GIA Instruments Recalls Polariscopes Due to Shock Hazard
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall (2008-08-28). Hazards: electric shock. Models: 415000, 415. About 8,000 units in the US.
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
|---|---|
| Recall number | 08603 |
| Published | 2008-08-28 |
| Last updated | 2014-05-23 |
| Product category | Polariscopes |
| Products | Illuminator Polariscopes 415000 and 415 |
| Firm named in the title | GIA Instruments |
| Firms | GIA Instruments, of Carlsbad, Calif. (manufacturer) |
| Manufactured in | United States |
| Units (US) | 8,000 |
| Model numbers | 415000, 415 |
| Hazard classes | electric shock |
| Remedy classes | repair, stop use |
| Sold | GIA schools, GIA's Web site, product catalogs, distributors and trade shows nationwide from January 1996 through June 2007 for between $255 and $340. |
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.
Hazard
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 to schedule a free retrofit of the Polariscope with a ground wire. GIA is notifying all consumers directly.
Incidents and injuries
GIA has received four reports of consumers experiencing minor electric shock.
Machine access
This record, with every extracted field, the source record (contact text and images withheld) and provenance: GET https://api.data.aroqon.com/v1/product-recalls/cpsc-08603. Look up a model number or UPC with /v1/product-recalls/lookup?code=…. About the dataset · free and paid keys.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice (US Government work). Not affiliated with or endorsed by CPSC. Structured by Data Foundry (product-recall-structuring@2); last changed 2026-09-28. Always confirm with the agency notice.