March 4, 2009

Ritchie Immersion Heaters 

Name of product: Ritchie Immersion Heaters

Units: About 13,000

Manufacturer: Springfield Wire Inc. (SWI), of Springfield, Mass.

Distributor: Ritchie Industries, of Conrad, Iowa

Hazard: The outer cover of the immersion heater can crack and expose the heating element to water, posing a shock hazard to consumers.

Description: 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.

Sold by: Ritchie distributors nationwide from February 2007 through November 2008 for about $60 to $70.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled immersion heater and return it to the place of purchase for a free replacement heater.

Contact: 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.