Safety: Generac recalls 321,500 generators which handle can pinch consumers’ fingers with potential amputations (Full List)

*The Generac Power Systems of Wisconsin, United States, discloses it has received 37 reports of injuries with 24 of the cases resulting in finger amputations, and five in finger crushing for consumers

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Generac Power Systems of Waukesha, Wisconsin, in the United States (US), is, again, recalling 321,500 Generac and DR 6500 Watt and 8000 Watt portable power generators.

The generators have gasoline-powered engines that are used to generate electricity for use as backup power.

ConsumerConnect learnt the manufacturer had sold the affected products in the US and Canada, and previously, recalled same in the summer of 2021.

General explained that an unlocked handle of the generators can pinch consumers’ fingers against the generator frame when the generator is moved, posing finger amputation and crushing hazards.

The company has received 37 reports of injuries, while 24 of the cases have resulted in finger amputations, and five in finger crushing for consumers, agency report said.

The generators, manufactured in the U.S. and China, were sold at major home improvement and hardware stores across the US and Canada, and online, including Ace Hardware, Amazon, Blain’s Farm & Fleet and City Electric Supply from June 2013, through June 2021.

Other online stores include Costco, Do it Best, Fastenal, Home Depot, Lowe’s Stores, Napa Auto Parts, Northern Tool & Equipment, Orgill, Power Equipment Direct, Ravitsky Bros., True Value, and W.W. Grainger.

The current recall involves 6500 Watt and 8000 Watt Generac portable generators with unit type numbers XT8000E XT8000EFI, GP6500, GP6500E, GP8000E and HomeLink 6500E portable generators, and DR models PRO 6500M and PRO 6500E portable generators.

Aside from these, the recall also involves all of these generators purchased from July 29, 2021 to November 3, 2022, containing a repair kit, which included full cover handle guards, report stated.

It terms of the features, the portable generators have two-wheels and a single, U-shaped, two-grip, flip-up pin-lock handle to help move the generator.

Only the generators listed here are included in this recall.

The unit type is identified on the front of the product, and the model and serial numbers are printed on a label on the product.

Meanwhile, consumers may also check specific unit type, model number, and serial number location information, and more at: www.generac.com/service-support/product-support-lookup.

Measures to protect consumers

Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled portable generators, unless the locking pin has been inserted to secure the handle in place before and after moving the generator.

They are also encouraged to contact Generac for a free repair kit consisting of a set of spacers to move the handle away from the frame, eliminating the pinch point.

Customers who had responded to the original recall will automatically be sent a new kit, according to report.

Consumers may contact Generac toll-free at (844) 242-3493 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CT) Monday through Friday, or online at www.generac.com/handlespacer for further information.