WASHINGTON D.C. – Four models of vacuums made by Shark are being recalled for an electrical hazard.
The company will recall 142,000 units sold in the United States and about 650 in Canada because the aluminum wand can disconnect from the vacuum cleaner’s handle and remain connected to the electricity, and that poses a risk of shock. There have been 62 incidents where the wand has become disconnected. No injuries have been reported. Owners should stop using the vacuum immediately and contact the store for a replacement.
The recall covers the Shark brand Rotator Powered Lift-Away series upright vacuum cleaners. They can be either maroon or purple in color and have a clear plastic middle section. Shark and Rotator are printed on the front of the vacuum cleaners.
According the Consumer Product Safety Commission, recalled model numbers include NV650W, NV651, NV652 and NV660. The model number is printed on a silver sticker on the upper right-hand corner of the back of the unit. Model NV650W is sold directly to consumers. Models NV651, NV652 and NV660 are purple and are sold at retail stores. Recalled units have date codes beginning with the number 48 or lower and ending with 14. The CPSC said vacuum cleaners marked with a dimple or green circle sticker on the outside of the plastic cuff that holds the aluminum wand have been inspected by the firm and are not included in this recall.
The vacuums were sold at Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Kohl’s, Lowes, Target and other stores, online at www.sharkclean.com and through television infomercials from August 2014 through March 2015 for between $250 and $350.
