CPSC, Kole Imports Announce Recall of Circuit Testers
Home product recall 01-029. Announced by CPSC on Nov 13, 2000.
- CPSC: stop using it
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Nov 13, 2000. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 4,000 units, as CPSC gives them
- Not said injuries, in the notice
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The circuit testers can fail to indicate if electric current is present, posing a risk of electric shock to consumers.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should stop using these recalled circuit testers immediately. Consumers with these testers should contact Kole Imports to learn how to receive a refund.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: For more information, call Kole at (866) 251-0982 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit Kole’s website at http://www.koleimports.com/Recall.htm
Which ones are recalled?
These Sterling-brand screwdriver-type circuit testers are about 5.25 inches long. The tester looks similar to a small screwdriver, and has a clear, plastic handle. Inside the handle is a spring and small light. The tester has a red plastic end cap. There is no writing on the testers. The model number, “ML-24,” and “MADE IN CHINA” are written on the packaging.
About 4,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Sterling-brand screwdriver-type circuit testers.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 1 photo on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Imported by Kole Imports, Carson, Calif.
- Discount stores sold these circuit testers nationwide, from January 2000 through September 2000. They cost about $1 for a package containing two testers.
- Made in China, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
CPSC has received one report of an electric shock received by a consumer, when the circuit tester did not work.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.