September 12, 2002
Chargetek Announces Recall of Battery Chargers

Chargetek Inc., of Oxnard, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 200 CT-2000 battery chargers used with recreational vehicles, such as boats. A manufacturing defect inside the charger can cause overheating of internal connections or external wiring, presenting a fire hazard.

Chargetek has received three reports of fires involving the CT- 2000. The fires were contained to the charger with minor soot damage to nearby materials. No injuries have been reported.

The chargers were made in the USA and the words "Chargetek CT2000" are printed across the front of the charger's black housing. Indicator lights for charge mode, battery polarity and charge current are also located on the front. Wires for the AC power and three batteries extend from the bottom of the unit. Only models with a serial number in the range of 030260 to 030603 and/or a day code between "Jan 01 2001" and "June 30 2002" are included in the recall. The serial number is written on the top of the charger and the day code is stamped on the bottom. Specialty product dealers sold the chargers nationwide from January 1998 to June 2002 for between $220 and $260.

Consumers should stop using and disconnect the AC power and the batteries from the chargers immediately. To arrange for a free replacement, consumers should contact Chargetek at (888) 453-4135 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. For more information, consumers can visit the firm's web site at http://www.chargetek.com/recall.htm