The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·18140·Announced 2018-04-17

Schneider Electric Recalls Square D Safety Switches Due to Electrical Shock Hazard

Schneider Electric is recalling Square D safety switches because power may remain on when the handle is in the OFF position, posing an electrical shock hazard.

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/electrocution) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Schneider Electric USA Inc. is recalling approximately 1,079,000 Square D brand General Duty 30 & 60A, 120/240-volt, 2-phase and 3-phase NEMA 3R safety switches. The recall was issued because the power can stay on when the safety switch handle is in the "OFF" position, posing an electrical shock or electrocution hazard to consumers. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled switches are dark gray metal boxes with a black handle on the side. They were manufactured between January 1, 2014, and January 18, 2018, and have date codes 1401 through 1803. The date code is located on the inside of the cover and is not accessible if the product is installed and in service. The switches were sold nationwide and online at authorized Schneider Electric distributors, Home Depot, Lowe's, original equipment manufacturers, Amazon.com, HomeDepot.com, and Lowes.com from January 2014 through January 2018 for between $40 and $500.

Consumers should immediately inspect installed safety switches by moving the handle to the "OFF" position. If the power stays on when the handle is in the "OFF" position, they should contact Schneider Electric for a free replacement safety switch and free service support to install the replacement. If the safety switch is not installed and is included in the recall, consumers should contact Schneider Electric for a free replacement. Instructions on how to inspect the switch can be found at www.schneider-electric.us/gdss-safetyalert.

The recalled product

Product
Square D brand General Duty 30 & 60A, 120/240-volt, 2-phase and 3-phase NEMA 3R Safety Switches
Manufacturer
Schneider Electric USA Inc., of Andover, Mass.
Category
Consumer Product — Electrical Equipment
Hazard
Affected units
1,079,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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