klein NCVT-1 Voluntary Safety Recall

June 11, 2021

Klein has issued a recall on some of their NCVT-1 non-contact voltage testers where an operator error (keeping the on/off button depressed) would erroneously indicate that the tool is ready to detect voltage by providing a green light at the tip of the tool when it in fact is not ready.

Klein Tools NCVT-1 Non-Contact Voltage Tester, 50-1000 Volts

Most of the non-contact voltage detectors (proximity detectors)  that are being used at the laboratory are made by Fluke.  Proximity detectors of this type are widely available and many people use them at home. Klein is a well known manufacturer of electrical tools for industry.
Those in possession of Klein NCVT should verify the model of the detector; if the detector is an NCVT-1 then look at the corresponding date codes and follow the manufacturer instructions available here.
If the Laboratory has provided you with one of the detectors included in this recall, please let your DSC and ESC representative know so that we can keep track at the Laboratory of potential impact/extent of conditions.

 

Fluke Recalls T110, T130 and T150 Two-Pole Voltage Testers

Please be on the lookout for Fluke T-Pole Testers (Fluke T110, T130, and T150, pictured below). These have been recalled because they may fail to indicate that live voltage is present. If you see any of these, take them out of service immediately and turn in to the Electrical Safety Group.

 

Link to the Fluke page: Recall notice

As a reminder, only those meters and testers listed in Appendix E of the Electrical Safety Manual are approved for ZVV. Fluke T-Pole Testers are not on the approved list.

Eaton Recalls 30-60A Heavy-Duty Safety Disconnect Switches

ISSUE:
We have been notified that certain types of Eaton Heavy-Duty Safety Disconnect Switches (30 and 60 Amp) may have a serious manufacturing defect. The switch may fail to disconnect power even when the handle is pulled down to the off position. It should NOT be used for LOTO and will have to be replaced or repaired.
At this point, the focus is identifying if and where we may have these switches. Repairs will be effected in a planned fashion through Facilities.
 
Detailed information can be found here: Eaton link


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ACTION:
  1. Be on the lookout for (BOLO) any 30 or 60 Amp Eaton Switch that has a similar appearance to the one in the attached photo.
  2. If found, email electricalsafety@lbl.gov with information about the location. We will schedule an immediate visit by a qualified person to determine whether this switch is subject to the recall.
  3. DO NOT RELY on any 30 or 60 A switch for LOTO unless you are certain it is not part of the affected units. Instead, LOTO upstream at the breaker panel.

Honeywell Recalls Hard Hat Due to Risk of Head Injury

Description: This recall involves Honeywell’s type 1 Fibre-Metal E2 and North Peak A79 hard hats. They were sold in a variety of different colors.

They were sold in a variety of different colors. The hard hats can fail to protect users from impact, posing a risk of head injury. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled hard hats and contact Honeywell to receive a product credit or voucher equal to the purchase price of the recalled hard hat.

QEWs: remember to check the hard hats inside the arc-rated hoods and those used with faceshields.

 

Honeywell’s type 1 Fibre-Metal E2:

The Fibre-Metal E2 hard hats have a manufacture date of April 2016, May 2016, December 2017 or January 2018.

The date code is in a clock format: the numbers around the circle correspond to the 12 months of the year, the arrow points to the month of manufacture and the numbers on either side of the arrow represent the last two digits of the year.

North Peak A79:

The North Peak A79 hard hats were manufactured from April 2016 through January 2018.

Only North Peak A79 hard hats with mold identification number 4 are included on this recall. 

North by Honeywell, the mold identification number, and the manufacture date can be found on the underside of the hat’s brim. The date code is in a clock format: the numbers around the circle correspond to the 12 months of the year, the arrow points to the month of manufacture and the numbers on either side of the arrow represent the last two digits of the year.

 

 

 

 

CSPC post: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/honeywell-recalls-hard-hats-due-to-risk-of-head-injury

Schneider Recalls General Duty Safety Switches

Safety Alert

Schneider Electric Recalls Square D Brand General Duty Safety Switches

Schneider electric has recalled their Square D Brand General Duty 30 & 60A, 120/240 Volt 2-phase and 3-phase NEMA 3R Safety Switches. The power can stay on even when the switch is in the “OFF” position. This poses a serious shock or electrocution hazard. The recalled switches were manufactured from January 1, 2014 through January 18, 2018. See photo below for an example switch affected by the Safety Alert. …Read more

Extech Recalls Digital Clamp Meters Due to Electrocution Hazard (Multiple Models)

The meters can fail to give an accurate voltage reading, resulting in the operator falsely believing the electrical power is low or off, posing an electrocution hazard. Extech received two reports of clamp meters displaying an incorrect voltage reading. No injuries have been reported. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled digital clamp meters and contact Extech for a free replacement meter.

The models include:

  • EX650 and 655
  • MA160
  • MA61
  • MA63

These models are all AC/DC clamp meters, which are electrical testing devices that measure AC/DC voltage, resistance, capacitance, frequency, temperature, continuity, and diode. Serial numbers in the following format are included in the recall: R15XXXXXXX to R17XXXXXXX. Only serial numbers in this range are included in the recall. The “EXTECH” logo and the model number are printed on the front of the unit and the serial number on the back. The digital clamp meters are green and orange.

