The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·96103·Announced 1996-04-16

Bandwagon Recalls Remote Control Switches Due to Shock Risk

Bandwagon is recalling 25,450 remote control switches that can expose wires, causing electrical burns or shock.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a significant injury report, including the amputation of a finger and multiple burn injuries, which meets the criteria for a Severe rating (score 4) due to significant injury reports.

Plain-English summary

Bandwagon Inc. is recalling approximately 25,450 remote control, hand-operated switches used to turn on and off electrical appliances such as lights, televisions, radios, fans, and Christmas tree lights. The switches function as on/off extension cords, allowing consumers to operate appliances from a remote location. The recall is due to a risk that the switch's cover may detach, exposing electrical wires. This exposure can result in electrical burns, shocks, or possibly electrocution.

Bandwagon is aware of one incident where a woman received an electrical shock while operating a bedroom fan. The shock resulted in burn injuries to her right shoulder, right forearm, biceps, left thumb, left forefinger, and left middle finger, with the middle finger subsequently removed. The affected switches are white, rounded ceramic discs with a flat plastic base, measuring about one inch high and two inches in diameter. They feature a black plastic button in the center and a 12-foot white cord ending in a two-sided plug. The packaging is a white cardboard box labeled "Item No. E8810 ... Made in Taiwan."

These switches were sold in the United States and Canada via mail-order catalogs between December 1993 and 1996 for approximately $9. Consumers should stop using the recalled switches immediately. To arrange for free delivery of a replacement switch, consumers should call Bandwagon at (888) 814-3600 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern Time.

The recalled product

Product
Bandwagon electrical appliance remote control hand-operated switches
Manufacturer
Bandwagon
Category
Consumer Product — Electrical Switches
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · electrocution

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