Faulty Installation Instructions Prompt RadioShack Corp. Recall of Electrical Switches; Shock Hazard to Consumers
Home product recall 09-180. Announced by CPSC on Apr 2, 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 Apr 2, 2009. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 18,000 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 wiring diagram on the switch’s package is incorrect. The Neutral and Line notation is reversed, 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 switch and check their installation to make sure the Line or Hot conductor is connected to the switch rather than following the original instructions on the back of the package. A corrected wiring diagram is shown in the picture. New wiring instructions are available at www.radioshack.com/recalls, or by contacting Radio Shack.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: For additional information, contact RadioShack at (800) 843-7422 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.radioshack.com
Which ones are recalled?
This recall involves the RadioShack Illuminated Round Rocker Switch, catalog number 275-0021 and a date code of 01P09, or January 2009, and earlier. The switches are used as replacement on/off switches for electronics or for use in hobby projects. The wiring diagram, the catalog number, and manufacturing dates are located on the back of the product’s packaging. In the date code MMPYY, MM is the month and YY is the year.
About 18,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Illuminated Round Rocker Switches.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 2 photos on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Imported by RadioShack Corp., Fort Worth, Texas.
- RadioShack stores nationwide and online at www.radioshack.com from June 2008 through January 2009 for about $4.
- Made in China, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
None 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
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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.