Klein Tools Recalls 1.7M Voltage Testers Sold at Home Depot Due to Risk of Shock Injuries

More than 1.7 million Klein voltage testers sold at Home Depot have been recalled, due to a risk that the power button may jam, potentially leading to false readings and and a risk of electric shocks.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the Klein Non-Contact Voltage Tester recall on June 9, warning customers to stop using the devices immediately to prevent the risk of an electrical shock and injury hazard.

Non-contact voltage testers are a common tool used in the electrical industry and by homeowners, which allow consumers to detect live electrical fields associated with AC voltages without touching wires with their hands. The devices are pen-shaped and have a sensor on the tip that lights up and makes an audible sound when current is detected.

According to the recall notice, the on/off button of the devices may remain depressed during the powering-on cycle, causing the tester to work incorrectly, or not at all.

CPSC officials warn consumers they may receive an inaccurate voltage reading or no reading at all, which could cause consumers to accidentally touch live electrical sources after a false reading.

To date, Klein Tools and the CPSC are aware of two incident reports involving the voltage testers failing, one of which resulted in a shock injury.

The recall involves Klein Tools Non-Contact Voltage Testers sold individually or in kits with model numbers NCVT1, NCVT1SEN, NCVT1EP, NCVT1A, NCVT1E, 69149, 80018, 80023, MPZ00001 or MPZ00052R, and are marked with a date code ending in H7.

The devices were manufactured in China under Klein Tools, of Lincolnshire, Illinois and were distributed for sale at The Home Depot, electrical wholesalers, hardware stores and industrial distributors nationwide from January 2020 through March 2021. Individual testers were sold for approximately $17 while units sold in kits ranged from $40 to $68.

Approximately 1,690,000 units were distributed throughout the U.S. while another 67,800 were sold in Canada.

CPSC officials instruct customers to stop using the Klein voltage testers immediately and contact Klein Tools at 800-527-3099 for instructions on how to receive a free replacement tool.