FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2002
Release # 02-231
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Fluke Recall Hotline: (800) 260-4819
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051
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CPSC, Fluke Corp. Announce Recall of Digital Multimeters
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Fluke Corp., of Everett, Wash., is voluntarily
recalling about 40,000 digital multimeters. About 17,200 were sold in
the U.S. Multimeters are used to measure voltage, resistance and
current. The recalled units can take longer than normal, up to 18
seconds, to display readings of AC voltages above 500 volts. Users can
misinterpret the delayed reading to mean that high voltage is not
present. If high voltage is present, users could be exposed to a risk of
shock, electrocution, and thermal burns.
Fluke has received four reports from Canada and Australia, in
which users experienced a delayed response while measuring high voltage,
though no injuries were reported.
The recalled Fluke digital multimeters measure up to 1,000 volts
alternating current (VAC) and direct current (VDC). "Fluke" and "175",
"177" or "179" are written on the front of the unit. The tester body is
yellow and black, and measures about 7.25-inches long by 3.5-inches
wide. Recalled units have a serial number below 79000000. The serial
number is written on the back of the instrument under the hinged stand.
Home and hardware stores and industrial distributors nationwide
sold these testers from January 2001 through October 2001 for between
$170 and $215.
Consumers should stop using these testers immediately and contact
Fluke for information on returning the recalled unit for a free repair.
Consumers should call Fluke at (800) 260-4819 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.
ET Monday through Friday or at the Fluke Web site www.fluke.com/170recall.
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