The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·02231·Announced 2002-08-19

Fluke Digital Multimeters Recalled Due to Delayed High Voltage Readings

Fluke Corp. is recalling about 40,000 digital multimeters because they may take up to 18 seconds to display high AC voltage readings, creating a risk of shock or electrocution.

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 (shock/electrocution) where no injuries have been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products without reported injury.

Plain-English summary

Fluke Corp. of Everett, Washington, is recalling approximately 40,000 digital multimeters. The recalled units are yellow and black, measure about 7.25 inches long by 3.5 inches wide, and have "Fluke" and model numbers "175", "177", or "179" written on the front. Affected units have a serial number below 79000000 located on the back of the instrument under the hinged stand. These testers were sold at home and hardware stores and industrial distributors nationwide from January 2001 through October 2001 for between $170 and $215.

The recall is being issued because the multimeters can take longer than normal, up to 18 seconds, to display readings of AC voltages above 500 volts. Users may misinterpret this delayed reading to mean that high voltage is not present. If high voltage is actually present, users could be exposed to a risk of shock, electrocution, and thermal burns. Fluke has received four reports from Canada and Australia where users experienced a delayed response while measuring high voltage, though no injuries were reported.

Consumers should stop using these testers immediately. They should contact Fluke at (800) 260-4819 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.fluke.com/170recall, for information on returning the recalled unit for a free repair.

The recalled product

Product
Fluke Digital Multimeters
Manufacturer
Fluke Corp., of Everett, Wash.
Category
Consumer Product — Electrical Testers
Hazard
Affected units
40,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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