Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported June 1, 2016
Southwire Recalls Voltage Detectors Due to Shock and Burn Hazards
The voltage detectors can give a false "no voltage" reading when being used to test live wires for electric current, posing shock, electrocution and burn hazards to consumers.
Southwire Company LLC, of Carrollton, Ga. recalled This recall involves Southwire non-contact voltage detectors with model numbers 40110N an… - a moderate-severity action.
Southwire Recalls Voltage Detectors Due to Shock and Burn Hazards was recalled by Southwire Company LLC, of Carrollton, Ga. in June 1, 2016. Reason: The voltage detectors can give a false "no voltage" reading when being used to test live wires for electric c…. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled voltage detectors and contact Southw…. Verify recall #16183 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Southwire Company LLC, of Carrollton, Ga. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The voltage detectors can give a false "no voltage" reading when being used to test live wires for electric c….
- Moderate
- severity level
- June 1, 2016
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #16183 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #16183) was formally reported on June 1, 2016. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Southwire Company LLC, of Carrollton, Ga. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 1.2 million (in addition, 3,640 were sold in Canada).
The documented reason for this recall is: The voltage detectors can give a false "no voltage" reading when being used to test live wires for electric current, posing shock, electrocution and burn hazards 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 voltage detectors and contact Southwire for instructions on returning them for a free replacement voltage detector. - 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 1.2 million (in addition, 3,640 were sold in Canada)
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
This recall involves Southwire non-contact voltage detectors with model numbers 40110N and 40120N. Voltage detectors alert users to the presence of electric current running through electrical wires. The recalled voltage detectors are cylindrical shaped, about six inches long and about two inches in circumference. They are brownish gold in color with a black center insert. "Southwire," the model number and the CE and UL listing symbols are printed on the voltage detectors. They have red LED lights to indicate the presence of live electric current. Model 40110N detects voltage from 100 to 1,000 VAC. Model 40120N detects voltage from 24 to 1,000 VAC.
Reason for recall
The voltage detectors can give a false "no voltage" reading when being used to test live wires for electric current, posing shock, electrocution and burn hazards to consumers.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled voltage detectors and contact Southwire for instructions on returning them for a free replacement voltage detector.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 16183 |
| Date reported | June 1, 2016 |
| Date initiated | June 1, 2016 |
| Recalling firm | Southwire Company LLC, of Carrollton, Ga. |
| Affected scope | About 1.2 million (in addition, 3,640 were sold in Canada) |
| 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 voltage detectors and contact Southwire for instructions on returning them f…
- Check the recall number (16183) 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 Southwire non-contact voltage detectors with model numbers 40110N and 40120N. Voltage detectors alert users to the presence of electric current running through electrical wires. The recalled voltage detectors are cylindrical shaped, about six inches long and about two inches in circumference. They are brownish gold in color with a black center insert. "Southwire," the model number and the CE and UL listing symbols are printed on the voltage detectors. They have red LED lights to indicate the presence of live electric current. Model 40110N detects voltage from 100 to 1,000 VAC. Model 40120N detects voltage from 24 to 1,000 VAC.. Recalled by Southwire Company LLC, of Carrollton, Ga.. Units affected: About 1.2 million (in addition, 3,640 were sold in Canada).
Why was this product recalled? ▼
The voltage detectors can give a false "no voltage" reading when being used to test live wires for electric current, posing shock, electrocution and burn hazards to consumers.
What should consumers do? ▼
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled voltage detectors and contact Southwire for instructions on returning them for a free replacement voltage detector.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on June 1, 2016. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 16183.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (16183) 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.
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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 June 1, 2016. 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.