Insect Electrocutor Bug Killers Recalled by Lowe’s
Home product recall 87-040. Announced by CPSC on Jul 10, 1987.
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The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Jul 10, 1987. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
Fire & Fire-Related Burn
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
The notice gives no remedy in a field of its own.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Which ones are recalled?
Insect Electrocutor Bug Killers Recalled by Lowe’s NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 10, 1987 Release # 87-040 LOWE’S RECALLS ELECTRIC BUG KILLERS WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Lowe’s Companies, Inc., of North Wilkesboro, NC, is voluntarily recalling model BK-2000-7 electric bug killers. Lowe’s Companies Inc., is taking this action because infrequent cleaning of insect accumulation in the units in conjunction with high-humidity conditions can cause the products to catch fire. Lowe’s is aware of 14 fires with this model, four of which caused property damage. The model affected was sold at Lowe’s stores in 21 states (see list attached) since March 15, 1987, and retailed for $19.99. Approximately 21,000 of these bug killers were distributed since spring. The model BK-2000-7 “Insect Electrocutor” is black, approximately 13 inches high and 8 inches square. A label on the top of the unit shows the model number, item number 73012, and the UL listing mark. The units have a short black cord with a three prong plug. If you have one of these bug killers, you should immediately discontinue use of the product and return the product to any Lowe’s store for a new unit at no charge. Lowe’s recently identified this potential problem and voluntarily reported it to the CPSC. To report unsafe consumer products or to receive safety information call the CPSC toll-free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.
Insect Electrocutor electric bug killers.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Lowe’s.
- Made by Insect Electrocutor.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
The notice doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt.
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.