December 2, 2003
Name
of product:
Showerhead Hot Water Heaters
Units:17,400
Manufacturer: Sintex of Brazil, distributed by Barnett of the Caribbean,
of Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Hazard: The showerhead hot water heaters are attached to the shower's
water supply piping and connected to a household's electrical supply source
when central hot water is not available. Undersized wiring prevents this unit
from being suitable in wet locations, the rotary switch is not waterproof and
the installation instructions fail to recommend an electrical junction box, but
instead recommends tape. Another hazard is the plastic enclosure which poses an
electrocution and fire hazard.
Description: Showerhead heaters involved in the recall include model
numbers 194310 and 192033. The model numbers are printed on the front of the
unit. The heaters are packaged in a clear, plastic bag with card, or in a
printed box that reads in part, "Sintex Super Ducha," "Sintex
Electronic," and "Made in Brazil."
Sold at: Hardware stores and home improvement centers in Puerto Rico
from March 2001 through August 2003 for about $20.
Manufactured in: Brazil.
Remedy: Consumers should contact the retailer where the product was
purchased or Barnett of the Caribbean for more information on returning the
product for a refund.
Consumer Contact: Call Barnett of the Caribbean toll-free at (800) 368-
0809 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web
site at http://www.e-barnett.com/SHOP/1.asp?id=690