Recall #02-095 · Published January 31, 2002

Vector Manufacturing Power Inverters with Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) outlets

CPSC, Vector Manufacturing Ltd. Announce Recall of Power Inverters with GFCI Outlets

CPSC published a recall notice for Power Inverters with Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) outlets from Vector Manufacturing on January 31, 2002. CPSC identifies this hazard: The GFCIs on the inverters, which are intended to protect consumers against shock and electrocution, could fail to operate correctly. The official remedy states: Consumers should stop using the recalled power inverters immediately, disconnect them, and contact Vector Manufacturing to receive a free inspection. If needed, Vector Manufacturing will replace the GFCI outlet. Consumers participating in the recall program also will receive an extended warranty and an additional free gift, when they send the units in for the free inspection.

Recalled Power Inverter
Recalled Power Inverter
Image: CPSC recall notice

What to check on the product label

Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.

Additional identifying details

They include the following model numbers and names, located on a label on the top of the power inverters: Model Numbers Model Names VEC049GF MAXX Series 1000 Watt Power Inverter VEC049GM MAXX Series 1000 Watt Power Inverter for Marine applications VEC050GF MAXX Series 1500 Watt Power Inverter VEC050GM MAXX Series 1500 Watt Power Inverter for Marine Applications VEC051GM MAXX Series 3000 Watt Power Inverter for Marine applications VEC049GF Force Series 1000 Watt Power Inverter VEC050G Power Force Series 1500 Watt Power Inverter VEC049G Power Force Series 1000 Watt Power Inverter Power inverters with black electrical outlets are not included in the recall.

Which products are included?

Power inverters convert DC voltage to AC voltage to allow the operation of household products using battery power. The recalled power inverters have a red, yellow or black rectangular- shaped body with white or gray electrical outlets on the side, next to the volt and amp meters. The outlets on the recalled inverters have "TEST" and "RESET" buttons. They include the following model numbers and names, located on a label on the top of the power inverters: Model Numbers Model Names VEC049GF MAXX Series 1000 Watt Power Inverter VEC049GM MAXX Series 1000 Watt Power Inverter for Marine applications VEC050GF MAXX Series 1500 Watt Power Inverter VEC050GM MAXX Series 1500 Watt Power Inverter for Marine Applications VEC051GM MAXX Series 3000 Watt Power Inverter for Marine applications VEC049GF Force Series 1000 Watt Power Inverter VEC050G Power Force Series 1500 Watt Power Inverter VEC049G Power Force Series 1000 Watt Power Inverter Power inverters with black electrical outlets are not included in the recall.

Confirm these details on the official CPSC notice

Why it was recalled

The GFCIs on the inverters, which are intended to protect consumers against shock and electrocution, could fail to operate correctly.

Incidents and injuries

Vector Manufacturing has not received any reports of injuries or incidents associated with these power inverters. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

Official remedy

Consumers should stop using the recalled power inverters immediately, disconnect them, and contact Vector Manufacturing to receive a free inspection. If needed, Vector Manufacturing will replace the GFCI outlet. Consumers participating in the recall program also will receive an extended warranty and an additional free gift, when they send the units in for the free inspection.

Product and sales details

Brand
Vector Manufacturing
Manufacturer
Vector Manufacturing Ltd., of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Product type
Battery chargers
Recall number
02-095
Units
1,600
Sold at / sales period
Automotive and marine stores nationwide, and mail-order catalogs sold these inverters, from November 1999 through November 2001, for between $365 and $900.

Power Inverters with Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) outlets

CPSC product type: Adapter/Power Supply/Charger/Battery

Recall contact information

For more information, contact Vector Manufacturing toll-free at (866) 584-5504 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.

Related recalls

Selected by shared brand or household-product category.

No. 02-556Electrical

CPSC, Square D Company Announce Recall of Circuit Breakers

Square D

Hazard: The circuit breakers may have an incorrect torque load applied to the lug mounting screws. This could cause the clamping load between the lug and the circuit breaker terminals to be lower than specified, resulting in a high temperature condition. Products could overheat causing a fire hazard.