The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·99087·Announced 1999-02-03

Woods Industries Recalls Voltage Testers Due to Shock and Burn Risks

Woods Industries is recalling about 14,000 voltage testers that could short circuit, causing shock, electrocution, or burns. Consumers should stop using them immediately and return them for a refund.

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, specifically second and third-degree burns to multiple body parts, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating involving significant injury reports.

Plain-English summary

Woods Industries Inc. is recalling approximately 14,000 voltage testers in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recalled testers are rated for 120 to 600 volts and have model number 1307. The body of the tester is black, measures about 6.25 inches long by 2.4 inches wide by 1.2 inches thick, and features red and black wire leads. The words "Woods®" and "Taiwan" are molded into the case.

The recall is being issued because the testers could short circuit, posing a risk of shock, electrocution, or burns. Woods Industries is aware of five reports of the testers short circuiting, including one serious injury to an electrician working with high voltage who suffered second and third degree burns to his chest, hands, neck, and face.

These voltage testers were sold at home centers and hardware stores nationwide between January 1985 and December 1988 for $10 to $15. They were manufactured by Test-Rite International Co., Ltd. and distributed by a company later acquired by Woods Industries. Consumers with these recalled voltage testers should stop using them immediately and return them to Woods Industries for a $20 refund and the price of postage. For information on returning the product, consumers can call Woods Industries toll-free at (877) 221-4627 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
Woods voltage testers
Manufacturer
Woods Industries
Category
Consumer Product — Electrical Testers
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · electrocution

See all →