High CPSC·02216·Announced 2002-07-30

Remington Vortex Ultra Hair Dryers Recalled for Electrocution Hazard

Remington is recalling about 3,000 Vortex Ultra hair dryers sold nationwide from July 2000 to January 2001 because they lack a safety plug that prevents electrocution if dropped in water.

What this means for you

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 hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Remington Products Co., LLC is recalling approximately 3,000 Vortex Ultra hair dryers. The recall was announced on July 30, 2002, to address a safety defect where the hair dryers are not equipped with an appliance leakage current interrupter (ALCI) plug. This plug is designed to cut off electrical current in case of contact with water. Without it, the hair dryers pose an electrocution hazard if dropped in water.

The affected hair dryers are 1600-watt models with a chrome body and black speed and heat controls. The model name "Remington Vortex Ultra" is printed in black on one side of the air intake grill, while the model number V-1030, "Do Not Immerse In Water," and "Made in China" are printed in silver on the other side. The hair dryers have a UPC number of 0-74590-87541-6 on the packaging box. They were sold nationwide from July 2000 through January 2001 for between $18 and $25 at retailers including K-Mart, Sears, Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, K's Merchandise, Service Merchandise, Eckerd, and Army and Air Force Exchanges.

CPSC and Remington have not received any reports of electrocutions relating to these hair dryers. Consumers should stop using the hair dryers immediately. Owners will be sent a postage-paid shipping container to return their unit to Remington. In exchange, consumers will receive a new 1875-watt Vortex hair dryer with an ALCI plug. For more information, contact Remington at (800) 736-4648 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.remington-products.com.

The recalled product

Product: Remington Vortex Ultra hair dryers
Manufacturer: Remington Products Co., LLC, of Bridgeport, Conn.
Category: Consumer Product — Personal Care Appliances
Hazard: electrocution
Affected units: 3,000

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

UPCs (1)

074590875416

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Same manufacturer · Remington Products Co., LLC, of Bridgeport, Conn.

See all →

High
Remington Vortex Ultra Hairdryers Recalled for Lack of Safety Plug
CPSC · 2001-03-21

Same hazard · electrocution