Ritchie Immersion Heaters Recalled By Springfield Wire Due to Shock Hazard
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall (2009-03-04). Hazards: electric shock. Models: 17863, 120v/250w, 17939, 240v/250w, 240v/325w, 17940. About 13,000 units in the US.
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
|---|---|
| Recall number | 09141 |
| Published | 2009-03-04 |
| Last updated | 2014-05-23 |
| Product category | Electric Water Heaters |
| Products | Ritchie Immersion Heaters |
| Firms | Springfield Wire Inc. (SWI), of Springfield, Mass. (manufacturer); Ritchie Industries, of Conrad, Iowa (distributor) |
| Manufactured in | Mexico, United States |
| Units (US) | 13,000 |
| Model numbers | 17863, 120v/250w, 17939, 240v/250w, 240v/325w, 17940 |
| Hazard classes | electric shock |
| Remedy classes | replace, stop use |
| Trade facets | hvac |
| Sold | Ritchie distributors nationwide from February 2007 through March 2009 for about $60 to $70. |
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.
Hazard
The outer cover of the immersion heater can crack and expose the heating element to water, posing a shock hazard to consumers.
Remedy
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled immersion heater and return it to the place of purchase for a free replacement heater.
Incidents and injuries
SWI has received 44 reports of covers cracking. No injuries have been reported.
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-09141. 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.