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Showerhead Water Heater

December 2, 2003

Showerhead hot water hearters manufactured by Sintex of Brazil and distributed by Barnett of the Caribbean are being recalled because they pose an electrocution and fire hazard.

The showerhead hot water heaters are attached to the shower's water supply piping and connected to a household's electrical supply source when central hot water is not available. Undersized wiring prevents this unit from being suitable in wet locations, the rotary switch is not waterproof and the installation instructions fail to recommend an electrical junction box, but instead recommends tape. Another hazard is the plastic enclosure which poses an electrocution and fire hazard.

Showerhead heaters involved in the recall include model numbers 194310 and 192033. The model numbers are printed on the front of the unit. The heaters are packaged in a clear, plastic bag with card, or in a printed box that reads in part, "Sintex Super Ducha," "Sintex Electronic," and "Made in Brazil."

The hearters were sold at hardware stores and home improvement centers in Puerto Rico from March 2001 through August 2003 for about $20.

Consumers should contact the retailer where the product was purchased or Barnett of the Caribbean for more information on returning the product for a refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Barnett of the Caribbean toll-free at (800) 368- 0809 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.e-barnett.com.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

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