Teledyne Water Pik initiates voluntary recall of the charger base of its Plaque Control 3000® automatic toothbrush

Business Wire, May 17, 1995

FORT COLLINS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 17, 1995--Teledyne Water Pik announced Wednesday it is voluntarily recalling and replacing the electric charger base component of specified Plaque Control 3000(R) (Model PC3000) brand automatic toothbrushes sold in the United States.

Approximately 70,000 toothbrush bases - those with serial numbers 94EZ53, 94GZ53, 94JZ53, 94KZ53, 94KZ93, 94LZ53, 94MZ53, 95AZ53 and 95AZ93 - are being recalled. Some may be adversely affected by water intrusion.

"Teledyne Water Pik is committed to providing the highest quality products to our customers. Therefore, we are voluntarily recalling all charger bases from the affected lots," said Mel Cruger, president of Teledyne Water Pik. He added, "The recall, the first in our 33-year history, does not affect any other part of the model PC3000 or any other Teledyne Water Pik products."

Water intrusion into the model PC3000 charger base could cause overheating. Excessive overheating could result in a fire hazard. The small incidence of overheating has not resulted in personal injury or property damage, except for some scorching or staining of countertops. About one in 1,000 of the charger base units affected experienced the overheating problem.

Teledyne Water Pik has conducted extensive testing and analysis of the product and has implemented changes to the replacement charger bases. Teledyne Water Pik is confident that these changes have resolved the potential problem.

To determine whether a charger base is affected, consumers can locate the serial number on the bottom (underside) of the model PC3000 charger base. Teledyne Water Pik recommends that consumers immediately discontinue use of the charger if it has one of the listed serial numbers, dispose of the charger base, and call Teledyne Water Pik's toll-free, 24-hour consumer hotline, 1-800-649-4356, for replacement assistance and to have any other questions answered.

Upon contact by consumers, Teledyne Water Pik will provide a replacement charger base as quickly as possible. Consumers are asked not to return units to retail outlets - simply discard the charger base.

Teledyne Water Pik is a world-wide leader in the development and manufacture of consumer products for protection and enhancement of oral health and well-being. The company is headquartered in Fort Collins.

CONTACT: Schenkein/Sherman Public Relations, Denver

Peter Bryant or Matt Baumeyer, 303/292-6655