The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·04547·Announced 2004-04-21

Virgo Enterprises Recalls Electric Hand-Held Hair Dryers Due to Electrocution Risk

Virgo Enterprises is recalling specific electric hand-held hair dryers sold in the New York area because they lack safety devices that prevent 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

Virgo Enterprises, of Irvington, N.J., is recalling approximately 900 electric hand-held hair dryers. The recalled units include the Turbo 2000, Turbo Laser 1500, Super Turbo 3000, Turbo Plus 2800, and Turbo Plus 1800 models. These hair dryers feature a pistol grip, a black or red plastic casing, a two-prong power cord, and a label reading "Virgo Professional" and "110V/60HZ".

The recall is being issued because the hair dryers do not have an immersion protection device or a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) on the power cord. This design flaw poses a serious electrocution hazard if the unit is dropped in water. A voluntary standard implemented in 1991 required consumer hair dryers to include protections against electrocution in both the "on" and "off" positions.

The affected hair dryers were sold at retail beauty supply stores in the metropolitan New York area between March 2003 and December 2003 for about $50. No injuries have been reported in connection with these units. Consumers should stop using these hair dryers immediately and return the unit to Virgo Enterprises for a replacement unit that includes an immersion protection device. Consumers can contact Virgo Enterprises representatives at (800) 552-0961 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
Electric hand-held hair dryers
Manufacturer
Virgo Enterprises, of Irvington, N.J.
Category
Consumer Product — Personal Care Appliances
Hazard
Affected units
900

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · electrocution

See all →