NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Kim Dulic
April 22, 1999 (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1183
Release # 99-100a

Electric Meter Boxes Recalled by Square D Co

PRODUCT: Combination Service Entrance Devices (CSEDs) - Square D Co., of Palatine, Ill., is recalling about 12,200 CSEDs, which are metal boxes mounted on the outside of homes and contain the electric meter and the main electrical breaker panel. These CSEDs are gray, and have catalog numbers C125RB, C200RB, C2M200RB, C4L200RB (Series M01), CQRB100CP (Series M01, E1, and E01) and CQRB200RB (Series M01, E3, and E03). "Square D" and the catalog number can be found on the wiring diagram located on the inside of the left-hand hinge cover. The CQRB100CP measures 12.8 inches high by 13.6 inches wide by 4.6 inches deep, and the other models measure 18.3 inches high by 19.5 inches wide by 4.6 inches deep. These products were sold nationwide primarily to electrical contractors through distributors. A small percentage were sold to contractors and possibly consumers through home improvement stores. They were sold from October 1997 through July 1998 for between $130 and $300.

PROBLEM: When these CSEDs are installed and electrical power supplied, electrical arcing can occur, posing a risk of shock, electrocution and electric burn.

Combination Service Entrance Device


INJURIES/INCIDENTS: CPSC and Square D are aware of one report of a unit arcing during installation. No injuries have been reported.

WHAT TO DO: If you have one of these devices that has not been installed, do not attempt to install or connect power to the device. If your CSED is installed and operating properly, it does not require replacement. The electrical arcing would be apparent on a defective CSED with sparks or fire emanating from the box. For a free replacement CSED, call Square D toll-free at (800) 666-7557 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Recorded messages can be left during other times.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury and for information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To order a press release through fax-on-demand, call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and enter the release number. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information or report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov.


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