September 12, 2002
Northern Tool & Equipment Announces Recall of Air Compressors

Northern Tool & Equipment, of Burnsville, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 3,400 electric air compressors. The capacitors on these compressors can overheat, catch fire and ignite the plastic cover above the capacitor. Northern Tool has received six reports of capacitors overheating or igniting. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled air compressors are Model 191000 and Model 192000. The model number on both units can be found on the shipping carton and invoice. The Model 191000 is a 2.5 HP air compressor with a red, six- gallon capacity tank. A blue "Northern Industrial Tools" label is on the side of the tank. The compressor motor sits on top the tank and is covered with a black plastic shell. The Model 192000 is a 2.5 HP unit with twin two-gallon tanks. The twin tanks are red and stacked vertically on one side of the unit. A blue "Northern Industrial Tools" label is on the side of the top tank. The motor is located at the base of the unit, adjacent to the twin tanks, and is partially covered with a black plastic shell. Northern Tool sold the recalled Model 191000 and 192000 air compressors through direct mail and Northern Tool specialty stores nationwide from January 2002 to May 2002 for between $110 and $120.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Model 191000 and 192000 air compressors and should contact Northern Tool for a refund. For more information, consumers can contact Northern Tool at (800) 222-5381 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

This recall includes only those Model 191000 and 192000 compressors sold between January and May 2002.