The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·10354·Announced 2010-09-23

Siemens Recalls Circuit Breakers and Load Centers Due to Fire Hazard

Siemens is recalling approximately 2.2 million circuit breakers, load centers, and meter combos sold in 2010 because a spring clip can break, causing fire hazards.

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 (fire hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Siemens Industry Inc. is recalling approximately 2.2 million Siemens and Murray 15 through 50 AMP single and double pole circuit breakers, load centers, and meter combos. The affected products were sold at The Home Depot, Lowes, other hardware and building supply stores, and numerous electrical distributors nationwide from June 2010 through August 2010 for between $2.50 and $235. The products were manufactured in Mexico.

The recalled circuit breakers have a spring clip that can break during normal use, leading to a loss of force to maintain a proper electrical connection in the panelboard. This can lead to excessive temperature, arcing, or thermal damage at the connection point, and damage to the panelboard's electrical insulation, which can result in a fire, property damage, or personal injury. Siemens has received one report of a circuit breaker spring clip that broke during installation, but no injuries have been reported.

Consumers should immediately contact Siemens for a free inspection by an electrician and a free replacement product. For additional information, consumers can contact Siemens at (800) 756-6996 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.usa.siemens.com.

The recalled product

Product
Siemens and Murray Circuit Breakers, Load Centers and Meter Combos

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.