CONSUMER SAFETY ALERT

The outer cover of the immersion heater can crack and expose the heating element to water, posing a shock hazard to consumers.
Official Consumer Product Safety Recall • March 4, 2009

Ritchie Immersion Heaters Recalled By Springfield Wire Due to Shock Hazard

This recall involves the Ritchie Immersion Heaters with model numbers 17863 (120v/250w), 17939 (240v/250w or 240v/325w), and 17940 (240v/325w). The immersion heater is designed to be submerged in a cattle trough to keep the water from freezing. The model number along with "SWI" is printed on one side of the heating element and a sticker reading "Ritchie Specialty Products" is found on the other side.

Required Consumer Action

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled immersion heater and return it to the place of purchase for a free replacement heater.

Contact Information

For additional information, contact Ritchie Industries at (800) 747-0222 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, visit the firms' Web sites at www.springfield-wire.com or www.ritchiefount.com or contact the dealer from which the heater was purchased.

Recall Details

Sold At
Ritchie distributors nationwide from February 2007 through March 2009 for about $60 to $70.
Injuries
SWI has received 44 reports of covers cracking. No injuries have been reported.
Manufacturer
Springfield Wire Inc. (SWI), of Springfield, Mass.
Recall Number
09141

Product Information

Product Name
Ritchie Immersion Heaters
Product Type
Electric Water Heaters
Number of Units
About 13,000
Manufacturer Name
Springfield Wire Inc. (SWI), of Springfield, Mass.
Distributed By
Ritchie Industries, of Conrad, Iowa
Manufactured In
Mexico

Register This Product

Contact Manufacturer

Use the contact information below to reach out about this recall:

Phone (800) 747-0222
Website www.springfield-wire.com
Full Contact Information

For additional information, contact Ritchie Industries at (800) 747-0222 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, visit the firms' Web sites at www.springfield-wire.com or www.ritchiefount.com, or contact the dealer from which the heater was purchased.