Product Recall

HeathCo, LLC in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Heath Canada, announced the recall of two motion detector switches sold by HeathCo, LLC. at Home Centers and Hardware Retailers (including The Home Depot) from August 2007 to August 2011. The affected Heath-Zenith or Wireless Command brand switches have, as part of their model number, 6106 or 6108. The price for the products ranged from $19.99-$24.99.

The products pose a risk of electric shock during bulb replacement if consumers change the bulb without disconnecting the power to the switch at the circuit breaker or fuse box.

HeathCo will offer to replace any recalled product with a replacement switch of greater value than the corresponding recalled switch, as explained below. Consumers should first check to see if they have one of the switches subject to recall. The affected switches came in white or ivory.

They look like this:

As you can see, they have a motion sensor lens at the top, 2 LED (Yellow for “AUTO” and green for “ON”) in the center, and a rectangular button at the bottom. (If your switch has a slide switch marked OFF – AUTO – ON, it is not involved in this recall)

If your switch matches the description of the affected switches, then you will need to check the markings on the back or side of the switch to determine if it is included in the recall. To do that, follow these steps:

Step 1: Turn off power to the circuit for the switch in question at the circuit breaker or fuse panel.

Step 2: Check to see that the power is off by attempting to turn on the light. If the power is not off, please repeat step one.

Step 3: Remove the faceplate from the switch.

Step 4: Remove the 2 screws holding the switch into the junction box, and pull the switch out of the box.

Step 5: Check the label on the side or rear of the switch housing.

Labels on all switches included in this recall will list HeathCo LLC as the manufacturer even though the switches may have been sold under different brand names (i.e. Heath-Zenith or Wireless Command) and can be identified by the label as Model 6106 or Model 6108.

 

Step 6: Write down the company name and model number of your switch.

Step 7: Place the switch back into the junction box, being careful not to kink or pinch the wires

Step 8: Replace the 2 screws holding the switch in place, and reinstall the faceplate.

Step 9: Turn the power back on to the circuit.

6106 Replacement Options:

If your switch is affected and the model number is 6106, you will be offered one of two replacement switches of greater value.

Heath Zenith SL-6115-WH Motion Activated Wall Switch

Your first replacement option is a HeathCo model number 6115. It is essentially an updated design of the recalled 6106 model that can be used with not only incandescent bulbs, but also compact fluorescent (“CFL”) and light emitting diode (“LED”) bulbs. The 6115 has a manual on/off switch that overrides the automatic feature, if desired.

  • - Adjustable Timer – you can set the length of time you want the light to stay on.
  • - Compatible with Rapid Start Fluorescent, Electronic, and Magnetic Ballast, CFL (Compact Fluorescent) and LED – (Light Emitting Diode)
  • - Available in white or ivory
  • - Lights turn on automatically with motion sensor
  • - Single pole switch
  • - 150 degree motion detection
  • - Up to 30 feet motion detection range
  • - Controls 500 W incandescent lighting and 400 W fluorescent lighting
  • - Selectable Light Timer - 30 seconds to 30 minutes

DWOS-J-W

Your second choice is model DWOS-J. This switch is compatible with incandescent and CFL bulbs, but not LED bulbs. This switch does not have a manual on/off switch that overrides the automatic feature.

  • - Manual ON/Automatic OFF motion sensing wall switch
  • - Compatible with incandescent lighting (800 W), Fluorescent lighting (800 W), and Motor Loads (1/4 HP)
  • - Available in white or ivory
  • - Lights come on when button is pressed, turn off when no further motion is detected
  • - Single Pole Switch
  • - 180 degree motion detection
  • - Up To 40 feet motion detection range
  • - Variable timer settings from 15 seconds to 30 minutes
  • - Fits GFCI replacement plates
  • - Fits standard wiring boxes
  • - Decor plate and screws included

6108 Replacement:

If your switch is affected and the model number is 6108, your replacement switch is HeathCo model number 6117.

Heath Zenith SL-6117-WH Motion Activated Wall Switch

This model is compatible with incandescent, CFL, and LED bulbs. It also has a manual on/off switch that overrides the automatic feature, if desired.

  • - Lights, ceiling fans, bathroom fans, fountains etc. come on automatically when you walk by this switch.
  • - Controls motors up to 1/8 HP.
  • - Compatible with Rapid Start Fluorescent, Electronic and Magnet Ballast, CFL (Compact Fluorescent), and LED (Light Emitting Diode)
  • - Available in White or Ivory
  • - Lights turn on automatically with motion sensor
  • - 150 degree motion detection
  • - Up to 30 feet motion detection range - 150 degrees
  • - Controls 500 W incandescent lighting and 400 W fluorescent lighting
  • - Selectable Light Timer – 30 seconds to 30 minutes
  • - Fits GFCI replacement plates
  • - Fits standard wiring boxes
  • - Decor plate and screws included

To order a replacement switch, please either fill out the form below or call 855-704-5438, 8 AM to 5 PM, Central Time, Monday-Friday. Please be sure to have the brand name and model number of switch available when you call. Consumers who have any questions or concerns regarding the installation of the replacement switch should also call 855-704-5438 for additional information.

 

Please fill out the form below to register for your free remedy
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Your replacement switch will be sent in about 10 business days with instructions on how to remove your old switch, instructions on how to install your new switch, and a postage pre-paid envelope to use to return the cut wires from your old switch.

For your convenience, we have also included links to the instructions for removing your old switch and installing the new switch that you chose: www.heath-zenith.com\hzproductnotice\removalinstructions

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and participation. Here are some FAQs that might be helpful.

 

FAQs

Q: What is the problem with my switch?

A: When the switch is in the Auto mode, and the light is off, the circuit it controls is still live, and a small amount of electrical current is passing through it. As a result there is a remote risk of electrical shock if you were to touch the inside of the light socket while replacing the light bulb in the fixture controlled by this switch.

To avoid this hazard you should replace your switch. In the meantime, if you need to replace a light bulb controlled by the switch, you must turn off power to the switch at the circuit breaker or fuse panel before changing the light bulb.

 

Q: My switch appears to be operating okay. Can I continue to use it?

A: You should participate in the recall and replace it with one of the free replacement switches. In the meantime, if you need to replace a light bulb controlled by the switch, you must turn off power to the switch at the circuit breaker or fuse panel before changing the light bulb.

 

Q: Is there a way I can fix/repair the product myself?

A: No. Do not attempt to repair the product. You should participate in the recall and replace it with one of the free replacement switches. In the meantime, if you need to replace a light bulb controlled by the switch, you must turn off power to the switch at the circuit breaker or fuse panel before changing the light bulb.

 

Q: You said something about additional instructions. What are the instructions?

A: We will send you instructions to remove the affected switch, instructions for installing your new switch, and a postage pre-paid mailer for sending back the cut wires from the old switch.

 

Q: What if I don’t understand the additional instructions?

A: The switches were sold as do-it-yourself products. The instructions are no more complicated than what you had to follow to install the switch the first time. If you need support, however, you’ll be able to contact our Technical Support Group. They have more experience and training helping consumers who are having difficulties.

 

Q: Why do I have to return the cut wires from the old switch?

A: We want to make sure that none of the recalled switches gets used again. They are being recalled because they pose a risk of electrical shock.

 

Q: How long will it take for me to receive the replacement?

A: About 10 business days. We apologize for any inconvenience, and assure you we are working as quickly as possible to replace your product.