Link to DOE Article

Link to Consumer Products Safety Commissions (CSPC) Article

 

 

 

Southwire Recalls Voltage Detectors Due to Shock and Burn Hazards

16183d 16183c 16183b 16183a

This recall involves Southwire non-contact voltage detectors with model numbers 40110N and 40120N. Voltage detectors alert users to the presence of electric current running through electrical wires. The recalled voltage detectors are cylindrical shaped, about six inches long and about two inches in circumference. They are brownish gold in color with a black center insert. “Southwire,” the model number and the CE and UL listing symbols are printed on the voltage detectors.  They have red LED lights to indicate the presence of live electric current. Model 40110N detects voltage from 100 to 1,000 VAC. Model 40120N detects voltage from 24 to 1,000 VAC.

For more information, click here.

NOTE: Non-Contact or Proximity Testers of this type are not authorized at Berkeley Lab for Zero Voltage Verification (ZVV). Always use a contact-type, high-impedance digital multimeter for ZVV.

Digital Clamp Meters Recalled by Klein Tools Due to Shock, Burn Hazards

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Klein Tools has recalled its digital clamp meters due to the fact that they can fail to give an accurate voltage reading, resulting in the operator falsely believing the electrical power is off, posing shock, electrocution and burn hazards.

This recall involves Klein Tools digital clamp meters with Model numbers CL110, CL210, CL310 and CL110KIT with date codes 0815U-A1, 1015U-A1, 1115U-A1, 1215U-A1, 0116U-A1, 0216U-A1 and 0316U-A1. “Klein Tools” and the model number are printed on the front of the clamp meters. The date code is printed on the back. The meters are black with a backlit LCD display and an orange trigger and clamp mechanism. The meters are rated CAT III 600V and measure voltage up to 600V and alternating current up to 400A. Only the meter in the CL110KIT is included in the recall.

For more information, click here.

Faulty Vornado Space Heater Recall and Space Heater Safety

Courtesy of Los Alamos National Laboratory:

On Thursday, January 7th, 2016 a Vornado Type 110 space heater at LANL failed and completely melted. This was a listed device and other Vornado models are thought to be safe.

Vornado has issued a recall on all Type 110 heaters manufactured in 2013. The year of manufacture is printed on the equipment label as shown in the picture attached.

Vornado Recall

For recalls on other space heaters, visit the CPSC webpage here.

Reminder on Space Heater Safety:

  • Assure that the space heater is listed by UL, TUV, ETL, or CSA (see label on bottom or side).
  • Always plug heater directly into facility receptacle, never into extension cords or relocatable power taps. Make sure the plug is not loose in the outlet.
  • Read and follow all manufacturer’s warnings on cord label and/or in manual.
  • If heater power cord or wall receptacle feels hot to the touch, discontinue use.
  • Unplug heater when no in use.
  • Avoid leaving heater running when unattended, in offices.
  • Place heater out of traffic and on a level, flat surface (carpet is ok).
  • Avoid placing heaters on furniture or countertops.
  • Keep front of heater 3 feet away from combustibles.
  • Do not operate damaged heater, if dropped, or with a damaged cord.
  • Do not run heater cord under carpet. Place cord out of foot traffic.
  • Do not use two heaters on the same circuit (e.g., in the same office area).
  • If a breaker trips in your area, contact your facility contact person.
  • NOTE: there is no need to test tiltover action. If it is listed and not recalled, it is ok. The fan may stay on, when turned face down, that is proper on certain settings.

See more information on space heater safety requirements at LBNL in PUB-3000 Chapter 12, Fire Prevention and Protection, WP I, Use of Portable Heating Devices.

Schneider Electric Recalls PowerPact J-Frame Circuit Breakers Due to fire, burns, electric shock hazards

The circuit breaker listed fails to trip in an overload condition posing a hazard due to potential burns, fire and electric shock.

The recall involves PowerPact J-frame molded case circuit breakers with thermal-magnetic trip units. The circuit breakers are made of black plastic and have a three-position breaker handle that indicates whether the breaker is off, on or tripped. The recalled circuit breakers are rated for 150 to 250 amps, have interruption ratings of D, G, J, L and R. They were manufactured in two pole and three pole configurations with either lug-in/lug-out or plug-in (I-Line) style connectors.

Brand name “Schneider Electric” or “Square D” is on a yellow sticker above the breaker handle and on the top of a label on the side of the circuit breaker. A label on the front of the circuit breaker to the left of the breaker handle has the catalog number at the top.  The number also appears on a label on the side of the breaker. Schneider Electric catalog numbers begin with “NJ” and Square D catalog numbers begin with “J.”

A label on the front of the circuit breaker to the right of the breaker handle has the date code in the lower right corner. Recalled circuit breakers were manufactured from March 24, 2014 through September 26, 2014 and have date codes 14131 through 14395. The date codes are in the YYWWD format (example: 14131 = year 2014, week 13, day of the work week 1/ Monday).  Click here to see what the breaker looks like and for details on what do do with these breakers.

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