The Recall Desk
Our severity: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

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

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

See all →

Similar recalls