By Craig Zammit
SYDNEY: Black & Decker has confirmed that the recall of the BV4000 Type 1 blower/vac announced on Monday, which is reported to contain a loose connection between the product and extension leads, does not apply to the Australian market.
A Black & Decker spokesperson told Current.com.au that the voluntary recall program put in place for approximately 272,000 blower/vacs will not affect consumers in Australia as the affected models were not sold here.
US customers, on the other hand, have been advised to cease using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed. Black & Decker will be issuing free repair kits to all affected consumers.
The loose connection between the blower/vac and extension cords are reported to lead to overheating, posing a potential fire hazard. Black & Decker has received 187 reports of smoking, melting and/or fire near the blower/vac’s plug, including one report of a fire extending beyond the unit.
There have also been seven reports of minor burns, none of which required medical treatment.
The blower/vacs were sold at hardware and discount stores across the US from April 2004 through July 2005 for approximately $US70.