The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·08367·Announced 2008-08-20

Gardner Bender Recalls Electrical Wire Splices Due to Shock and Fire Hazards

Gardner Bender is recalling about 53,000 electrical wire splices because they may fail to hold wires together, posing shock and fire risks.

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

Plain-English summary

Gardner Bender is recalling approximately 53,000 electrical wire splices, also known as butt splice connectors. These products are used to connect electrical wires to one another, typically for wiring small electrical appliances like audio equipment or in automotive applications. The recalled splices are yellow insulated vinyl, measure about one inch long and ¼ inch wide, and are intended for use with 12-10 AWG wire. Model numbers 10-126 or 21-126 and the Gardner Bender brand name are printed on the packaging.

The recall was issued because when crimped, the splice can fail to hold the wires adequately together. This failure poses a shock and fire hazard to consumers. Gardner Bender has received one report of a recalled butt splice failing to hold wires together, but no injuries have been reported.

The splices were sold nationwide through electrical distributors, hardware stores, and home centers from June 2005 through April 2008 for between $1 and $5. Consumers should immediately stop using products that contain the recalled butt splices and contact Gardner Bender for free replacement splices. For more information, consumers can call (800) 624-4320 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit www.gardnerbender.com.

The recalled product

Product
Electrical Wire Splices (also known as Butt Splice Connectors)
Category
Consumer Product — Electrical Outlets & Accessories
Hazard
Affected units
53,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · shock

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