PowRyte pressure washers sold online in the United States have been linked to a serious risk of electric shock and electrocution, prompting an urgent safety warning from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The agency said the machines lack an integrated immersion-protection device, known as a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI), on or near the power plug. The device is designed to detect a change in electrical current and cut off power quickly if water or another fault creates a danger.
One report has been received involving a PowRyte unit without GFCI protection. The CPSC said the absence of the safeguard could result in serious injury or death, particularly because pressure washers are used around water.
The products were sold through Amazon and eBay for between $92 and $320. They are generally green and black and were supplied with accessories including a hose, quick-connect nozzles and a foam cannon.
The warning, issued on October 22, follows an unsuccessful request for a recall from the manufacturer, Powell Works Inc of China.
Consumers who own one of the affected pressure washers are being told to stop using it immediately. The CPSC says the machine should be unplugged, the power cord cut and the product disposed of.
It also warned owners not to sell or give the pressure washers to anyone else.
