Fimco Big Butch Electric Pressure Washers Recall for Shock Hazard
Fimco is offering free safety kits to modify handles on approximately 14,150 Big Butch electric pressure washers to reduce the risk of electric 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 severe or fatal electric shock (electrocution) where no injuries have yet been reported for this specific product, fitting the rubric for risk-of-harm products without reported injury.
Plain-English summary
Fimco, Inc. is voluntarily providing safety kits to modify the handles of approximately 14,150 electric pressure washers purchased before January 1984. These units, sold nationally under the "Big Butch" trade name and through Sears catalogs, pump water under high pressure for cleaning various surfaces and equipment.
The recall addresses a potential electric shock hazard. While no injuries or deaths have been reported involving these specific Fimco machines, the Commission is aware of 10 electrocutions associated with other electric pressure washers. The metal handle or other exposed metal parts could become electrically charged if the machine is not properly grounded and a fault occurs, such as through an improper extension cord or a wet connection. Under these circumstances, a severe or fatal electric shock could result when a user touches the metal parts.
The safety kit consists of four easy-to-install insulated bolts that replace existing bolts. Consumers should call Fimco toll-free at 800-831-0027 (or 800-352-0016 in Iowa) to obtain the free kit and instructions. Consumers may also contact the CPSC toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC for assistance.
The recalled product
- Product
- Fimco Big Butch electric pressure washers
- Manufacturer
- Big Butch
- Category
- Consumer Product — Power Tools
- Hazard
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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