Emporia Issues Recall for 80,000 North American Smart Plugs Due to Electric Shock Risk
Emporia Energy Corp., based in Littleton, Colorado, has voluntarily initiated a product recall affecting approximately 80,000 of its North American Smart Plugs. The recall was announced on September 7, 2023, citing that the smart plugs pose a risk of electric shock due to inadequate grounding. Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the affected plugs and get in touch with Emporia for a refund or a free replacement.
What is being recalled?
The products under this recall are Emporia’s North America Smart Plugs. These devices are designed to allow users to monitor their energy consumption and remotely control home appliances such as fans, lamps, and humidifiers through the Emporia App on smartphones. The smart plugs come in a white exterior finish with the Emporia logo imprinted on the front. The dimensions of the affected smart plugs are approximately 3-1/2 inches wide, 1-1/2 inches high, and 1 inch deep. The recall exclusively pertains to the 120V North American models. The 240V EU models are not part of this recall.
Emporia has identified that the affected smart plugs are not properly grounded, which can expose users to the risk of electric shock. To date, the company has received two reports of the smart plugs malfunctioning due to this issue, although no injuries have been reported at the time of this report.
Affected customers should take the following steps:
- Cease Usage: Immediately stop using the recalled smart plugs.
- Contact Emporia: For a full refund or a free replacement, contact Emporia toll-free at 844-367-6742 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, or by email at support@emporiaenergy.com.
- Remote Disabling: If your smart plug is connected to the internet, Emporia will remotely disable it. You can then safely discard the device.
- Return Option: If you’re unable to connect the plug to the internet for remote disabling, you can ship it back to Emporia at no cost to you.
Further details are available at Emporia’s official website under the “Product Recall” section.
The smart plugs were available for purchase online at shopemporiaenergy.com and Amazon.com between July 2022 and May 2023. The retail prices ranged from $12 to $35. The recalled smart plugs were imported by Emporia Energy Corp. and manufactured in China. For more information, consumers can refer to Recall number 23-274 and visit Emporia’s official recall page: Emporia Recall Information.
By promptly adhering to the recall guidelines, consumers can help ensure their safety and well-being.
Legal Consequences and Potential Damages Due to Recalled Emporia Smart Plugs
The recall of Emporia’s North American Smart Plugs due to electric shock hazards opens up a number of legal considerations for both the company and affected consumers. If you’ve been harmed by one of these faulty smart plugs, you might be wondering about the types of damages and compensation that could be pursued.
The following are types of damages that might be pursued in product liability cases.
- Actual or Compensatory Damages: This refers to any direct financial losses incurred by the consumer. This could include the cost of medical treatment for any electric shock injuries, or damages to any property caused by a malfunctioning plug.
- Consequential or Special Damages: These are damages that could be claimed for any indirect losses. For example, if the smart plug malfunction led to a fire that resulted in the consumer having to vacate their home temporarily, the costs of a hotel stay could be considered consequential damages.
- Emotional Distress: In some jurisdictions, consumers can claim for emotional or psychological harm caused by a product’s malfunction, especially if it led to a dangerous situation like an electric shock or fire.
- Punitive Damages: These are less common but could be awarded in situations where the company is found to have acted with negligence or malice. The purpose is not just to compensate the plaintiff but to punish the defendant and deter such behavior in the future.
- Legal Fees: If the case goes to court, consumers may also be able to claim compensation for legal fees, though this often depends on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances of the case.
- Product Replacement or Refund: Apart from legal avenues, Emporia has offered to either refund the purchase price or replace the faulty product, which itself is a form of compensation.
If injured, consult with one of our qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation and to understand your legal rights and options.
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