How to Stay Up to Date with Electrical Recalls
Why It Is Important to Be Aware of Recalled Electrical Appliances & Devices
From refrigerators to hair dryers, electrical devices and appliances make our lives infinitely easier. However, when these products malfunction, they have the potential to injure us or spark dangerous electrical fires. With this in mind, it's important that you be aware of when an electrical product you use is subject to a safety recall.
But, how do you know if an electrical appliance has been recalled?
Where to Search for Electrical Recalls
No one has time to search for recalls on every electronic product they own. Additionally, unless it makes the news, you may not have any way of knowing when a company issues a recall. So, what should you do? You can keep updated on recent safety recalls issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) by simply registering for recall alerts. All you need to sign up is an email address.
Ten common electric appliance safety recalls:
- Blenders
- Ceiling fans
- Dishwashers
- Electric kettles
- Gas fireplaces
- Generators
- Lighting
- Smartphones
- Space heaters
- Water heaters
Another great way to stay on top of safety recalls is to register your electronic devices whenever given the option. Many larger appliances, and even smaller devices, come with registration cards. While most people throw these out, these cards allow you to register your product and, in doing so, provide your contact information should the manufacturer issue a recall.
Sign up for recall alerts from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission here. Safety recall alerts are available in both English and Spanish!
What to Do If an Electrical Appliance You Own Is Recalled?
If you receive an alert or notification from the manufacturer that a product you own is recalled, the first thing you should do is stop using the product. The next step is to review the recall details and the instructions from the manufacturer. For larger appliances, recalls are often for individual parts and not the full machine. In these cases, the manufacturer will either send you the replacement part or instructions for scheduling a replacement with an authorized electrician or installer. For smaller devices, like hair dryers and space heaters, manufacturers tend to either replace the whole unit or provide a refund.
I'm Having a Problem With My Electrical Appliance but There Is No Recall
If you are having trouble with an electrical appliance, one thing you can do is check to see if there is a recall issued. When there isn't, you may be unsure of what to do. Your next step is to determine if the problem is with your appliance or your electrical system (for safety issues – stop using the device and call an electrician if you suspect a problem with your electrical system).
When the problem is not safety-related, you can try plugging the appliance into another outlet to see if it works. If not, the problem is likely with the device itself. If the problem is with a lighting fixture, you can try replacing the bulb with a new one to see if you're only dealing with a blown bulb. Finally, if you suspect a tripped circuit breaker, you can try resetting the breaker to see if that restores power to the outlet you're using.
Common electrical system problems that can impact device performance include:
- Chronically tripping circuit breakers
- Out of date or inadequate service panel
- Bad or damaged wiring
- Not enough outlets or overloaded outlets
If you have tried troubleshooting the problem and have determined that it is not a problem with the device but with the electrical system, you should call Lightning Bug Electric for help. Our experienced, licensed electricians are highly skilled, and we can get your electrical system back up and running in no time. We can also help you ensure that your system is operating correctly and guide you in using your electrical appliances safely and in a way that privileges safety.
To schedule a repair appointment with one of our electricians, send us a message online. We are standing by to help!