Electrical Wire Splices Recalled Due to Shock and Fire Hazards

[Barry Adair]

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2008
Release #08-367

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 624-4320
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Electrical Wire Splices Recalled Due to Shock and Fire Hazards

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.

Name of Product: Electrical Wire Splices (also known as Butt Splice Connectors)

Units: About 53,000

Manufacturer: Molex, of Lisle, Ill.

Hazard: The splice can fail to hold the wires adequately together, posing a shock and fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Gardner Bender has received one report of a recalled butt splice failing to hold wires together. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled butt splices are used to connect electrical wires to one another. They are typically used for wiring small electrical appliances, like audio equipment, or in automotive applications. The splices are yellow insulated vinyl and measure about one inch long and ¼ inch wide. They were intended for use with 12-10 AWG wire. 12-10 is stamped on the side of the splices. Model numbers 10-126, or 21-126, and Gardner Bender are printed on the product's packaging. They were sold in packages of 8 or 50.

Sold at: Electrical distributors, hardware stores, and home centers nationwide from June 2005 through April 2008 for between $1 and $5.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using products that contain the recalled butt splices and contact the firm for free replacement splices.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Gardner Bender at (800) 624-4320 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.gardnerbender.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08367.html

[Jim Port]

I don't think this will be much of an issue when inspecting homes. Crimp type butt connectors are not commonly used in resi or commercial applications in my experience.

I see these most in automotive type usage.

[Greg Fretwell]

These do get use in listed appliances that may show up in a home.
I am not sure how you would ever identify a recalled one.