SaferProducts incident

Failure type

Structural / mechanical failure

Incident narrative

SaferProducts.gov consumer incident report 20121109-924D9-2147462096. Matched catalog product: Sears Sears Kenmore Elite Washer Model #11031633611. Source model text: 116.27514. Incident: I purchased a Kenmore Model 116.27514 vacuum cleaner in Feb 2010. This is a cannister vacuum with the sweeper mounted on a handle. The sweeper can be detached to allow different attachments to be fitted to the handle. In Aug, 2011 I noticed that the light and vacuum were turning on and off on the sweeper as I pulled it back and forth. When I investigated I found the insulation on the electrical cord that connects the sweeper to the handle completely worn through. There were wires bundled in that sheath and the insulation on the wiring was also worn though. There was a black area as if something had arc-ed. I called Sears and ordered a replacement part figuring that the cord had been damaged or mishandled by me. I installed the replacement part and have used the sweeper roughly 50 times since then. Last week I noticed that the same wear had occured. I caught it early enough that the insulation on the wires is not worn. I know that I have not mishandled the vacuum or done anything unusual that would have caused this. I attribute the wear to poor design and feel continuing to use this product poses a risk.