Safety Tips For Fimco Electric Pressure Washers
Safety Tips For Fimco Electric Pressure Washers
Recalling Firm: Big Butch, Fimco
Product Description & Identification
TranslatedSafety Tips For Fimco Electric Pressure Washers NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 1984 Release # 84-064 Fimco Offers Safety Tips For Electric Pressure Washers To Reduce Shock Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fimco, Inc., of Sioux City, Iowa, today announced that it will voluntarily provide safety kits to modify the handles of its approximately 14,150 electric pressure washers purchased before January 1984. The affected washers, which pump water under high pressure to clean porches, houses, motor vehicles, outdoor power equipment or farm equipment, were sold nationally under the "Big Butch" trade name by various retailers and under the Sears brand name through Sears catalogs. There have been no injuries or deaths involving the Fimco machines; however; the Commission is aware of 10 electrocutions associated with other electric pressure washers. The washer does not present a hazard if operated according to instructions, according to Fimco. However, the metal handle or other exposed metal part could become electrically charged if the machine is not properly grounded and a fault occurs. Such fault could occur if an improper or faulty extension cord is used, if the connection between the power cord and an extension cord becomes wet or if a fault exists within the pressure washer's electrical system. Under these circumstances, a severe or fatal electric shock could result when the user touches the metal handle or other exposed metal part of the machine. The safety kit being offered consists of four easy to install insulated bolts that replace existing bolts. Consumers should call FIMCO toll-free at 800-831-0027 (in Iowa call 800-352-0016) to obtain the free kit and complete instructions. Consumers may also call the CPSC toll-free Hotline for information or assistance at 800-638-CPSC. The Commission's teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (301) 595-7054.
Affected Products
TranslatedFimco Big Butch electric pressure washers
Additional Source Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/1984/Fimco-Offers-Safety-Tips-For-Electric-Pressure-Washers-To-Reduce-Shock-Hazard |
| Title | Safety Tips For Fimco Electric Pressure Washers |
| Products › Name | Fimco Big Butch electric pressure washers |
| Products › Type | Pressure Washers |
| Products › Category I D | 2080 |
| Recall I D | 4478 |
| Recall Date | 1984-11-01T00:00:00 |
| Description | Safety Tips For Fimco Electric Pressure Washers NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 1984 Release # 84-064 Fimco Offers Safety Tips For Electric Pressure Washers To Reduce Shock Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fimco, Inc., of Sioux City, Iowa, today announced that it will voluntarily provide safety kits to modify the handles of its approximately 14,150 electric pressure washers purchased before January 1984. The affected washers, which pump water under high pressure to clean porches, houses, motor vehicles, outdoor power equipment or farm equipment, were sold nationally under the "Big Butch" trade name by various retailers and under the Sears brand name through Sears catalogs. There have been no injuries or deaths involving the Fimco machines; however; the Commission is aware of 10 electrocutions associated with other electric pressure washers. The washer does not present a hazard if operated according to instructions, according to Fimco. However, the metal handle or other exposed metal part could become electrically charged if the machine is not properly grounded and a fault occurs. Such fault could occur if an improper or faulty extension cord is used, if the connection between the power cord and an extension cord becomes wet or if a fault exists within the pressure washer's electrical system. Under these circumstances, a severe or fatal electric shock could result when the user touches the metal handle or other exposed metal part of the machine. The safety kit being offered consists of four easy to install insulated bolts that replace existing bolts. Consumers should call FIMCO toll-free at 800-831-0027 (in Iowa call 800-352-0016) to obtain the free kit and complete instructions. Consumers may also call the CPSC toll-free Hotline for information or assistance at 800-638-CPSC. The Commission's teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (301) 595-7054. |
| Recall Number | 84064 |
| Manufacturers › 1 › Name | Big Butch |
| Manufacturers › 2 › Name | Fimco |
| Last Publish Date | 2014-12-30T00:00:00 |
Consumer Action Protocol: What You Should Do Immediately
Safety StepsCheck the model number, serial number, and date stamp on the rating label on the back or underside of the product.
Immediately discontinue using the product. Unplug electrical items and keep juvenile items out of reach of children.
Under statutory consumer protection rules, consumers are entitled to a full refund, certified replacement, or free repair kit without needing the original sales receipt.
If you suffered an injury, illness, or property damage from this product, file an official incident report with regulatory authorities (CPSC).
Your Legal Rights as a Consumer
Recalls are legally binding corrective safety actions overseen by statutory government bodies. Recalling entities are legally prohibited from charging consumers for official safety remedies. If a retailer or dealership refuses your recall remedy, notify the issuing regulatory agency immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recall
FAQ GuideQ1:What should I do immediately if I own or bought Safety Tips For Fimco Electric Pressure Washers?
Immediately stop using the product and keep it out of reach of children. Disconnect power if electrical, and do not attempt makeshift home repairs.
Q2:Can I get a full refund or free repair for this recall?
Yes. Recalling manufacturers and retail merchants are required under consumer protection regulations to offer a statutory remedy—typically a full refund, certified repair kit, or replacement unit.
Q3:Do I need my original sales receipt to claim a remedy or refund?
In most recall cases, no receipt is required. Because safety recalls are matters of public health and statutory compliance, retailers and manufacturers routinely issue refunds, store credit, or replacement kits upon presentation of the affected product or lot code.
Q4:Where can I verify official information for this safety alert?
This safety alert is aggregated directly from official regulatory agency records (CPSC). You can click the 'Official Agency Alert' link on this page to view the primary government notice and contact the manufacturer directly.
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Overview
- Recalling FirmBig Butch, Fimco
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