GIA Instruments Recalls Polariscopes Due to Electrical Shock Hazard
GIA Instruments is recalling Illuminator Polariscopes 415000 and 415 because a missing ground wire poses a risk of electrical shock.
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 (electrical shock) where injury has been reported (minor electric shock), fitting the High severity criteria for risk-of-harm products.
Plain-English summary
GIA Instruments of Carlsbad, Calif., is recalling about 8,000 Illuminator Polariscopes, models 415000 and 415. The recalled instruments are white with the model number printed on the underside. A polariscope is an instrument used by gemologists to assist in gem identification.
The recall is due to a risk of electrical shock. The polariscopes can have a ground wire missing. GIA has received four reports of consumers experiencing minor electric shock.
The products were sold nationwide from January 1996 through June 2007 for between $255 and $340. They were sold through GIA schools, GIA's Web site, product catalogs, distributors, and trade shows. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact GIA Instruments to schedule a free retrofit of the Polariscope with a ground wire. GIA is notifying all consumers directly.
The recalled product
- Product
- Illuminator Polariscopes 415000 and 415
- Manufacturer
- GIA Instruments, of Carlsbad, Calif.
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 8,000
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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