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Recall data is sourced from official U.S. government agencies (CPSC, FDA, NHTSA, USDA) and processed using AI to improve readability. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Always refer to the original agency notice for authoritative information.

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Medium RiskCPSC
Tools & Hardware/Hand Tools

Southwire Recalls Voltage Detectors Due to Shock and Burn Hazards

Agency Publication Date: June 1, 2016
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Summary

Approximately 1.2 million Southwire non-contact voltage detectors (models 40110N and 40120N) are being recalled because they can give a false "no voltage" reading when testing live wires. One incident has been reported where a consumer received an electrical shock and fell off a ladder due to a false reading. These brownish-gold cylindrical detectors were sold at Lowe's and other hardware stores nationwide from June 2013 through February 2016. Consumers should immediately stop using these devices and contact Southwire for a free replacement.

Risk

The detector may fail to indicate the presence of live electrical current in a wire, leading a user to believe it is safe to touch. This can result in severe electrical shock, electrocution, or burns if the consumer comes into contact with the live current.

What You Should Do

  1. Immediately stop using the recalled Southwire non-contact voltage detectors.
  2. Check the side of your voltage detector for the model number 40110N (detects 100-1,000 VAC) or 40120N (detects 24-1,000 VAC).
  3. Verify the device is brownish-gold with a black center insert and features the 'Southwire' brand name and CE/UL listing symbols.
  4. Contact Southwire toll-free at 855-798-6657 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.southwire.com and click on 'Product Recall' to receive instructions for returning your unit for a free replacement.
  5. Call the CPSC Hotline at 800-638-2772 if you have additional questions regarding this safety recall.

Your Remedy Options

๐Ÿ“‹Replace

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled voltage detectors and contact Southwire for instructions on returning them for a free replacement voltage detector.

Contact: Southwire toll-free at 855-798-6657 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.southwire.com and click on Product Recall for more information.

Affected Products

Product: Southwire Non-Contact Voltage Detector (100 to 1,000 VAC)
Model:
40110N
Lot Numbers:
1508131824
Date Ranges: June 2013 - February 2016
Product: Southwire Dual Range Non-Contact Voltage Detector (24 to 1,000 VAC)
Model:
40120N
Lot Numbers:
1508016543
Date Ranges: June 2013 - February 2016

Product Images

Model 40110N

Model 40110N

Model 40110N

Model 40110N

Model 40120N

Model 40120N

Model 40120N

Model 40120N

Additional Information

Agency: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Recall ID: 16183
Status: Active
Manufacturer: Southwire Company LLC, of Carrollton, Ga.
Sold By: Lowe's and other home and hardware stores nationwide and online at lowes.com and other websites from June 2013 through February 2016 for about $15.
Manufactured In: China
Units Affected: About 1.2 million (in addition, 3,640 were sold in Canada)
Distributed To: Nationwide
Contact: Southwire toll-free at 855-798-6657 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.southwire.com and click on Product Recall for more information.
Agency Last Updated: June 1, 2016

Were You Affected by This Recall?

If you or a family member were harmed by this recalled product, you may have legal rights. Consider consulting a consumer protection attorney to understand your options for compensation.

Find an Attorney

This is general information, not legal advice. Go Backs is not a law firm and does not provide legal services.

AI-Enhanced Content: The summary, action steps, and risk assessment on this page were generated by AI from official government recall data to improve readability. This is not legal or medical advice. Always refer to the official agency sources below for authoritative information.

Sources: CPSC Notice ยท Raw API Response