CPSC, MCM International Announce Recall of Electric Pressure Washers
Home product recall 02-086. Announced by CPSC on Jan 23, 2002.
- 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 Jan 23, 2002. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 50,000 units, as CPSC gives them
- Reported injuries, in the notice (needs attention)
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
MCM International imported the pressure washers from a manufacturer in China, who installed counterfeit ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plugs on some of the units, without MCM’s approval. All of the plugs are labeled “WELLONG”; however, the pressure washers with counterfeit “WELLONG” GFCI plugs appear virtually identical to those with genuine “WELLONG” GFCIs. It will require a professional inspection to identify the counterfeit GFCIs. GFCIs are important safety devices that are intended to protect consumers against shock or electrocution.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should stop using these pressure washers and discard the product. A remedy is no longer available.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: The firm is out of business. Consumers should call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).
Which ones are recalled?
The recalled Black Cat™ pressure washers have a sticker with a cat and the words “Black-Cat” on each side of the unit. The model numbers - either BC-2000 or TW-1750 - can be found on a label on the right side of the power station. The label also reads in part, “Made in China,” “High Pressure Cleaning Machines,” and the “Production Date” (which should fall between March 2001 and July 2001). The GFCI plugs have a green “Reset” button and a blue “Test” button - some plugs also have a label that reads “CONNECT TO INDIVIDUAL BRANCH CIRCUIT ONLY.” On the back of the GFCI plug near the electrical prongs are the words “WELLONG” and “Rainproof.” CPSC reminds consumers that any electrical product that is used near water should contain a GFCI, in the plug or outlet. Prior to the implementation of the voluntary standard calling for the inclusion of GFCI plugs with high-pressure cleaning machines, there were several electrocution deaths and injuries. These incidents did not involve the Black Cat pressure washer.
About 50,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Black Cat™ Electric Pressure Washers.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 3 photos on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Imported by MCM International, Eden Prairie, Minn.
- Target and Menard’s stores nationwide sold these pressure washers, from August 2001 to September 2001, for between $85 and $100.
- Made in China, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
CPSC and MCM International have not received any reports of incidents in which the GFCI plugs failed to operate. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
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.