Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported March 4, 2009
Ritchie Immersion Heaters Recalled By Springfield Wire Due to Shock Hazard
The outer cover of the immersion heater can crack and expose the heating element to water, posing a shock hazard to consumers.
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Springfield Wire Inc. (Swi), of Springfield, Mass. recalled This recall involves the Ritchie Immersion Heaters with model numbers 17863 (120v/250w), … - a moderate-severity action.
Ritchie Immersion Heaters Recalled By Springfield Wire Due to Shock Hazard was recalled by Springfield Wire Inc. (Swi), of Springfield, Mass. in March 4, 2009. Reason: The outer cover of the immersion heater can crack and expose the heating element to water, posing a shock haz…. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled immersion heater and return it to th…. Verify recall #09141 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Springfield Wire Inc. (Swi), of Springfield, Mass. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The outer cover of the immersion heater can crack and expose the heating element to water, posing a shock haz….
- Moderate
- severity level
- March 4, 2009
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #09141 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #09141) was formally reported on March 4, 2009. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Springfield Wire Inc. (Swi), of Springfield, Mass. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 13,000.
The documented reason for this recall is: The outer cover of the immersion heater can crack and expose the heating element to water, posing a shock hazard to consumers. 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 immersion heater and return it to the place of purchase for a free replacement heater. - 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.
Appliances recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 419 appliances 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 13,000
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
This recall involves the Ritchie Immersion Heaters with model numbers 17863 (120v/250w), 17939 (240v/250w or 240v/325w), and 17940 (240v/325w). The immersion heater is designed to be submerged in a cattle trough to keep the water from freezing. The model number along with "SWI" is printed on one side of the heating element and a sticker reading "Ritchie Specialty Products" is found on the other side.
Reason for recall
The outer cover of the immersion heater can crack and expose the heating element to water, posing a shock hazard to consumers.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled immersion heater and return it to the place of purchase for a free replacement heater.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 09141 |
| Date reported | March 4, 2009 |
| Date initiated | March 4, 2009 |
| Recalling firm | Springfield Wire Inc. (Swi), of Springfield, Mass. |
| Affected scope | About 13,000 |
| 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 immersion heater and return it to the place of purchase for a free replaceme…
- Check the recall number (09141) 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? ▼
This recall involves the Ritchie Immersion Heaters with model numbers 17863 (120v/250w), 17939 (240v/250w or 240v/325w), and 17940 (240v/325w). The immersion heater is designed to be submerged in a cattle trough to keep the water from freezing. The model number along with "SWI" is printed on one side of the heating element and a sticker reading "Ritchie Specialty Products" is found on the other side.. Recalled by Springfield Wire Inc. (Swi), of Springfield, Mass.. Units affected: About 13,000.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
The outer cover of the immersion heater can crack and expose the heating element to water, posing a shock hazard to consumers.
What should consumers do? ▼
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled immersion heater and return it to the place of purchase for a free replacement heater.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on March 4, 2009. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 09141.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (09141) 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.
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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 March 4, 2009. 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.