Ritchie Immersion Heaters Recalled By Springfield Wire Due to Shock Hazard
Home product recall 09-141. Announced by CPSC on Mar 4, 2009.
- 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 Mar 4, 2009. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 13,000 units, as CPSC gives them
- None injuries, CPSC’s notice says
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The outer cover of the immersion heater can crack and expose the heating element to water, posing a shock hazard to consumers.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled immersion heater and return it to the place of purchase for a free replacement heater.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: For additional information, contact Ritchie Industries at (800) 747-0222 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, visit the firms’ Web sites at www.springfield-wire.com or www.ritchiefount.com, or contact the dealer from which the heater was purchased.
Which ones are recalled?
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.
About 13,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Ritchie Immersion Heaters.
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?
- Made by Springfield Wire Inc. (SWI), Springfield, Mass.
- Distributed by Ritchie Industries, Conrad, Iowa.
- Ritchie distributors nationwide from February 2007 through March 2009 for about $60 to $70.
- Made in United States and Mexico, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
SWI has received 44 reports of covers cracking. No injuries have been reported.
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
-
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.