Q. Why is OTC DAIHEN, Inc. ("DAIHEN") conducting this recall?
A. We are conducting this recall to keep our customers safe and to prevent injuries and property damage.
Q. Where can I view the official wire feeder recall notice?
A. You can download the wire feeder recall notice here. You will need Adobe Acrobat or a similar pdf viewing program to open.
Download the wire feeder notice.
Q. What products are being recalled?
A. This recall is limited to the Model CM-7401 and Model CM-741 semi-automatic wire feeders and Model AF-4001 and Model AFF-4001 robotic wire feeders with 2005, 2006 and 2007 date codes that are identified after a brief inspection by the end user as missing one or both of the insulating bushings inside the base of the wire feeder housing. If both insulating bushings are present, the wire feeder is safe for use and is not subject to this recall.
Q. Should any precautions be taken before we inspect our wire feeders to determine if they are subject to this recall?
A. Yes. You should stop using your DAIHEN semi-automatic and robotic WELDING EQUIPMENT and disconnect them from their power source immediately. Once that is done, after waiting 10 seconds, it is safe to inspect your wire feeders to determine if they are subject to this recall.
Q. How can I tell if my wire feeder is subject to the recall?
A. The wire feeder model number and date code are found on the name plate on the side of the wire feeder housing. You will need to inspect the wire feeder models described above to determine whether both of the insulating bushings, which are a reddish brown color, are present between the two fixing bolts and the base of the wire feeding housing. To do so, you will need to open the cover of the wire feeder housing and then remove the black screw head covers on the two fixing bolts at the base of the wire feeder housing. If both insulating bushings are present, your wire feeder is safe for use and is not subject to this recall. If one or both of the insulating bushings is missing, your wire feeder is subject to this recall.
Q. Should any precautions be taken once we have determined that our wire feeders are subject to the recall?
A. Yes. REMOVE POWER AND DO NOT USE YOUR WELDER BECAUSE SERIOUS INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE could result. Contact DAIHEN immediately toll free at 888-682-7626 ext. 236 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday or e-mail us at otcwirefeeder@DAIHEN-usa.com, and DAIHEN will replace your wire feeder free of charge.
Q. When were these wire feeders sold?
A. These wire feeders were sold between June 1, 2005 and June 1, 2007.
Q. What is the problem with the wire feeders that are being recalled?
A. One or two of the insulating bushings may be missing on the inside base of the wire feeder housing. This could pose an electrical shock or fire hazard resulting in personal injury, death or property damage under certain circumstances.
Q. How was this problem discovered?
A. This problem was discovered when DAIHEN Japan serviced a customer's wire feeder and discovered that an insulating bushing was missing. DAIHEN then inspected over 1,000 wire feeders in inventory and found two that were missing insulating bushings.
Q. What caused this problem?
A. The problem was caused during manufacturing when DAIHEN Asia Co. Ltd. first started to manufacture the wire feeders at a new plant in Thailand.
Q. Are wire feeders that have both insulating bushings present subject to this recall?
A. No. Wire feeders that have both insulating bushings are safe for use and are not subject to this recall.
Q. Does this recall involve other models of DAIHEN wire feeders?
A. No. This recall is limited to only the wire feeder models referred to above with date codes 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Q. I have a wire feeder that is missing the insulator bushings, but is not one of the manufactured date codes covered by this recall – what should I do?
A. Your wire feeder is not part of this recall. You likely have a different design of wire feeder with the insulator bushings located in the rear (behind) of the feeder. Some models 2004 and previous were of a different design configuration and do not have the bushings in the front. You can contact DAIHEN for more instructions on verifying your model of feeder and “how to” instructions on verifying the location of insulating bushings.
Q. How do I know that the problem has been fixed?
A. More vigorous testing and additional quality control procedures are now conducted on the wire feeders to prevent this problem from happening again.
Q. Can I replace the insulating bushings myself?
A. No. You should return your wire feeders to DAIHEN.
Q. Will I receive a new wire feeder?
A. Yes. DAIHEN will send you a new wire feeder free of charge.
Q. How do take advantage of the recall?
A. Call our toll free number 888-682-7626 ext. 236 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday or e-mail us at otcwirefeeder@DAIHEN-usa.com.
Q. What will I have to do to return my recalled wire feeder to DAIHEN?
A. Very little. Just contact us by telephone or e-mail. For any wire feeder(s) that are subject to this recall we will issue a return goods authorization number and arrange to have the wire feeder(s) shipped back to DAIHEN free of charge.
Q. How long will it take for me to receive the replacement wire feeder?
A. Please allow at least 2 days from the date you contacted us. We apologize for any inconvenience and assure you that we are working as quickly as possible to replace your product.
Q. What should we do if we have sold any Model CM-7401 and Model CM-741 semi-automatic wire feeders or Model AF-4001 and Model AFF-4001 robotic wire feeders with 2005, 2006 and 2007 date codes to our customers?
A. Please contact DAIHEN immediately toll free at 888-682-7626 ext. 236 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday or e-mail us at otcwirefeeder@DAIHEN-usa.com, and provide us with the name and address of your customers, the date of each sale, and the model sold that DAIHEN may contact your customers directly and advise them of this recall.
Q. Should we contact DAIHEN after we have inspected our wire feeders?
A. Yes. After you have finished your inspection, please contact DAIHEN immediately toll free at 888-682-7626 ext. 236 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday or e-mail us at otcwirefeeder@DAIHEN-usa.com, and provide us with the model numbers, serial numbers, and date codes for the wire feeders that you have inspected so that we can keep track of the progress of this recall.
Q. Why does DAIHEN need to know the serial number of my wire feeder.
A. We will be collecting and recording individual serial numbers for the wire feeders in question. While DAIHEN is unable to provide a serial number range or lot for the respective wire feeders, the following applies:
CM-7401, CM-741
“1UY¤¤¤¤YA¤¤¤¤¤¤¤”
The serial number starts with “1U” and is followed by 4-digit numbers and then “YA”.
“U¤¤¤¤YA•¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤”
The serial number starts with “U” and is followed by 4-digit numbers and “YA”.
(“¤” represents a numeric character and “•” represents an alphabet character.)
AF-4001
“1L10270YZ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤”
The serial number starts with “1L10270”.
(“¤” represents a numeric character)
AFF-4001
“1L10271YZ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤”
The serial number starts with “1L10271”.
(“¤” represents a numeric character)
AFA-4001
All the products of this model are applicable to the inspection and remedial action.
