The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·84022·Announced 1984-04-12

Shakespeare Recalls Omnidirectional CB Antennas Due to Shock Hazard

Shakespeare Company is recalling two models of omnidirectional CB base station antennas because they pose a risk of severe or fatal electric shock if they contact power lines.

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 severe or fatal electric shock (electrocution), which is a high-risk hazard. However, the source explicitly states that the CPSC is not aware of any injuries or deaths involving these specific antennas, placing the severity at High rather than Critical or Severe per the rubric for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

The Shakespeare Company is voluntarily recalling two models of omnidirectional CB base station antennas, Style 176-S and 176-SU, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall involves 10,637 units distributed nationwide from May through November 1983. Affected antennas can be identified by specific three-letter codes (CHF, CHE, CHD, CHC, CHB, CHA, CHL, CHM) located on the bottom of the metal sleeve and on the identification label on the end of the packaging tube.

The antennas are being recalled because they failed to comply with a new mandatory CPSC standard intended to reduce the risk of electrocution. If the antennas contact an electrical power line while being installed or removed, they have the potential to cause severe or fatal shock. The CPSC is not aware of any injuries or deaths involving these specific Shakespeare antennas, but the agency noted that approximately 45-50 individuals were electrocuted each year through 1981 due to CB antennas contacting power lines.

Consumers who have already installed the affected antennas should leave them in place and not attempt to remove them. These individuals can contact Shakespeare Company to obtain a warning label or hang tag to place in a conspicuous location on the product. Consumers who have not yet installed the antennas should contact Shakespeare Company to verify if their unit is subject to the recall; if so, they should return the antenna to the dealer for a full refund. Retailers with stock should return the units to Shakespeare Company for replacement.

The recalled product

Product
Shakespeare omnidirectional CB base station antennas
Manufacturer
Shakespeare Company
Category
Consumer Product — Antennas
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · electrocution

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