Southwire Recalls Electrical Outlet Boxes

Users advised to stop using this particular product due to fire hazard

Aug 21, 2019

According to a recent notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 3,000 Garvin Pop-Up Electrical Outlet Floor Box Kits were recalled on August 20, 2019 because the electrical receptacles can overheat when in use, which poses a fire hazard.

This recall (#19-183) involves units with a finish of either stainless steel or brushed brass that each include two electrical receptacles and two USB ports. The pop-up electrical outlet boxes are designed to be installed into floors with a metal lid that opens and closes to reveal the electrical receptacles and USB ports. The units in question were sold online at garvinindustries.com, acdcusa.com, cesco.com, gordonelectricsupply.com, platt.com, and usesi.com from January 2016 through August 2018 for about $90.

According to the recall, consumers should immediately unplug any electrical devices from the recalled electrical outlet boxes, discontinue their use, and contact Southwire for a full refund. As of this report, Southwire had received three reports of the floor boxes overheating, but no injuries had been reported at this time.

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How to Work Safely in Extreme Winter Conditions

Five tips to keep electricians safe in wintry weather

Amy Fischbach

Jan 22, 2020

When the temperatures plummet and ice covers the roadways, electrical contractors may need to take extra precautions to safeguard their electricians. Here are some ways that you can support your field workforce and ensure that they get home safely to their families each night.

Invest in personal protective equipment (PPE). For your electricians who will be working on an outdoor job site, supply them with the proper PPE, which can include hard-hat liners, outerwear, and neck and hand warmers.
Focus on driving safety. If the electricians are driving company vehicles, ensure the service vans have winter-rated tires and are properly maintained and fueled up for the work day.
Keep the workers in constant communication. Schedule daily tailboard meetings to discuss potential hazards like frostbite and hypothermia. Also ensure the electricians have access to smart phones and can stay in contact with the rest of the construction team on the job site.
Watch for slippery sidewalks and driveways. When an electrician makes a residential service call, he or she can slip and fall on the way to the front door. To gain more traction, electricians can wear ice cleats over their boots.
Ensure your electricians are properly hydrated and rested. Even in the wintertime, it’s important for your workers to drink plenty of water. Also, to avoid extreme cold-related illnesses, encourage your electricians to take rest breaks to warm up, especially if they are on an outdoor construction site.

By taking extra precautions during the wintertime, you can provide a safer and more comfortable work environment for your electricians and reduce the potential for accidents and injuries.

Fischbach is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan. She can be reached at amyfischbach@gmail.com.