The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·88069·Announced 1988-08-17

Bell & Howell Recalls Showmate 2 Video Presentation Systems for Shock Hazard

Bell & Howell is recalling Showmate 2 Video Presentation Systems because a defective power switch may cause electric shock. No injuries have been reported.

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

Plain-English summary

Bell & Howell is voluntarily recalling the Showmate 2 Video Presentation System, model No. 6427, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recall addresses a potential electric shock hazard if the main power switch becomes defective and short-circuits to the metal chassis. The company has already contacted 4,400 owners and replaced switches on 3,000 returned units.

The Showmate 2 is a combination seven-inch color video monitor/receiver and VHS video tape recorder. It was sold nationwide from April 1985 to December 1986 for approximately $500 per unit. Approximately 3,000 units were sold by a cable television shopping service, and audiovisual dealers sold most of the other 1,800 units. More than 200 units were previously returned to Bell & Howell due to switch failure.

There have been no reports of customers experiencing a shock. However, if a switch fails during use, the potential for electric shock and bodily injury exists. Bell & Howell advises owners to discontinue use of the machine until the switch is replaced. The company is offering to replace the defective switch with a new one for the remaining 400 customers who have not yet responded to the recall.

The recalled product

Product
Bell & Howell Showmate 2 Video Presentation Systems
Manufacturer
Bell & Howell
Category
Consumer Product — Audio/Video Systems
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · electric shock

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