Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported August 28, 2008
GIA Instruments Recalls Polariscopes Due to Shock Hazard
The polariscopes can have a ground wire missing, posing a risk of electrical shock to the user.
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Gia Instruments, of Carlsbad, Calif. recalled The recalled polariscopes are white in color with model number 415000 or 415 printed on t… - a moderate-severity action.
GIA Instruments Recalls Polariscopes Due to Shock Hazard was recalled by Gia Instruments, of Carlsbad, Calif. in August 28, 2008. Reason: The polariscopes can have a ground wire missing, posing a risk of electrical shock to the user.. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact GIA Instruments …. Verify recall #08603 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Gia Instruments, of Carlsbad, Calif. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The polariscopes can have a ground wire missing, posing a risk of electrical shock to the user..
- Moderate
- severity level
- August 28, 2008
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #08603 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #08603) was formally reported on August 28, 2008. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Gia Instruments, of Carlsbad, Calif. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 8,000.
The documented reason for this recall is: The polariscopes can have a ground wire missing, posing a risk of electrical shock to the user. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact GIA Instruments to schedule a free retrofit of the Polariscope with a ground wire. GIA is notifying all consumers directly. - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Household Products recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 3,056 household products recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
About 8,000
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
The recalled polariscopes are white in color with model number 415000 or 415 printed on the underside of the instrument. A polariscope is an instrument used by gemologists to assist in gem identification.
Reason for recall
The polariscopes can have a ground wire missing, posing a risk of electrical shock to the user.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact GIA Instruments to schedule a free retrofit of the Polariscope with a ground wire. GIA is notifying all consumers directly.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 08603 |
| Date reported | August 28, 2008 |
| Date initiated | August 28, 2008 |
| Recalling firm | Gia Instruments, of Carlsbad, Calif. |
| Affected scope | About 8,000 |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact GIA Instruments to schedule a free retrofit of the Polar…
- Check the recall number (08603) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
The recalled polariscopes are white in color with model number 415000 or 415 printed on the underside of the instrument. A polariscope is an instrument used by gemologists to assist in gem identification.. Recalled by Gia Instruments, of Carlsbad, Calif.. Units affected: About 8,000.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
The polariscopes can have a ground wire missing, posing a risk of electrical shock to the user.
What should consumers do? ▼
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact GIA Instruments to schedule a free retrofit of the Polariscope with a ground wire. GIA is notifying all consumers directly.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on August 28, 2008. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 08603.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (08603) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.
Nearby Recalls in This Category
Other recalls in the same product category, useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.
CPSC Moderate
Cooper Lighting Recalls Metalux Optimized High Bay LED Light Fixtures Due to Fire Hazard
Cooper Lighting, LLC, of Peachtree City, Georgia · 2026-07-02
CPSC Moderate
Winco Fireworks International Recalls Roman Candles 8 Shot Fireworks Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Explosion and B…
· 2026-07-02
CPSC Moderate
Winco Fireworks International Recalls Unity 7 Shot 200 Gram Aerial Cake Fireworks Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Ex…
· 2026-07-02
CPSC Moderate
Kith Retail Recalls Children's Loungewear Sets Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Burn Hazard; Violate Mandatory Standa…
· 2026-06-25
CPSC Moderate
Southern Telecom Expands Recall of Lomi Waxing Kits Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Fire and Burn Hazards; …
· 2026-06-25
Compare this recall with Cooper Lighting Recalls Metalux Optimized High Bay LED Ligh… →
Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported August 28, 2008. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.