The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·91035·Announced 1991-02-12

Wiremold On-Wall Plastic Outlet Covers Recalled for Cracking Risk

Wiremold is recalling plastic outlet and switch covers for On-Wall wiring that may crack and expose wires, posing a shock hazard.

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 electrical shock from exposed wiring, but the source explicitly states there have been no reports of electric shock or injury, fitting the High severity criterion for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

The Wiremold Company, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, has initiated a voluntary inspection and replacement program for plastic electrical switchplate and outlet covers used with their "On-Wall" series of surface wiring. These products, which route wires in channels on the surface of a wall, are subject to cracking if the plastic covers are installed too tightly and exposed to household oil-based products such as insect spray or cooking oils. Severe cracking could expose electrical wires, creating a possibility of severe electrical shock if a consumer comes into contact with them.

Approximately 300,000 plastic components were sold between March 1986 and mid-1989. The affected items include duplex receptacle catalog #843G and switch #840 sold to wholesalers, as well as duplex receptacle #NM12, switch #NM13, and outlet kit #NM100 sold to retailers. The "Wiremold" name and catalog numbers are stamped on the rear of the plastic back plate of the receptacles and inside the cover of the switches. The company identified the issue after the City of Glendale, Arizona, reported that over 100 covers in subsidized housing had cracked, followed by two additional individual complaints. There have been no reports of electric shock or injury.

Consumers who purchased these covers within the last four years or moved into apartments, condominiums, or townhouses since March 1986 should inspect the plastic covers for cracks. Consumers without electrical experience should not disassemble the wiring parts. If cracks are found, consumers should call The Wiremold Company collect at 1-203-523-3689 to arrange for free replacement with improved models NM2 or NM3. Only an electrician or similarly experienced person should remove and replace the cracked covers. Unopened products in original packaging may be sent to The Wiremold Company, P.O. Box 10639, West Hartford, CT 06110-0639, Attn: Al Blake, for a full refund.

The recalled product

Product
On-Wall surface wiring plastic outlet covers
Manufacturer
Wiremold
Category
Consumer Product — Electrical Outlets & Accessories
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · electrical shock

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