Recall of the Week: Siemens and Murray circuit breakers due to fire hazard

Siemens Industry is recalling about 2.2 million Siemens and Murray circuit breakers, load centers, and meter combos.

The recalled circuit breakers have a spring clip that can break during normal use, leading to a loss of force to maintain a proper electrical connection in the panelboard. This can lead to excessive temperature, arcing, or thermal damage at the connection point, and damage to the panelboard’s electrical insulation and can result in a fire, property damage, or personal injury.

Siemens has received one report of a circuit breaker spring clip that broke during installation. No injuries have been reported.

The recall involves Siemens and Murray 15 through 50 AMP single and double pole circuit breakers, load centers (circuit breakers that come with an electrical panel), and meter combos (contain a load center and a meter socket).

“Siemens” or “Murray,” date codes 0610 or 0710, and the catalog number are printed on a label on the side of the circuit breakers. Date codes from June 2010 through August 2010 are stamped on the inside of the metal box of the load centers and meter combos. The catalog number for the load centers and meter combos is printed on a label inside the metal box door and on the packaging.

Click here to see catalog numbers for the products.

Manufactured in Mexico, the recalled items were sold at Home Depot, Lowes, other hardware and building supply stores, and numerous electrical distributors nationwide from June 2010 through August 2010 for between $2.50 to $235.

Consumers should immediately contact Siemens for a free inspection by an electrician and a free replacement product, the company advises.

For additional information, contact Siemens at 800-756-6996 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.usa.siemens.com.

For details on other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.