MCM International Recalls Black Cat Electric Pressure Washers with Counterfeit Plugs
MCM International is recalling about 50,000 Black Cat electric pressure washers sold at Target and Menard's because some units have counterfeit GFCI plugs that may fail to prevent electrocution.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (electrocution) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.
Plain-English summary
MCM International, of Eden Prairie, Minn., is recalling about 50,000 Black Cat™ Electric Pressure Washers. The company imported these units from a manufacturer in China, which installed counterfeit ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plugs on some of the washers without MCM's approval. The counterfeit plugs are labeled "WELLONG" and appear virtually identical to genuine ones, requiring professional inspection to identify. GFCIs are safety devices intended to protect consumers against shock or electrocution.
The recalled pressure washers have a sticker with a cat and the words "Black-Cat" on each side. Model numbers BC-2000 or TW-1750 are found on a label on the right side of the power station, which also reads "Made in China" and lists a production date between March 2001 and July 2001. The GFCI plugs feature a green "Reset" button and a blue "Test" button, with "WELLONG" and "Rainproof" printed on the back near the prongs. These washers were sold at Target and Menard's stores nationwide from August 2001 to September 2001 for between $85 and $100.
CPSC and MCM International have not received any reports of incidents where the GFCI plugs failed to operate, but the recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. Consumers should stop using these pressure washers and discard the product, as a remedy is no longer available. The firm is out of business, so consumers should call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054) for assistance.
The recalled product
- Product
- Black Cat™ Electric Pressure Washers
- Manufacturer
- MCM International, of Eden Prairie, Minn.
- Category
- Consumer Product — Power Tools
- Affected units
- 50,000
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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