Sump Pumps Pose Shock Hazard

WASHINGTON, DC (April 24) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced that certain upright, pedestal sump pumps having solid black plastic float switches positioned on top of the pump motor may present an electric shock hazard.

The models in question are SW-500, BPV-500 and PSP-330 sold under the following brand names: Agway, American Jet Stream Pump, Hydro-Lux, Menards, Super Flo, True Value Sump Pump, Wayne, and Wheatbelt.

Anyone having one of these pumps should immediately disconnect the motor from its power source and contact the place of purchase for a free, simple repair to remove the possible hazard. Retailers have been advised of the possible hazard and have been sent repair instructions. If there are any questions concerning this problem, retailers should immediately contact their supplier. Pumps bearing bright metal float switches on top of the motor do not pose the possible shock hazard.

While only a few of the approximately 5,600 pws that were distributed to retailers have been sold, consumers are warned that the installed location of the pumps in or around water increases the danger of electrical shock. No injuries have been reported to date.