The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·04044·Announced 2003-12-02

Showerhead Hot Water Heaters Recalled for Electrical and Fire Hazards

Barnett of the Caribbean is recalling 17,400 Sintex showerhead hot water heaters sold in Puerto Rico due to electrical and fire risks.

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 with electrocution and fire hazards, but the source explicitly states that no injuries have been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Barnett of the Caribbean is recalling approximately 17,400 Sintex showerhead hot water heaters, including model numbers 194310 and 192033. These units were manufactured in Brazil and sold at hardware stores and home improvement centers in Puerto Rico from March 2001 through August 2003 for about $20 each. The heaters are packaged in a clear plastic bag with card, or in a printed box that reads, in part, "Sintex Super Ducha," "Sintex Electronic," and "Made in Brazil."

The recall is due to electrical and fire hazards. The units feature undersized wiring that makes them unsuitable for wet locations, a non-waterproof rotary switch, and installation instructions that recommend using tape instead of an electrical junction box. Additionally, the plastic enclosure poses an electrocution and fire hazard. No injuries have been reported.

Consumers should stop using the heaters and contact the retailer where the product was purchased or Barnett of the Caribbean for a refund. Barnett of the Caribbean can be reached toll-free at (800) 368-0809 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or via their website at www.e-barnett.com.

The recalled product

Product
Showerhead Hot Water Heaters
Manufacturer
Sintex of Brazil, distributed by Barnett of the Caribbean, of Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Category
Consumer Product — Home Appliances
Hazard
Affected units
17,400

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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