The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·83036·Announced 1983-06-21

Mark Engineering Recalls Whistle Switch Remote Control Devices

Mark Engineering is recalling 7,000 Whistle Switch and Sonic Switch remote control devices due to a fire hazard. The devices may overheat, spark, or ignite.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with reported ignition, one reported injury, and minor property damage, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating (score 4) due to significant injury and property damage reports.

Plain-English summary

Mark Engineering Inc. is recalling approximately 7,000 Model 1C "Whistle Switch" remote control devices, which were also sold under the private label "Sonic Switch" by Invento Products Corp. The recall covers units manufactured prior to June 30, 1978. These devices are electrically operated remote control switches for household appliances that plug into standard electrical outlets.

The recall is issued because the devices may present a fire hazard. CPSC is aware of more than 10 incidents where the product overheated, smoked, sparked, or ignited. These incidents have resulted in one reported injury, where a consumer burned her hand while removing a flaming switch from an outlet, and minor property damage. The issue is attributed to internal carbon resistors that can overheat or fail after extended use.

Consumers should immediately discontinue use of the affected Model 1C units and unplug them. Owners should package the switch and return it to Mark Engineering Inc. at P.O. Box 193, Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420, including their name and address on a separate piece of paper. The company will repair all returned Model 1C units. Consumers with questions can contact Mark Engineering at 617-342-6034 or the CPSC hotline at 800-638-CPSC.

The recalled product

Product
Sonic Switch remote control device
Manufacturer
Mark Engineering
Category
Consumer Product — Remote Controls
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fire

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