Square D safety switches recalled by Schneider Electric due to electrical shock hazard

Schneider Electric is recalling about 1 million Square D brand general duty safety switches.

The power can stay on when the safety switch handle is in the “OFF” position, posing an electrical shock or electrocution hazard to consumers.

No incidents or injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Square D brand General Duty 30 & 60A, 120/240-volt, 2-phase and 3-phase NEMA 3R safety switches. The switches are a dark gray metal box with a black handle on the side that can be moved to an “ON” or “OFF” position. The “OFF” position is designed to shut off the flow of electricity.

The switches can be used in or around commercial buildings, outbuildings, apartments, and homes. They’re about 10 inches by 7 inches by 4 inches. Brand name Square D, the ampere of the safety switch, and the 120/240-volt or 240-volt marking is printed on a label on the front of the safety switch.

The recalled switches were manufactured between January 1, 2014, through January 18, 2018, and have date codes 1401 through 1803. The date codes are in the YYWW format, for example: 1401 = the year 2014, week 1. The date code of the product can only be found on the inside of the cover and isn’t accessible if the switch is installed and in-service.

Only safety switches with the following catalog numbers printed on a separate label on the side are included in the recall:

Catalog Number

CD321NRB

D211NRB

D211NRBCP

D221NRB

D221NRBCP

D221NRBUP

D321NRB

D321NRBCP

D321NRBUP

DU221RB

DU221RBUP

DU222RB

DU222RBUP

DU321RB

DU321RBUP

DU321RBCP

DU322RB

DU322RBCP

DU322RBUP

The safety switches were sold at authorized Schneider Electric distributors, Home Depot, original equipment manufacturers, and others stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com and HomeDepot.com from January 2014 through January 2018. The cost was between $40 and $500.

Consumers should immediately inspect installed safety switches by moving the handle to the “OFF” position. If the power stays on when the handle is in the “OFF” position, contact Schneider Electric for a free replacement safety switch and installation. If the safety switch isn’t installed and included in the recall, contact Schneider Electric for a free replacement safety switch. Instructions on how to inspect the switch can be found at www.schneider-electric.us/gdss-safetyalert.

For more information, call Schneider Electric at 877-672-1953 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.schneider-electric.us/gdss-safetyalert or www.schneider-electric.com and click on “Square D,” found under Quick Links.